1. Ernie
2. Dash
3. Copper
4. lunchbox

After you've made the decision to bring a new dog into your family, and you've found the perfect dog or puppy, it's time to find the perfect name! This page is dedicated to helpful links and advice for naming your new pooch.

First of all, there are two names that you'll want to consider. If you are registering your dog, the first name to consider is the registered name, which is very similar to a human's legal name. The other name is a call name, which is the name you will actually use around your dog.

Call Names

A call name is something you always get to choose. You can relate it to your dog's registered name, or it can be something altogether different. However, it's the name that you're going to use all the time, so try to pick something that suits your dog, and that sounds right to you when you're calling your dog. Imagine, "Fido, come!" From the dog's perspective, it's also helpful if you choose a name that doesn't sound like anybody else's name in the family, including other pets.

Registered Names

A registered name, on the other hand, can also sometimes be your choice, or some breeders will either choose the name for you, or allow you to participate in the selection. AKC registration limits names to 28 letters and spaces, which should be a consideration in choosing a registered name. Also, some breeders will at least require you to include the kennel name as the first word of a name, or at the end of the name. The inclusion of a kennel name lets others know where a dog came from.

Renaming an Adopted Dog

Even if you're adopting an adult dog who already has a name, you can give them a new name if you'd like. Pair the new name with the old one for a few weeks and then gradually move to just the new name. For example, if the dog is currently named Rexy and you'd like to name him Cuddles, call him RexyCuddles for a few weeks, then just start leaving off tthe Rexy part!

People Names? What does that Name Mean?

Funny people names are great for dogs. Think also of naming your dogs from their countries of origination. Naming dogs has to be one of the most fun things to enjoy for years to come! Something to plan as you look forward to your next family member.

Does the name bring a smile to your face and others? Does the meaning behind the name fit the dog's appearance, personality, or breed?

Got an unique, fun, unusual, or just plain funny dog name? Share it here!

1. Bartleby aka "Bart"
2. Mungo aka "Moose" "Mr. Moose" "Moosey" "Moosh, Moosh" aka Dunlap's Mungo Merito O Muir, Scottish Terrier
3. Myrtle, "Myrt", the Cairn, for the tuff bush she was aka Dunlap's Myrtle Tweed Glory
4. Ewok, "Wokky", as a pup she looked like the furrys from the movie, aka Empress Lotus Blossum Ewok, Lhasa Apso
5.

Need help? Here are some resources for dog names

• Dog names from TerrificPets.com
• Dog Names from NextDayPets.com
• Behind The Name - Meanings - Many Languages.
• Baby Names Hold - Popular baby names and the latest baby name trends.
• Scottish Names and their Meanings - 1 - Great for Terriers
• Scottish Names and their Meanings - 2 - and other Scottish Breeds
• New Advent, Catholic Dictionary - Saint or Sinner :D
• Popular Baby Names - Over a 1000 Names from the Social Security Administration
• Top Dog Names and Breeds - New York
• Dog Names from DogGroups.com - Alphabetic large list
• puppy names - very nice puppy names with pronunciation for English language