Sometimes, when you have a new puppy or dog, it can be challenging to determine the best name for them. If you have a new dog and are searching for the perfect name, congratulations! While it may not be the simplest thing on earth to choose the right name, we have some great tips that will help you do so. There are tons of options for dog names and we’ll tell you which the best options in your situations are. We’ll also go over what the requirements are for a dog name if you choose to have your dog registered by the American Kennel Club.
But, that’s not all. We’re also going to delve into coffee and caffeine related names that you might want to choose for your new dog. Just imagine calling out “Latte!” or “Kona!” and having your prized pet scramble to come to your side. There’s no reason you can’t make your pet a part of your love for coffee and blend the two in a way that works for your household. First things first, though, let’s consider some tips on naming a new animal in your home.
The Basics of Naming a Pet
We recommend that you avoid the most common pet names for your own dog, unless you’re extremely attached to one option or another. There is a good reason for that, though. If you name your new pet Bella, for example, the dog could end up quite confused when visiting the veterinarian or the local dog park. Hearing someone else calling its name could have your dog darting off. And you may see ears perk if you call out a name that tons of other dogs have. Of course, we don’t expect you to know which pet names are the most popular at any one time. We’ll share the top names for dogs below:
- Bailey
- Bear
- Bella
- Buddy
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Daisy
- Duke
- Jack
- Lola
- Lucy
- Luna
- Maggie
- Max
- Mollie
- Oliver
- Rocky
- Sadie
- Stella
- Tucker
So, unless you are in love with one of those names, you might want to go with something a bit more unique. Save yourself and your pooch from extra confusion.
If you are adopting or buying more than one dog at the same time, one common option is to name the dogs after a famous duo or trio. This could be anything from “Macaroni and Cheese” to “Moe, Larry, and Curly.” There isn’t anything inherently wrong with naming your pets in this manner, but you do want to be sure you like each name on its own. Sometimes you may have one pet with you and not the other.
Another consideration is using a living person’s name. This is, again, not a bad idea but you should always have a conversation with the person whose name you’d like to use first. Of course, we don’t mean you can’t name your dog after a celebrity, but if it’s a friend or family member, take time to ask. While many people may be overjoyed to have a pet named after them, some people may also be offended by the possibility.
Now let’s take a look at a few dos and don’ts regarding naming a brand-new dog.
Stay Away from Pop Culture Trends
This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it is something to keep in mind. Maybe years ago, you were really in love with Justin Bieber and even decided to name your dog after him. But in the here and now, your interests have grown and changed while puppy Bieber is now a towering dog with a name that you aren’t quite in love with. This is why you should think long and hard before choosing a pop culture reference as a name for your new puppy. However, if the pop culture reference is something that has stood the test of time, go for it. Just stay away from memes that may be amazing now and forgotten before the month is out.
There’s No Reason to Choose a Long, Complicated Name
There’s nothing wrong with being creative but if you give your dog five names and each has ten letters in it, that might be a bit much. It can actually surpass being creative and be confusing for your pet. If you must choose a long name, shorten it down and have a nickname you use for your pet. This will make it easier for the dog to remember and you won’t be calling out for 30 seconds just to get the name out of your mouth. It might not seem like a big deal, but you can be unique with the name without making it a giant mouthful for yourself, pets, and those around you.
You Don’t Have to Choose a Name That People Use
You may enjoy having a dog with a name like Dale or Francis, but not everyone does. Remember that you will be using this name, whatever it is, multiple times a day after it is chosen. This doesn’t mean you have to give up your hopes of naming your dog Reginald but consider what effect it will have. If you are okay with strange looks and questioning about the name, this might not be an issue for you at all. However, you can have just as much fun with a non-human name like Waffles or Snuggles.
Coming Up With Ideas for the Name of Your Dog
Once you have your new puppy, think about its unique personality and appearance. If you have a dog that is always in a great mood, you could call them Smiley. If you chose a Dalmatian, you can consider Spotty or Dots. This is a common option for naming a dog, but it can still be fun. Of course, it can be just as exciting to name your dog something ridiculous. Think about using Giant for your Yorkie or Baby for a Mastiff.
