218 Tough Dog Names So Badass, Even The Delivery Driver Will Hesitate

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If your dog looks like it eats kettlebells for breakfast, “Fluffy” isn’t gonna cut it. You need one of these tough dog names, the kind that makes other dogs sit down and shut up.

Whether your pup stomps like a tank, growls like a diesel engine, or just has serious “don’t mess with me” energy, I’ve got names that match. From military-grade cool to mythological menace, this list brings the bite, and maybe a little bark, too.

20 Dog Names So Tough They Bark First

These aren’t your everyday “good pup” names. These are popular tough dog names with bite, muscle, and probably a rap sheet.

I’ve broken them down into four categories, so you can find the perfect vibe. Whether your dog looks like a bodyguard, a chaos goblin, or just thinks they run the block.

Each table below comes loaded with personality, attitude, and maybe a little side-eye. Let’s find a name that makes people knock very politely.

Big & Built Like a Brick Wall

These names are made for dogs that look like they could work security at a nightclub, or already do. Heavy names with heavyweight energy.

Name	Vibe
Brutus	Built like a tank. Not here to cuddle.
Tank	Leaves paw prints the size of dinner plates.
Sarge	Barks in orders only.
Knox	As in Fort. Good luck getting past.
Bruiser	Doesn’t bark. Just stares.

Fast, Loud, & Slightly Unhinged

For dogs that don’t walk, they launch. These names are all gas, no brakes, and come with a built-in zoomies warning.

Name	Vibe
Havoc	Chaos in fur form. Definitely chews drywall.
Blaze	Fast. Loud. Gone in 6 seconds.
Bullet	Never stops moving. Ever.
Storm	Calm one second, tornado the next.
Grit	Small bark, big backbone. Doesn’t flinch.

The Ones That Look Like Trouble

These names growl on their own. Perfect for dogs with an intense stare, an intimidating bark, or a surprisingly cute face that still scares strangers.

Name	Vibe
Viper	Sleek, stealthy, probably venomous.
Fang	Smiles… with teeth.
Jaws	You’ll need a bigger leash.
Reaper	Doesn’t chase, just appears.
Bane	Born in darkness. Snacks in silence.

Classic Names With Heavyweight Swagger

These are the timeless tough dog names – bold, badass, and surprisingly stylish. If your dog enters every room like it’s their domain, start here.

Name	Vibe
Diesel	Growls like an engine. Doesn’t stall.
Thor	Brings the thunder. Steals your sandwich.
Ripley	Handles aliens and Amazon drivers.
Rocco	Might be napping. Still terrifying.
Shadow	You don’t see them, you feel them.

4 Things That Make a Dog Name Sound Tough (Backed by Science)

Not all dog names hit the same. Some sound soft and sweet (“Milo”), while others sound like they own a leather jacket and chew on fences (“Diesel”). So what actually makes a dog’s name tough?

Turns out, there’s some real behavioral and sound science behind the baddest names on this list.

1. It Starts With The Sound

Dog trainers and behaviorists agree: dogs respond better to short, punchy sounds, especially names with hard consonants like K, T, D, and G.

Names like Tank, Fang, or Brutus grab attention fast and cut through noise, which makes them feel commanding and bold. Hard sounds = attention + toughness. “Buster” barks louder than “Eli.”

2. Psychology of Perception

Humans perceive certain sounds and syllables as stronger or more aggressive. Names that end in sharp vowels or plosive consonants (like “Knox” or “Rip”) subconsciously feel dominant, decisive, or even dangerous.

Ever wonder why “Diesel” sounds tougher than “Benny”? Blame brain science.

3. Dogs Know Confidence

Dogs mirror energy. A name like “Reaper” or “Sarge” said with confidence becomes part of your dog’s identity, and people respond to it, too. That’s why tough names aren’t just funny. They’re practical. Your dog feels it.

4. Tough Isn’t Just the Name, It’s the Energy

Even the best name won’t land if you whisper it like you’re asking for change.

Say it loud. Say it proud. Dogs feed off your confidence, and so does everyone else at the dog park. A dog named “Bane” only works if you say it like you mean it.

