Male Dog Names: Perfect Picks for Your Male Pup

Written by Sabrina Schaub

Sometimes you just have to call a dog by its name – and it should suit your four-legged friend’s unique character as well as possible. Still looking for inspiration for male dog names? With our wide selection of classic and unusual names for male dogs, you’re sure to find something that fits.

Short and concise dog names are ideal for easy calling and training.

Dog names for males should be short and concise.

Finding the Right Male Dog Name: These Tips Will Help

Searching for the perfect name for your dog can be a real challenge for many dog owners. The name should reflect your pet’s character, match its gender and breed, and of course, suit your own taste.

When it comes to choosing a dog’s name, your imagination is the only limit. However, you should keep the 5 golden rules for naming dogs in mind to avoid confusion in everyday life:

  • Rule 1: A dog’s name should be easy for your dog to understand and for you to pronounce. Dogs pay close attention to emphasis, so names like “Sammy” are ideal – they start with a strong consonant and end with a vowel (a, e, i, o, or u).
  • Rule 2: Choose short names with one or two syllables. This way, you can call your dog quickly and he’ll immediately know you mean him.
  • Rule 3: Avoid names that could be confused with commands. For example, “Fritz” sounds similar to “sit”.
  • Rule 4: Stick with the name you’ve chosen. Dogs quickly get used to the sound of their name and find it hard to adapt to a new one.
  • Rule 5: For pedigree dogs, pay attention to the litter alphabet. This determines the first letter of the dog’s name and limits your options.

It’s also important to take your time when choosing a name. This helps you get a feel for your dog’s character. Once you’ve made your choice, help your puppy or new dog get used to their name by associating it with something positive. For example, say their name often when stroking or praising them.

Black Cairn Terrier resembling Toto from The Wizard of Oz, a famous inspiration for dog names. © kazantsevaov / stock.adobe.com
Some dogs have famous relatives they could be named after – Toto from The Wizard of Oz, for example, is a black Cairn Terrier.

Want your dog’s name to be on trend? According to the animal welfare organisation Tasso, these are currently the most popular male dog names:

  • Balu/Balou
  • Milo/Mailo/Milow
  • Charly/Charlie
  • Buddy
  • Bruno
  • Rocky
  • Loki
  • Leo
  • Lucky
  • Sammy

By the way: Whether it’s dog food, dog treats, dog beds or dog toys – you’ll find everything for a happy dog’s life in the Online shop from zooplus.

Rare Dog Names for Male Dogs

Want to call your dog on a walk and have only him respond? Then one of these rare male dog names is the perfect choice:

  • Aiko
  • Bosco
  • Dante
  • Darwin
  • Django
  • Ekko
  • Kian
  • Kody
  • Kyros
  • Nero

Dog Names for Males: Short and Snappy

One of the golden rules for the perfect dog name is: the shorter, the better. Here are 10 male dog names with no more than two syllables:

  • Ace
  • Chase
  • Dash
  • Jax
  • Ozzy
  • Rex
  • Rico
  • Spike
  • Gizmo
  • Zeus

Beautiful Dog Names for Males

Whether a name sounds beautiful or not is, of course, a matter of personal taste. The following male dog names have a sound that many people find pleasant or evoke especially positive associations – highlighting your dog’s charm.

  • Bailey
  • Beau
  • Filou
  • Indigo
  • Lupo
  • River
  • Romeo
  • Sky
  • Thiago
  • Toto

Unusual Dog Names for Male Dogs

With an unusual dog name, you and your four-legged friend are sure to stand out. Get inspired by the name of an author, scientist, or singer you like. Or think of your favourite dish. Here are some examples of inspired and unique names for male dogs:

  • Bismarck
  • Bowie
  • Chili
  • Cosmo
  • Edison
  • Froot Loops
  • Ghandi
  • Hitchcock
  • Kafka
  • (Marty) McFly

Dog Names for Males with Meaning

Does your dog have a special trait or extraordinary talent? Then give him a name that highlights his individuality.

  • Asher = happy
  • Caius = content
  • Cassius = vain
  • Elliot = son of the wind
  • Hudson = mind (short for Hugh or Hugo)
  • Jasper = bringer of treasure
  • Onyx = claw (and the name of a black gemstone)
  • Quintus = born in the fifth month
  • Silas = forest
  • Wesley = western meadow

Funny Dog Names for Males Who Love a Laugh

Some dog breeds are known for their sense of humour. If your four-legged friend is a bit of a clown, maybe one of these male dog names will suit him:

  • Chaos
  • Ferrari
  • Ewok
  • Mad Max
  • Nacho
  • Peanut
  • Pumpkin
  • Snoopy
  • Spooky
  • Zombie

Cute Dog Names for Male Dogs

Especially for small dog breeds, cute names are a great fit.

  • Alfie
  • Biscuit
  • Kirby
  • Ollie
  • Siggi
  • Sparky
  • Sunny
  • Teddy
  • Willy
  • Yogi

Mystical Dog Names for Males

If you want to give your male dog a powerful name with a mysterious aura, look to mythology and astrology. Mystical dog names often come with a special story, so you’ll find a brief explanation for each name:

  • Adonis: Lover of Aphrodite in Greek mythology and a symbol of beauty
  • Apollo: Greek god of light and music
  • Atlas: A strong Titan from Greek mythology who carries the sky on his shoulders
  • Aquila: Constellation of the eagle
  • Fafnir: A dragon from Norse mythology
  • Icarus: Name from Greek mythology; “Icarus” is also the name of the Internet of Animals, a scientific project studying animal communication
  • Orion: A bright constellation
  • Phoenix: Mythical bird that is reborn
  • Eros: Son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love in Greek mythology
  • Hector: Name of the brave prince of Troy from Greek mythology
  • Helios: Sun god in Greek mythology
Cute dog with a charming expression, symbolising name ideas like Romeo or Eros for real canine heartbreakers. © Steffen / stock.adobe.com
Is your dog a real heartbreaker? Then Romeo or Eros could be the perfect name.