You can also come up with names ideas based on places, items, and situations that mean something to you personally. Did you find your puppy huddled up next to a McDonalds? Name them Macca or Fries. If you adopted it in the summer, maybe you want to go with Sunshine. There are tons of options out there, but you’ll have to take some time to consider which of them resonate with you.
Another option is to name your new dog after a historical figure or famous celebrity. Name your dog after your favorite character on the show you can’t get enough of or adopt a famous pianist’s name if you love listening to classical music. It doesn’t have to be a person, either. Anything that brings you job can make a great name. Enjoy gardening? Name your dog Tomato or Carrot.
In the end, the most important thing is that you choose a name that you enjoy and that your dog is happy to respond to. Whether it’s a name millions of dogs have or one that is unique to your own dog doesn’t matter that much. Your dog isn’t going to care or even know what the difference is.
Choosing a Name for the American Kennel Club Registration
If you are going to register your pet with the American Kennel Club (AKC), it has to have an official name. This is the name you will use if and when you show your pet. You’ll also have to have your name approved by the organization to ensure uniqueness among the other dogs. There are a ton of guidelines around this and it can be challenging to figure out on your own. However, there are a few tips to be sure you have the best chance of choosing a name that will be approved.
The first thing to keep in mind is that the name must be no more than 36 characters, which includes spaces. This is the limit if you would like to sign up for a basic AKC membership. However, you can go up to 50 characters if you submit an extra $10 to the organization. Splurge if you like but 36 characters should be more than long enough for most dog owners.
There are some names that cannot be used by AKC registered dogs, which are largely show terms and titles that are in use. Names with the word “champ” or “champion” won’t make it through the process. You should also avoid any offensive language such as obscene phrases, swear words, or offensive terminology. If you use this type of language, it is likely that you will be rejected.
You also are asked not to use breed names in the pet’s name. So, avoid making “Collin” or “Beagle” your dog’s middle name on your form. The same applies to names that make it clear what gender your pet is. This might include boy, girl, stud, or bitch. These terms should be avoided because it can make the judging process more complicated for your judges at a competition.
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Dogs from a pedigree may have a kennel name, which is often used as the first name. This name might be a family name, a location name, a made-up word, or name of a past dog. If you bought from a breeder, ask if they already have a kennel name. Every dog in the same family will share a kennel name but have a second name that is more individual. The last name is often the owner’s last name, but you can make other choices if you like.
Dog Names That Are Inspired By Coffee
Now we get to the good stuff, names for your pet that are inspired by your favorite beverage: coffee! We mentioned that it’s common to name a dog after a favorite hobby, celebrity, or location and coffee fits right in. Many people love to drink a cup of coffee every day and having a pet named for the brew is a fantastic idea. However, knowing you want a coffee-based name and coming up with a good one are two very different things. Don’t fret, because we came prepared and would like to share some of the best coffee names you can imagine. Let’s get started.
Coffee
That’s right, for lack of a better choice, you can simply name your dog Coffee. It may not be the most imaginative option, but it isn’t a bad choice by any means. It’s a nice, short name that your dog will likely learn quite quickly. This is an especially apt name if you have a dog that is black or a dark brown since their coat will resemble a simple cup of joe. If you prefer a straightforward name that makes clear what your priorities are, you’re good to go.
Mocha
This is another great name for a darker dog, especially one that loved cuddles and hugs. Why? Because mocha is essentially a coffee that has chocolate mixed in. If you prefer lighter drinks, the mocha might be for you. It’s also a short and sweet name that your dog will be happy to answer to. This is a favorite and it doesn’t even have to bring up visions of coffee to others.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is an Italian drink that involves a double shot of espresso and some steamed milk and foam. It can have beautiful designs displayed on top and is a great beverage for the artistic type. It also makes an elegant and interesting name for your new dog. You can use Cappuccino itself or cut it down to Cappie or Cino, depending on your taste.
Dunkin
If you’re a fan of grabbing coffee from Dunkin Donuts, why not call your new pet Dunkin? It’s a fairly unassuming name but it still speaks to your love of a caffeinated beverage. This is especially suited for a male dog, although it doesn’t have to be used that way.
Espresso
Have a beautiful dark dog? Another name to consider is Espresso. This is a strong black coffee that is made by using steam to push through ground coffee beans. Your black or brown puppy would make a great Espresso and offer a look into your own love for the drink.
