The Best Male Dog Names

While naming your dog seems like it would be quite simple, most owners actually have a hard time with it. In fact, many people end up naming their dog several times before deciding on one final name. There are many fun ways to come up with names for your new puppy or older adopted dog whose name you would like to change.

You can use the personality of your dog, its size and shape, its color, and more, to help you think of or choose a good name. We’ve compiled a huge list of male dog names, organized in the most commonly searched for categories with some helpful info, of course, to help you with the process.

Quick Tips Before You Start

But first, here are a few tips to make sure you start out right:

Be Sure To Pick Something YOU Like

Remember, you’ll be saying your dog’s name many times every day and for many years to come. You’re much better off choosing a name that you personally like than one you don’t. Don’t feel pressured to keep the name of a young puppy that was given to it by a breeder, caretaker, or someone else. If you don’t like it, change it, even if you feel a little lazy to do so at first because the puppy already responds to it.

You’d be surprised just how many owners don’t do so and end up regretting it. This sounds obvious, and it is, but by following this tip you will save yourself a small daily annoyance that will last the life of your dog.

Not Too Long

Dogs respond much better to shorter names than longer ones. A name that is one or two syllables in length is ideal. If you go with a longer one, you’ll not only get tired of saying it constantly but most likely end up having to shorten it anyway. So, start with a short name, and save yourself time in the long run.

Try Out The Name For A Few Days First

A test run is always a good idea, particularly when naming your pet. This will also help you to determine if you like the name you have chosen. If you don’t, you still have plenty of options, many of which are listed below. Also, see how your dog responds to it over the next couple of days.

Some names are easier for dogs to get than others. And of course, treats and a ton of praise always help a pup to learn his or her name much faster and come running when they hear it.

Top Male Dog Names

There are some names that are always popular and for good reason. Most have stood the test of time because they are appealing, easy on the ears, and just seem to fit the personality of so many dogs. The top names are the best place to begin because if you like one, there’s no reason to look any further. So here are the top 50 most popular male dog names to help you start.

Smart Male Dog Names 

Just like people, some canines are more intelligent than others. Luckily there are many smart dog names to pick from so you can easily find just the right fit for your brainy pet. Some are the names of real geniuses known for their intellect or contribution to the arts while others are the names of movie and TV characters who have an extremely high IQ.

Names related to technology, math, science, astronomy, institutions of higher learning, or anything complex are all options. Some names are perfect because they just sound so nerdy. Regardless of whether your dog is more of an evil genius (as many pooches seem to be), a quick learner, or you just want him to sound smart, these intelligent dog names will help you out.

Unique Male Dog Names

Whether you’re just bored of normal names or you want your pet to be unique just like his personality, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a name that’s different enough that it guarantees everyone will remember it. Cool male dog names ensure there will never be any confusion when calling your dog at the dog park, or when in the waiting room at the vet’s office.

There are actually quite a few ways to come up with excellent ones on your own as well. Many owners choose names from their favorite hobbies, foods, drinks, sports, songs, movies, and books. If you have a passion for something or are a huge fan of someone or something, these are always fantastic places to start brainstorming.

If you’re going to be using your dog’s name all the time why not pick something you know you love already? Picking one from your own interests makes sure you will! Another way to ensure extra unique male dog names are to pick ones that relate to specific events or places in your dog’s life or yours.

For example, I have a friend who found his dog as a puppy abandoned behind a 7-11 and he named it, “Seven,” which is not only unique but has a special meaning tied to it. Physical features and habits can also be a fun way to find names.

I named my dog, “Rhino,” not only because of his long snout and stocky proportions (typical of all bull terriers) but also because as a puppy he would open doors by running into them with his head. Have fun with it! Here are some extra cool male dog names to consider.

Best Big Dog Names for Male Dogs

If you own one of the large dog breeds or have one which is just really chubby there are many names that are just the right fit for your jumbo-sized canine. Coming up with names for your big boy based on his size can be really entertaining.

Many of the best big dog names for male dogs come from food, round things, giant-sized monsters we all know, or just sound like a name for a huge dog. Sometimes giving your big dog a small dog name is also a fun idea like naming your Great Dane “Tiny,” for example. Here is a collection of names that always convey an extra-large presence.

Small Male Dog Names

Most small male dog names come from objects, words, foods, and animals that make us think of tiny things. Also, many small dog breeds are high energy so their owners decide to name their little guy after something that sounds like it portrays their dog’s liveliness.