Disney Dog Names for Males

If your love for dogs began with a Disney film like 101 Dalmatians, let the colourful world of cartoons and comics inspire you. Here are 10 dog names inspired by Disney dogs and other popular characters:

  • Goofy (Mickey Mouse comics)
  • Pluto (Mickey Mouse comics)
  • Pongo (101 Dalmatians)
  • Kuzco (The Emperor’s New Groove)
  • Lotso (Toy Story 3)
  • Mickey (Mickey Mouse comics)
  • Mushu (Mulan)
  • Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)
  • Timon (The Lion King)
  • Woody (Toy Story)

Nordic Dog Names for Four-legged Friends

For dog breeds from the cool North that are strong and close to nature, a Nordic dog name is ideal.

  • Asgard
  • Baldur
  • Bjarte
  • Fenrir
  • Gunnar
  • Hakon
  • Haldor
  • Kalle
  • Odin
  • Ragnar
  • Ragnarok
  • Sigurd
  • Thor
  • Vidar
  • Vali

Celtic Dog Names for Males

In Celtic culture, the line between reality and myth is often blurred. If your dog is a bit of a mystery, a Celtic name might be just right for your four-legged friend.

  • Aiden
  • Cian
  • Conan
  • Cormac
  • Declan
  • Fergus
  • Finn
  • Keegan
  • Kieran
  • Lorcan
  • Oisin
  • Torin

English Dog Names for Elegant Males

For English dog breeds or four-legged friends who always keep their composure, names from the United Kingdom are a great idea. The variety ranges from traditional to modern, so there’s something for every male dog.

  • Buster
  • Chester
  • Cody
  • Cooper
  • Duke
  • Henry
  • Jerry
  • Monty
  • Murphy
  • Reggie
  • Toby
  • Winston

Italian Dog Names for Lively Dogs

Maybe you’re a fan of Bella Italia or have a lively little four-legged friend looking for a name? How about an Italian name for your dog?

  • Aldo
  • Carmine
  • Dante
  • Enzo
  • Giorgio
  • Giovanni
  • Massimo
  • Rocco
  • Renzo
  • Vito

Japanese Dog Names for Your Favourite

The Japanese language sounds especially soft and beautiful to many ears. Japanese first names usually have a specific meaning, so you can choose one that matches your dog’s character.

  • Akira = intelligence
  • Bandai = forever
  • Daiki = great radiance
  • Harumi = beauty
  • Hiroshi = generous
  • Kazuki = hope
  • Kenji = strong son
  • Kibo = hope
  • Kuro = black
  • Masaru = victorious
  • Riku = land
  • Sanyu = cheerfulness
  • Shizu = calm
  • Takeshi = wild
  • Yukio = gets what he wants

French Dog Names for Males

If you want something a bit more extravagant and refined, we recommend a French dog name. The beautiful sound of these names is sure to get an “oh là là” reaction in the park.

  • Maxime
  • Louis
  • Hugo
  • Gaston
  • Rémy
  • Claude
  • Serge
  • Thierry
  • Jacques
  • Luc

Spanish Dog Names for Males

A Spanish name is especially fitting for lively male dogs with a fiery character who keep everyone on their toes.

  • Alonso
  • Arturo
  • Carlos
  • Cesar
  • Diego
  • Emilio
  • Ignacio
  • Javier
  • Mateo
  • Pablo
  • Paco
  • Pedro
  • Ramon
  • Santiago
  • Salvador

Dachshund Names for Males: Special Names for Special Dogs

The Dachshund is currently enjoying growing popularity. A few years ago, this short-legged breed was (almost) only kept by hunters and enthusiasts, but nowadays long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired Dachshunds are seen much more often. Want to adopt a male Dachshund? Here are 15 dog names that are especially well-suited to a male Dachshund.

  • Cookie
  • Fiete
  • Hugo
  • Lumpi
  • Rusty
  • Struppi
  • Tapsi
  • Waldi
  • Wastl
  • Zamperl
  • Benno
  • Otto
  • Oswald
  • Rudi
  • Horst

Found a Male Dog Name? Let your Furry Friend Wear it With Pride

After careful consideration and together with your dog, have you found the perfect name? Why not celebrate your decision with a personalised collar? That way, your dog can wear his name proudly on his chest and every guest in your home will know straight away how to address your four-legged friend.

In the zooplus shop for dogs you’ll find suitable collars. And if you’re looking for tips on how to teach not just the name but also the most important commands, you’ll find all the know-how you need in the zooplus dog magazine.


Sabrina Schaub
Profilbild von zooplus Magazin Autorin Sabrina Quente

Animals have accompanied me for as long as I can remember - there is hardly a child's photo without a budgie on my head or a cat on my lap. For more than ten years, I have been writing as an editor about various topics ranging from health insurance to cat ownership. Always with me: my cat Mimi, who is the best source of inspiration for many texts and knows when it's time for a break from writing.


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