Quick Takeaway: What Makes a Name Tough?

• ✅ Hard consonants (K, T, D, G, B)
• ✅ Short, bold syllables (1–2 max)
• ✅ Names that sound like action, power, or aggression
• ✅ Confidence from the owner (you!)

15 Strong Male Dog Names That Flex Without Trying

Some dogs just have that energy. A wide stance, big head, serious “alpha on arrival” vibes. If your pup looks like he could bench press your couch or lead a wolf pack in his spare time, these strong male dog names are built to match.

From war-ready warriors to old-school muscle, I’ve grouped the best names into themes that flex hard without overdoing it.

Warrior Vibes

These are the names that sound like they come with dog tags. Perfect for pups that move like they’re on a mission, even if that mission is just protecting the couch.

Name	Vibe
Ranger	Tactical. Silent. Always watching.
Gunner	Fires off energy all day. No reloads.
Axel	Built for power. Moves with torque.
Titan	Large. Loud. Legendary.
Blitz	Hits hard. Moves fast. Never flinches.

Old-School Muscle

These are the strong male dog names that feel like a firm handshake and a 300-pound deadlift. If your dog could double as a bouncer or just has a body like a barrel, these names bring that old-school toughness with zero fluff.

Name	Vibe
Rocco	Doesn’t talk. Just intimidates.
Mack	All power. No fluff.
Brock	Looks like he eats concrete.
Duke	Royalty, but from a biker gang.
Titus	Ancient energy. Still dangerous.

Cool, Calm, Dangerous

Strength doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it just stares you down without blinking. These names are for the cool, unbothered dogs that carry themselves like they know something you don’t. And they’re not about to explain it.

Name	Vibe
Stone	Doesn’t blink. Doesn’t back down.
Onyx	Sleek, dark, probably mysterious.
Drake	Smooth operator with bite.
Ace	Confident. Cocky. Knows it.
Ghost	Quiet but unsettling. Probably teleports.

15 Strong Female Dog Names That Could Lead The Pack

She’s not “Princess.” She’s General Princess, First of Her Name, Queen of the Yard. These tough female dog names are for the ladies who run the house, intimidate full-grown men, and probably trained themselves.

Whether she’s fierce, fearless, or just flat-out done with your nonsense, these names were built for girl dogs with major main-character energy.

Fierce & Fearless

For the girls who don’t fetch, they command. These names pack history, power, and just enough attitude to keep the delivery driver at a distance.

Name	Vibe
Xena	Warrior princess. Still undefeated.
Valkyrie	Norse. Noble. Nasty in battle.
Cleopatra	Ruler. Icon. Leash optional.
Rogue	Walks her own path, and probably yours, too.
Nova	Bright, bold, and explosive.

Stylish, Sharp, & A Little Dangerous

She’s beautiful, but there’s something in her eyes that says, “Don’t test me.” These names bring elegance with edge. Think runway meets riot squad.

Name	Vibe
Vega	Cosmic, cool, and off-leash bold.
Jinx	Cursed cutie with chaos energy.
Sable	Sleek, dark, and totally in charge.
Nyx	Goddess of night. Sleeps light.
Raven	Smart, sharp, sees everything.

Gritty, Gutsy, & Alpha As Hell

These names are for female dogs with that “try me” look – powerful energy in a deceptively cute package. They don’t bark often, but when they do, the whole block listens.

Name	Vibe
Harley	Fast. Loud. Total heartbreaker.
Korra	Strong. Centered. Bends minds, not just elements.
Tempest	Stormy. Intense. Gorgeous chaos.
Echo	Quiet power. Commands respect.
Riot	Wild spirit. Wears chaos like a collar.

10 Scary Dog Names That Sound Like Trouble

These aren’t just tough, they’re terrifying (in the best way). Whether your dog is guarding your house, your couch, or your snack stash, these scary dog names send one clear message: do not test me.

Perfect for big dogs with mean mugs, or small dogs who fight like they’ve been through something.