Some pint-sized dogs just have large personalities, so naming them a big dog name like one in the above section is sometimes deserving or is a funny way to go that will always get a few laughs.

Tough Male Dog Names 

A tough pooch needs a tough name, and sometimes little dogs do too. Some of the best strong male dog names are the names of gods while others are types of animals that are known for their ferociousness. Other names come from movies, many of them horror films, and a few are the names of monsters.  

Any of the tough male dog names below are an excellent match for a guard dog breed or intimidating pet, even if he really is a sweetheart. It might be a particularly good idea to choose one of these if your dog is scary looking but a little “too nice,” to strangers. A would-be thief or intruder is much less likely to mess with a dog named “Chopper,” as it’s not a smart idea to find out if he is aptly named.

Just like naming a big dog, a little dog name can be hilarious, so can picking one of these for a pet that is not scary looking at all. A Chihuahua named “Cujo” will make anyone smile, even if he thinks he is super tough. If your four-legged friend is a total wimp it could work too. Anyway, here are the toughest of the tough male dog names.   

Best Male Dog Names Based On Color

Many dog owners choose a name for their dog based on its color or markings. This is actually one of the simplest ways to name any dog. If your pooch is a solid color, has spots, or other distinct markings there are many names that will fit perfectly.

Great names many times come from foods of the same color, animals that have similar markings, or objects we associate with the color of the dog. For example, the name “Oreo” would be perfect for a black and white-colored dog, as would “Panda,” especially if it had black markings around its eyes as many breeds do.

Just like “Tiger,” or “Tigger,” could work for a brindle-colored one. Some of the best male dogs based on color are ones that not only express the color in a name everyone can recognize but also the dog’s own personality!

Male Hunting Dog Names 

Whether a bird dog, catch dog, retriever, hound, or terrier, every good hunting dog’s name is important. The most popular male hunting dog names are often ones that are associated with the outdoors lifestyle and things that are related to it such as brand names of trucks and hunting equipment like “Remington,” for example.

Another way to go is to pick a name that relates to the toughness of the dog. These types of names are usually ideal for catch dogs or hunting dogs that are tenacious. If this is the case you should also read the above section entitled: “Best Strong Male Dog Names / Tough Male Dog Names.”

If your dog will be hunting in a pack or group of dogs it can be a smart idea to name it after its color or markings. This can help you to recognize it instantly and not have to spend waste time thinking about which dog it is when you have to make a quick shot.

And of course, any names that sound a little, or very “country” for that matter, can make for excellent and oftentimes funny male hunting dog names. Many of these you can get from movies, country songs, and popular culture too.

Extra Tips

-When changing the name of an older dog, the easiest way to do so is to pick one that sounds very similar to, or rhymes with its original name. For example, it would be easier for you to re-name “Duke,” to “Luke,” or “Tiger” to “Tigger”.

– Be careful not to choose a name that sounds too close to a command. While this is not the case with most choices it can be with a few unique male dog names. Anything that sounds like: “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “shake,” “fetch,” etc. would most likely confuse your dog and should be avoided.

-Naming your pet after someone else living in your home might seem funny but it will not only perplex your pooch but end up being an annoyance. Your dog will inevitably think it has done something wrong when its human counterpart is at fault. I had a friend growing up whose name was, “Alex,” and so was his dog’s.

When he got yelled at by his parents, canine “Alex, “ always hid under the table thinking he was being scolded. And of course, whenever his mom or dad called out his name, the dog came running. It’s just easier not to use the same name for all involved even your four-legged friend.

-If you have multiple pups, themes are fun options and make for some really smart dog names. Deciding on a theme you like, such as food for example is an easy way to come up with names you love. Famous duos and trios can be a great idea too, like “Tom,” and “Jerry.”

-You can use the breed of your dog to help you as well. Most breeds come from a specific country and using a name of a person, place, or thing, from that country is often a good choice, and a unique one at that!

-Always be sure that the name you pick is polite. You’ll be using it outside of your home in places like at the vet, dog park, or groomer’s office, so it is always wise not to go with something that could be considered offensive to other people.

Whether you decide to name your pet by its color, size, personality, toughness, or lack thereof, there are many names to choose from. Just take your time, follow the tips above and have some fun. Everyone and every dog is different, so regardless of if you choose, “Meatball,” or “Sam,” if it’s something you like go for it!

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