‘Lady’ And ‘Bear’ Most Popular U.S. Dog Names

Move over “Fido,” the American Kennel Club(R) has announced that “Lady” and “Bear” top the list of most popular male/female dog names in the U.S. A survey of 2007 AKC registration statistics showed that, in addition to Lady, Belle/Bell/Bella, Princess, Mae/May, Bear, Blue, Max/Maximus/Maxwell, Rose, Daisy, and Duke round out the top ten dog names.

“Traditionally names based on a puppy’s physical appearance or personality, such as ‘Spot’ or ‘Sassy,’ have been popular with dog owners,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Today we are seeing human names, such as ‘Jack’ and ‘Molly,’ and names that reflect a pet’s stature in the home, such as ‘King’ and ‘Princess,’ gain in popularity as more people consider their dog a valued member of the family.”

  The top male/female dog names, according to the AKC are:

  Most Popular Male Dog Names*       Most Popular Female Dog Names*

  1. Bear                          1. Lady
  2. Blue                          2. Belle/Bell/Bella
  3. Max/Maximus/Maxwell           3. Princess
  4. Duke                          4. Mae/May
  5. Buddy                         5. Rose
  6. Jack                          6. Daisy
  7. Prince                        7. Grace/Gracie
  8. King                          8. Baby
  9. Bailey                        9. Molly
  10. Rocky                        10. Maggie
  11. Harley                       11. Sadie
  12. Jake                         12. Ann/Annie
  13. Shadow                       13. Star
  14. Lucky                        14. Lily/Lilly
  15. Hunter                       15. Angel
  16. Dakota                       16. Coco/Cocoa
  17. Lou                          17. Sophie/Sophia
  18. Midnight                     18. Lucy
  19. Cooper                       19. Abby/Abigail
  20. Buster                       20. Marie

  The AKC offers the following rules to consider when naming your pooch:

  --  Names often reflect the character of your pet.  Observe your dog for a
      few days and see if his personality suggests a name.  Is he regal?
      Does she always want to be the center of attention? If so, how about
      "King" or "Star"?
  --  Short, sweet and easily recognizable names work best in getting your
      dog to be responsive.  Use a name that is one or two syllables, ending
      with a vowel, such as "Sadie" or "Rocky."
  --  Don't choose a name that is too long or difficult to say.  A name such
      as "Sir Barks A Lot" will only confuse your dog.
  --  Avoid names that sound like commands.  Names like "Joe" sound like
      "no" when called.
  --  Pick a name that will fit your dog regardless of his age.  For
      example, a puppy named "Fuzzy" may not be a good fit after he grows
      into adulthood.
  --  Don't name your dog after a friend or family member without getting
      their prior permission.  You never know who could be offended.
  --  Test out the name you would like to give your dog for a day or two.
      Remember any name you give your dog will be a 10-to-15-year commitment
      for the life of the dog.
  --  After you chose a name for your dog make sure you use it often so he
      can learn it more quickly.
  --  Don't raise your voice every time you call him, and try to use his
      name in positive, playful settings, such as when you feed him, play
      with him or pet him.

Source: The American Kennel Club

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