Names That Make Strangers Cross The Street

These names don’t growl… they announce your dog like a warning label. They’re perfect for pups who leave people wondering, “Is that leash strong enough?”

Name	Vibe
Dagger	Sharp, silent, and probably smug.
Diablo	Means “devil.” Enough said.
Razor	Precision, danger, zero chill.
Killer	Probably ironic. Hopefully.
Vader	Breathing sounds alone scare toddlers.

Wild, Dark, & Built For Fear Factor

These names sound like they belong to creatures in the woods or grainy security footage. Ideal for dogs with glowing eyes, growly vibes, or a dramatic flair for suspense.

Name	Vibe
Cerberus	Three-headed Greek legend. One-dog attitude.
Hex	Sweet… until cursed.
Specter	You never see him coming.
Venom	Slick, smooth, and totally dangerous.
Hades	King of the underworld, and this block.

57 Military, Mythical & Mayhem: Name Categories That Command Respect

Not all tough dog names come from the streets. Some come straight out of war zones, epic battles, or ancient legends.

This section breaks down four power-name categories: military-grade muscle, god-tier mythics, royal savagery, and pure chaos energy. You’ll know your dog’s vibe the second you see it.

Military Dog Names

These are the names for dogs that look like they’ve seen combat, or at least the inside of a tactical gear catalog. They stand at attention when the doorbell rings. They patrol the backyard like it’s foreign soil.

Name	Vibe
Admiral	Serious rank. Serious swagger.
Ammo	Quick. Sharp. Unloads bark fast.
Archer	Silent but targeted.
Barrett	Tactical. Precision-built.
Battle	Born for chaos. Surprisingly cuddly.
Boss	Doesn’t listen. Makes the rules.
Bullseye	Fast focus. Never misses treats.
Camo	Blends into blankets, not bushes.
Commander	Has a plan. Doesn’t need yours.
General	Commands attention. Demands snacks.
Bravo	Cool under pressure. Loud in the car.
Major	Ranks high. Walks tall.
Striker	Hits fast. Doesn’t back down.
Sniper	Laser focus. Hates squirrels.
Cannon	Booms when barking.
Uzi	Short. Loud. Wildly effective.
Soldier	Loyal. Steady. Will defend the yard.
Ranger	Agile, alert, and slightly muddy.
Torque	High-energy. Never powers down.
Crash	Makes an entrance. And noise.
Chief	Tribal alpha energy. First to bark, last to back down.
Vice	Stylish. Strategic. Definitely up to something.
Hunter	Focused. Silent. Treat-seeking missile.
War	Explosive energy. Sleeps like a grenade.

Mythological Dog Names

These names carry ancient weight. They’re not just tough, they’re epic. Perfect for dogs that stare into the distance like they remember their past lives. Dogs that howl at nothing… or maybe something only they can see.

Name	Vibe
Ares	God of war. No leash needed.
Freya	Norse queen of battle and beauty.
Loki	Trickster. Escape artist. Chaos machine.
Athena	Wise. Sharp. Scary when mad.
Zeus	Controls the sky. And your living room.

Regal But Ruthless

Not all royalty sips tea. Some sharpen swords. These names are for dogs with an undeniable presence. Not flashy, but absolutely in charge. They don’t sit because you told them to. They sit because they chose to let you live another day.

Name	Vibe
Empress	Stares like she owns the block (she does).
Baron	Rich name. Poor impulse control.
Knight	Loyal. Noble. Totally judgmental.
Paddock	Heavy build. Heavier energy.
Prestige	Unbothered. Possibly French.
Raja	Glides like silk. Commands respect.
Regal	Sits like a statue. Sleeps like a queen.
Sultan	Lavish. Protective. Possibly spoiled.
Kaiser	Big boots. Bigger bark.
Queenie	Rules the sofa. Reigns with side-eye.
Athena	Smart. Sharp. Never forgets a slight.
Freya	War goddess energy with a snuggle mode.
Majesty	Looks down on everyone—including you.
Korra	Calm but dominant. Not to be tested.
Noble	Never begs. Only accepts.
Monarch	Stoic. Sophisticated. May destroy your carpet.
Dynasty	Carries family drama in her eyes.
Czar	Demands luxury. Doesn’t do “fetch.”
Glory	Always looks like she just won something.
Crown	Dainty paws. Killer instinct.
King	Commands the house. Crown optional.
Sheikh	Elegant. Calm. Doesn’t chase, but summons.
Prince	Flashy. Slightly spoiled. Still dangerous.