Latte
On the same wavelength as cappuccino, latte can also be a fantastic name for a dog. This drink is similar to the cappuccino, but it has more steamed milk and uses espresso for the boost of coffee. We recommend this name for any dog of a light brown since the colors will match up perfectly with the tasty drink.
Java
Want to go with a simple name but stay away from “coffee”? Well, how about Java. It means the exact same thing but sounds a bit more unique coming off of the tongue. This is the sort of name that will fit all sorts of dogs, but those of darker colors might be the best option.
Bailey
For someone that is a fan of Irish coffee, you likely know the relevance of Bailey’s Irish Cream mixed into a hot cup of coffee. Bailey is also a mainstream name that any dog would love. You don’t have to tell everyone where the name came from if you don’t want, but if they see your cup of coffee, they might know anyway.
Keurig
If you’re someone who loves your K-pods, you could name your pet after the device that changed coffee forever. It’s a unique name that certainly won’t be heard from other owners at the dog park, so you can keep your pet right next to you without worry.
Cream
This is an additive to coffee rather than being a form of coffee itself, but it fits the category. It’s also an extremely adorable name for a pet that is a lighter color. We recommend calling your pet Cream if it is relaxed and calm, since cream is made to tone down your coffee by a bit.
Sugar
On the same token as cream comes sugar, which is another great name for your pet dog. White and other light-colored dogs would be fitting for this name, especially if they are love bugs who enjoy being near you at all time. Of course, it can also be an amusing name for a dark colored pet, as well.
Chai
Chai is a fun name and while you might think it applies to tea, it doesn’t have to. the dirty chia is a tea drink that also includes espresso. This could be a fantastic name for a male or female pet and of any color of the rainbow.
Cocoa
We’ve already mentioned mocha, but how about cocoa for a name? It’s a sweet name that doesn’t immediately signify coffee but can have that connotation if you’d like it too. Since cocoa is normally a light to dark brown, we recommend bestowing a pet of that hue with this name.
Maxwell
Maxwell might not immediately seem to be related to coffee, but it is part of the name of an extremely popular brand: Maxwell House. If you start your day with a cup of this brand of coffee, why not have your pet named after your favorite beverage. You can brew a cup of Maxwell House and enjoy it with Maxwell at your feet.
Caramel
Moving back to additives, caramel is one of the most popular of them all. Every coffeehouse that is worth its salt will have caramel ready to add to your coffee beverage. If you enjoy the taste of this treat, you might enjoy having a pet who goes by the same name. You can also go with Cara or Mel as a nickname, if you prefer.
Macchiato
The macchiato is a simple drink that is made by combining espresso with steaming milk. If it’s your go-to coffee drink, why not consider it for your pet’s new name? You can keep it long and elegant or shorten it to a bite-size name that is easier for your dog to learn and respond to. We recommend Macch.
Kaldi
If you are familiar with the history of coffee, you might have heard of the goat herder named Kaldi. It is believed that he was the original person who discovered the coffee plant and consumed its berries. This is a cute name and one that is extremely unique, which makes it great for a new dog. You can use the nickname Kal if you want to shorten it even more.
Cortado
The cortado is a coffee beverage that originated in Spain. The drink itself involves mixing espresso with an equal amount of warm milk. This gives a medium to light brown color, so the name would match well with a puppy of the same color. It’s also the sort of name that you aren’t likely to hear used for another dog.
Joe
Another simple name that simply means coffee is joe. Many people call their morning coffee a “cup of joe,” and you can incorporate that into your pet’s name without being obvious about your love for coffee. Make it longer by calling the dog Joseph or Josephine, if you prefer.
Peaberry
This might seem like an odd name, but it can be super unique and cute as well. If you aren’t sure what a peaberry is, allow us to explain. When you break into a coffee bean, there is a seed inside. However, sometimes when a berry is opened, there are two seeds. That is known as a peaberry and it would be a great name for a ginger dog, since coffee beans start out with a reddish hue.
Cuppa
We suggested the name Joe earlier from the phrase “cup of joe,” and this name is from the exact same thing. Some people like to playfully refer to their coffee as a “cuppa” instead of a “cup of.” This could be an excellent name for a dainty or toy dog with a big dose of personality. It may not be for everyone, but that just makes it stand out even more if you like it.