Names That Just Sound Like Trouble

You know the type. These dogs blow through rooms like a natural disaster. They bark for fun. They’re not misbehaving. They’re the main characters.

Name	Vibe
Mayhem	Pure chaos, in fur.
Vex	Annoyingly smart and always one step ahead.
Crash	Not sorry. Never was.
Torque	Built to burst. Runs hot.
Flare	Loud. Flashy. Hard to miss.

22 Pop Culture Badasses You Can Name Your Dog After

Your dog deserves a name with main character energy. The kind of name that makes people go, “Wait… like the one from that show?”

These pop culture dog names come straight from movies, comics, and iconic TV moments. Whether your pup is the stoic type, the chaos agent, or the misunderstood antihero, there’s a name here that fits the drama.

Action Heroes With Bark-Back Energy

These names often come with catchphrases, theme music, and, likely, a tragic backstory. If your dog walks like it’s in slow motion while explosions go off behind them, welcome to the action hero tier.

Name	Origin	Vibe
Mando	The Mandalorian	Lone wolf. Heavy armor. Soft inside.
Rip	Yellowstone	Brooding. Loyal. Probably armed.
Buffy	Buffy the Vampire Slayer	Tough, fearless, allergic to evil.
Max	Mad Max	Silent. Intense. Wasteland ready.
Reacher	Jack Reacher	Unstoppable. Walks everywhere. Fights everything.
Hooch	Turner & Hooch	Slobbery. Loyal. Will body slam for snacks.
Zowie	Pet Semetary 2	Loud. Flashy. Probably does parkour in the kitchen.

Villains & Antiheroes (That We Secretly Love)

Let’s be honest. Sometimes the bad guys are just more fun. These names are cool, calculated, and come with a side of moral ambiguity.

Name	Origin	Vibe
Luna	Harry Potter (chaotic good)	Quirky. Mysterious. Very observant.
Thorne	Red Queen series	Dark, commanding, and oddly charming.
Mystique	X-Men	Beautiful. Deadly. Shapeshifter energy.
Kylo	Star Wars	Emo. Intense. Powerful tantrums.
Bellatrix	Harry Potter	Elegant chaos. Dangerous beauty.

Male Villains Who Bring the Drama

These names are for dogs that give you side-eye, sleep like royalty, and low-key act like they’ve got a revenge plot.

Name	Origin	Vibe
Kylo	Star Wars	Emo. Intense. Will steal your fries.
Lucius	Harry Potter	Cold, elegant, possibly judging you.
Scar	The Lion King	Smooth. Scheming. Big betrayal energy.
Jafar	Aladdin	Glam villain. Definitely dramatic.
Hannibal	Silence of the Lambs	Calm. Cultured. Do NOT trust his smile.

Female Villains With Main-Character Chaos

For dogs that strut through the kitchen like it’s Paris Fashion Week and definitely ignore your recall command.

Name	Origin	Vibe
Cruella	101 Dalmatians	Fashion. Fury. Feral energy.
Ursula	The Little Mermaid	Loud. Confident. Not to be crossed.
Maleficent	Sleeping Beauty	Regal. Glowing with vengeance.
Morticia	The Addams Family	Elegant. Eerie. Very composed until she snaps.
Yzma	Emperor’s New Groove	Genius. Weird. Will hex your kibble.

18 Intimidating Dog Names For Dogs That Look Like Trouble

Whether your pup has a snarl, a stare, or a bark that echoes like a war horn, these names scream “back off”, even if they’re secretly softies.

Name	Vibe
Basher	Loud. Heavy. Wrecks the toy bin.
Butcher	Intense stare. Definitely chewed your boot.
Bones	Skinny build. Sharp attitude.
Ghoul	Lurks in shadows. Loud at 2 AM.
Gremlin	Small. Unhinged. Chaos tornado.
Krueger	Night bark specialist. Unblinking.
Maniac	Zoomies like a possessed blender.
Phantom	Silent. Shifty. Disappears mid-snack.
Predator	Stalks squeaky toys like prey.
Psycho	Chaotic neutral. Loves drama.
Punisher	Enforces rules. Ignores yours.
Rage	Barks like it’s personal.
Revenge	Holds grudges. Remembers everything.
Skull	Hard-headed. Metal vibes. Soft heart.
Terminator	Built for destruction. Reboots at dinner.
Terror	Small dog. Big threat. No survivors.
Trace	Sniff-first. Ask questions never.
Villain	Stylish. Cold. Possibly right.

Tiny Dog, Huge Energy? Try These 15 Names

We all know the type. They’re under 15 pounds, bark like they’ve got backup, and have no idea they’re small. Or they do, and just don’t care.

These names are all about ironic intimidation. Perfect for Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Frenchies, Yorkies, and every pocket-sized powerhouse who rules your home like a dictator in a fuzzy hoodie.

Small Dog, Big Ego

These names sound like they should come with muscles and a gym membership. But they’re on dogs that could be carried in one hand. This is for the little legends. Dogs with a Napoleon complex and no interest in “heel.”

Name	Vibe
Crusher	Short, squat, and probably shredded.
Knuckles	Always ready to throw paws.
Taz	Spins, screams, sleeps. Chaos energy.
BamBam	Cartoon-level power in a 9-lb frame.
Rambo	War cry in a collar. Loves a challenge.

Names That Should Belong to a Rottweiler

These names were meant for dogs that weigh 120 pounds and guard compounds… Instead, they belong to dogs who shiver in the cold and need help jumping on the couch. Perfect for unleashing pure confusion at the vet, the dog park, or the Starbucks line.

Name	Vibe
Vlad	Dramatic. Gothic. Terrified of hair dryers.
Butch	Total sweetheart. Hates loud noises.
Spike	All bark. Still sleeps under blankets.
Wrath	Small but spiteful. Explodes over nothing.
Mugsy	Teacup terror with an underbite.

Names That Start Fights at the Dog Park

For tiny dogs with that “hold my leash” energy. These names bring attitude, swagger, and a little unearned confidence.

Name	Vibe
Doom	Refuses to be picked up. Accepts snacks only.
Turbo	Zoomies. Bark. Nap. Repeat.
Outlaw	Doesn’t follow commands. Doesn’t care.
Snarlz	Mostly teeth. All drama.
Tankie	Mini. Mighty. Has no chill.

34 Global Power Names: Warrior & Myth-Inspired Picks from Around The World

Toughness is universal. These dog names pull from ancient myths, royal bloodlines, and war-tested legends across the globe.

If you want your dog to sound like it could lead an empire, or already has, this list brings international dominance to your doorstep.

African Warrior Names With True Alpha Energy

These names are bold, rhythmic, and full of strength. Inspired by African languages and historic fighters, they carry weight, pride, and power.

Name	Vibe
Jabari	Calm confidence. Big heart.
Duma	Fast, sleek, quiet threat.
Tandi	Gentle at rest, fierce in motion.
Meshindi	Resilient. Never backs down.
Khalid	Poised, loyal, serious presence.
Mansa	Regal. Rare. Global ruler energy.

From Basenjis to Boerboels, see our complete list of African dog breeds.

Egyptian Names With Old-God Vibes

If your dog seems a little mysterious, always watching, or possibly connected to ancient wisdom… these names might explain a few things.

Name	Vibe
Osiris	Judge of the afterlife. Big drama energy.
Horus	Sees everything. Especially snacks.
Rameses	Wears an invisible crown. Probably cursed your couch.
Aker	Earth guardian. Quiet but intense.
Sphinx	Silent stare. Will not explain herself.
Ra	Hero of brute strength; son of Zeus.