Vanilla
Just like caramel, vanilla is a common addition to coffee. It also makes a nice feminine name for your pet dog. Another option from this word is the name Nilla, which is fit for the diva or princess in your life. It also isn’t immediately recognizable as a coffee name but those who know you will realize the truth.
Kona
Kona is a type of coffee that comes from the Hawaiian islands. This coffee has a huge following and is known for it’s high-quality due to being grown in the volcanic soil. This is a fun name for your dog and would work well for an outgoing dog that enjoys the water and beach.
Valencia
This is another name that doesn’t scream coffee but still has some connotations behind it. Valencia is actually a city that is located in California. What makes it unique is that there are coffeehouses on every single corner. This name is fine as is or can be shortened to Val for those who prefer a single syllable name for their dog.
Affogato
The affogato is a coffee drink that starts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and then is topped with hot espresso. If you have a pet dog that is mostly white with a touch of brown or vice versa, Affogato could be a fantastic moniker for them. Not only is it fitting, but it also sounds quite nice even to those who are unfamiliar with the beverage.
Breve
If you are familiar with the cappuccino, the breve is a similar beverage. It is made like the other coffee drink but rather than using milk, it incorporates half and half instead. This is a name that has an interesting sound and is sure to perk up the ears of your pup once they know it is theirs.
Beans
Some people enjoy silly or nonsensical names for their pets and beans fits the bill on both counts. It also offers a nod to coffee since any coffee drink starts from the coffee bean. Just imagine calling out “Beans!” to your new pet and you’ll immediately know if it’s the right option or you and your dog or not. It’s definitely a fun option that the kids will love.
Linea
This name comes from Bella Linea, which is a company that produces coffee machines. While the Bella part of the name is quite popular, Linea is more understated and won’t have a dozen dogs at the park looking your way. It’s a fantastic name for a feminine dog with a dose of elegance and class.
Vienna
The Vienna is a coffee drink that incorporates a lot of cream. As such, this is a name we recommend for light brown dogs in your life. It could easily be used with male or female dogs with the right personality but will likely be more popular for the female dogs in the house.
Lait
Lait is a word that means milk in French and is used in the famous drink, Café au lait. The name means nothing more than coffee with milk and would be great for a lighter colored pet. If you appreciate the nuance of the French language, this might be the perfect coffee name to dub your pet.
As you can see, there are tons of names for your dog that relate to coffee. Let your dog’s personality play a part in which moniker to choose. However, be aware that everyone interprets different coffee words in their own way. If you feel like the name is perfect for your dog, that’s all that matters. One person might find coffee a boring name, while another might appreciate the simplicity of it.
In addition to personality, think about the color of your pet. The darker brew names might be fantastic for a dark brown or black dog, while the drinks with lots of milk or cream would be better suited for light brown dogs. Dogs that are even lighter might far well with a name like Cream or Sugar.
In the end, what matters is the name you most like and how it fits your new dog. If you love coffee, you should be able to find a great coffee-related name that fits your pet like a glove. The answer just might be different for you than it would be for the next person. Take your time, think it over, and allow yourself to try a few names before you settle on one.
Quick Tips When You’ve Narrowed Down to Only a Few Names
Now that you have an idea of the best way to name your pet and have some great coffee names that you can use, let’s look at some additional tips to help you make the final decision. You probably want to ensure that your dog enjoys the name that you give it but deciding whether that is true can be difficult.
Experts on dogs have done research to determine what words and phrases a dog is most likely to understand and respond to and which are more difficult. It turns out that dogs hear the sound behind ‘s’ much more than a human does. Dogs also tend to respond best to word that have two syllables and include hard consonants.
Hard consonants offer a sound that works well across different sound frequencies, which make your dog more attentive to it. The receptors in your pet’s brain are activated more heavily with hard consonants than with soft ones. That means names that incorporate these properties are going to be remembered better by a dog. However, a name with three or more syllables will be difficult to remember and memorize. The experts believe this may be because with longer names, there are more sounds involved which can be confused or overload your dog’s brain.
Other studies done on puppies shows that when a dog was being taught its name and offered treats for responding, it took dogs longer to recognize a name when the beginning sound of the name and the treat were given farther apart. You should also consider that some names can be similar to other commands you might give and should be avoided. As an example, a dog named Oliver who is being taught “roll over” might confuse the two things, which will make it take longer for them to learn that is their name.