Greek & Roman Names That Still Command Respect

These names don’t just sound powerful; they were built for drama, tragedy, and world domination.

Name	Vibe
Adonis	Ridiculously good-looking. Knows it.
Damon	Loyal. Calm. Would fight for you in a toga.
Anax	Means “tribal lord.” Walks like royalty.
Cronus	Ancient force. Sleeps like a rock. Eats like a beast.
Pax	Short and ironic. Quiet name, strong dog.
Hercules	Hero of brute strength; son of Zeus.
Ajax	Trojan War warrior; known for defense.
Achilles	Legendary warrior; known for speed + drama.
Ares	God of war; pure aggression.
Zephyr	God of the west wind; calm but powerful.
Thanatos	Spirit of peaceful death; intense presence.

Chinese Warrior Names With Quiet Strength

These names come from Mandarin words tied to strength, courage, and honor, perfect for dogs with calm intensity and deep loyalty. Elegant yet fierce, these names carry centuries of history in a single syllable.

Name	Vibe
Chong	Steady. Grounded. Won’t flinch under pressure.
Bing	Trained. Tactical. Always alert.
Gan	Tough. Resilient. Silent confidence.
Wei	Calm power. Commands space quietly.

Want to meet the iconic breeds of China? Start with our guide.

Bonus Picks: Global Names That Just Sound Tough

These names defy borders; they just sound cool, commanding, and slightly dangerous.

Name	Vibe
Valor	Moral strength. Eyes of steel.
Sentinel	Never sleeps. Always watching.
Renegade	Follows no rules. Probably chewed the rules.
Polaris	Cold. Brilliant. Knows where she’s going.
Yukon	Built for snow. Barks like thunder.
Gilgamesh	Epic king and demigod; ancient hero.
Balor	One-eyed giant; destructive force.

12 Animal-Inspired Names for Dogs Who Walk Like Predators

These names are pulled straight from nature’s baddest beasts; lean, fast, and a little bit feral. Perfect for dogs who stalk toys, growl at mirrors, or sprint like they’re chasing prey (even when it’s a leaf).

Name	Vibe
Buck	Rugged. Fast. Old-school strong.
Cheetah	Speed demon. Zoomies pro.
Croc	Low and lethal. Water bowl stalker.
Cuda	Flashy. Fast. Probably bites shoes.
Gator	Swampy vibes. Steady chomp.
Hawk	Perch-and-pounce type energy.
Ox	Stoic. Big. Moves in straight lines.
Panther	Sleek. Silky. Fully in charge.
Puma	Light on feet. Heavy on attitude.
Python	Quiet. Coils under blankets.
Tiger	Stripes or not, still the boss.
Beast	Big bark. Bigger zoomies.

The Most Popular Tough Dog Names, Ranked by Data

What do the world’s toughest dogs actually get named? I’ve pulled from real-world pet name databases like Rover, Trupanion, and AKC trends to find out which tough dog names are climbing the charts, and which ones never go out of style.

If you’re wondering what names are tried, tested, and barked across dog parks everywhere… this is your list.

Name	Vibe Summary
Tank	Still #1 for dogs built like furniture.
Diesel	Loud, fast, intimidating. Classic.
Thor	Big Marvel bump + thunderous bark.
Bear	Sweet-but-scary combo.
Rex	Short, sharp, sounds like a command.
Ghost	Cool, calm, and intimidatingly quiet.
Gunner	Always trending among high-energy breeds.
Zeus	Mythological firepower never goes out of style.
Bruno	Friendly tough. Great for big softies.
Rocky	Forever tied to strength and grit.

Quick Data Insight

• Short = Strong: All top 10 names are one or two syllables.
• Hard consonants (K, T, G, Z) dominate the top ranks.
• Mythology and pop culture still influence top choices.
• Names like Thor, Zeus, and Ghost have seen a rise in the past 3 years thanks to streaming & fantasy shows.

6 Dog Naming Tips

Choosing a tough dog name is no different than choosing any other name. You can pick something funny, something cool, or something unusual. The possibilities are vast. Any time you name a pet, carefully considering your selection is essential.