However, you shouldn’t use the dog’s name so often that its overuse. This can make them completely ignore the name entirely. This can be a challenge since using it enough and too much can be hard to differentiate. Another tip around this is that using your dog’s name followed by a command often works better than a command followed by the name. Hearing their name can make them realize that the command is intended for them to follow.
Dos and Don’ts When Naming Your Pet
- Do make sure that the name you choose is one the entire family enjoys. You will be the people using it every day, so you want to appreciate it. It should also be something that fits the characteristics of your specific dog.
- Do give the name a change before deciding for sure whether to keep it. You may find that you hate the name after saying it over and over or you might decide that it is a bad fit with your pet. If it isn’t working out for you and you’ve only been using it a few days, try something else.
- Do choose a name that the dog will keep in the long term. For instance, some people might hate calling their dog Baby when it’s ten years old and should choose a different name. Other owners might enjoy the name no matter the age and be happy to use it even for a senior dog.
- Do take some time for research when you name your pet. Picking a name that everyone uses can be confusing for your pet when you take them into a public space. Find a name you like but try to avoid the ones that are so commonplace you hear them everywhere.
- Do choose names that fit well together if you have more than a single dog. At the same time, make sure the names still sound great when they are alone. This ensures their names are enjoyed whether they are together or alone.
- Do not name your pet after someone you know without asking them if it’s okay first. It can be considered offensive by some people. You also want to consider that it could confuse the dog and others if the two will spend lots of time together as they share the same name.
- Do not choose a name that could be considered offensive or which will be embarrassing to call out in public. Even if your pet spends most of its time in your home and yard, you can expect that at least your neighbors will hear you calling the name from time to time. You don’t want that to turn into a situation where you’re embarrassed or they are offended.
- Do not choose a name that might scare or intimidate the people who will around the dog. If you have a giant dog and name him “Killer” or “Mauler,” you can expect thatit will put people ill at ease. You may want to reconsider to make your time at the dog park or coffeeshop a bit less stressful for everyone.
The Wrap Up
While choosing a name for your pet might seem pretty straightforward and, in some cases, can be simple, when you want a meaningful name that fits your dog and yourself, it can take some time. However, this also ensures a great relationship between you and your dog and fantastic times in the future. Whether you name your pet Mocha, Java, Latte, or something entirely different, make sure you love the name and your dog seems to be okay with it, too. Good Luck!
Bonus Questions
1. What are the best dog names?
The most popular names for dogs are Bella, Bailey, Max, Lucy, Molly, Charlie, Daisy, and Buddy.
2. Should you change a dog’s name?
When you adopt a dog, you can teach it a new name without a lot of trouble. It usually only takes a few days for the dog to respond to the new name and understand it refers to them.
3. Can a dog forget its owner?
As long as your dog has healthy vision, they won’t forget who you are. However, dogs who are visually impaired may need extra time to discern who you are.
4. What is a good name for a boy dog?
Some fun names for a male dog are Ace, Beau, Calvin, Dean, Jack, Cooper, Buddy, Duke, Tucker, and Rocky.
5. What is the most common dog breed?
The five most popular breeds of dogs in the world are the beagle, Labrador retriever, poodle, German shepherd, and bulldog.
6. What are the top female dog names?
Some of the most popular names for female dogs include Daisy, Sophie, Bella, Lucy, Luna, Lola, Molly, and Sadie.
7. What is a good name for a white dog?
For a white dog, a name that pertains to their color can be a good choice. You might want to choose Diamond, Misty, Carnation, Anjo, Icy, Puro, Avalanche, or Buttermilk.
8. Which dog breeds are the smartest?
If you’re looking for an intelligent dog, you can’t go wrong with a poodle, border collie, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, golden retriever, Shetland sheepdog, or Papillon.
9. Can dogs see size?
Dogs can determine size. In fact, a new study shows that dogs can determine how large another dog is just by hearing it growl.
10. What animal was the first pet?
While there is no way to know 100% for sure, it seems likely that the dog was the first animal domesticated and kept as a pet.
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Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/naming-your-dog-or-puppy-1117329
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-choose-a-dog-name
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-AKC-Name-for-Dogs