Below are some tips to help you pick a name for your new puppy that your entire family loves.

Tip#1: Spend Time with Your Dog Before Choosing a Name

You might have a name in mind before you pick out your new puppy, but later realize the name you thought was perfect is not right. Spending time with your pet before you name them is one of the best ways to choose a name that suits them.

So, make a short list of names you love, and after getting to know your pet, decide on the best one. It is also okay to wait a while before you name your puppy. The better you know your dog, the easier it will be to pick.

Tip #2: Select a Name That Represents Your Dog

The name should represent your dog. So, if you own a red Tibetan Mastiff, you might want to pick a name like “Chong,” which means powerful in Chinese. A black dog might be a perfect “Midnight” or “Kona.”

Or, you could name your dog “Red” because that is the color of their fur. You could also choose a name representing one of their features, like “Goliath,” because your dog is a giant.

Or Flip the Script: Tough Dogs With Totally Ironic Names

Of course, not every tough pup needs a fierce name. Sometimes the funniest power move is giving your tank of a mastiff a name like “Tiny.” Or your tiny Yorkie a name like “Machine”.

• Got a 90-pound bulldog? Try “Princess.”
• Is your Doberman intimidating strangers? Go with “Snuggles.”
• Name your Rottweiler “Muffin.” Then watch jaws drop.

Ironic names are a vibe, and they double as built-in icebreakers at the dog park.

Tip #3: Pick a Name That Means Something to You

The name you pick reflects you just as much as it represents your dog. So, choosing a name that fits you and your family is essential. You can also pick something that represents your hobbies, like food, passions, favorite places, like Japan, or Disney characters. Stay appropriate and avoid anything that sounds inappropriate or offensive.

If you enjoy history, you might want to pick a historical name. An avid gun collector or veteran might choose to name their dog “AK,” “Ammo,” “Gunner,” or “Soldier.” 

If you like to go fishing, you could call your dog “Cuda.” Keep in mind that your pup will understand your tone and that this word is special, but canines will not understand the deeper meaning of a word.

Tip #4: Pick a Name You Do Not Mind Saying Loudly

While most of the time, you will be at home with your dog, there will be times when you have to call your dog in front of other people. For example, when you go to the dog park or if your dog gets away from you.

If you do not feel comfortable calling your dog’s name out in front of other people, these situations can be pretty awkward. The last thing you want if your dog gets out is to be embarrassed to call them.

My dog’s name is Bonkers. That was his name at the rescue shelter, and at first I thought about changing it, as yelling “BONKERS!” across an open field felt a little… unhinged. But I stuck with it, and now I wouldn’t change it for anything.

People always give me strange looks until they realize I’m calling a dog, not declaring my own mental state. Then they laugh. Every time.

Tip #5: Choose a Name Your Family Likes

If you have a family, your new pet will likely be close to everyone in your home. So, you should try to call your dog something that the rest of your housemates do not mind. You also want to avoid anything that sounds like another person’s or pet’s name.

Instead, you might want to consider a strong, regal name or name your dog after a Greek god, like “Zeus.”  However, every family is different. So, it is good to consult with the other people who will care for your new pet.

Tip #6: It Is Okay to Try a Few Names Before You Decide

The good thing about naming your dog is that you can easily change their name if you do not like it. It is not like naming a baby, where you must fill out a birth certificate and let your extended friends and family know your chosen name.

If you name your dog “Maximus” and decide later that they are more of a “Zeus,” no big deal. If you go through a couple of names in the first few days or weeks you have your dog, it should be fine.

However, you do not want to go too long before deciding on your puppy’s name. Otherwise, it can make training challenging.

Don’t Stop Now – Your Dog’s Name Is Just the Beginning

Found the perfect name? Awesome. Now let’s make sure your dog’s living up to it in style.

What’s Your Dog’s Name? Did you go full-on Predator or keep it ironic with Cupcake? Tell us your dog’s name in the comments, the tougher (or weirder), the better. We love a good backstory.