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Small dogs come in all shapes, looks, and personalities. Think of a lively Jack Russell Terrier with reddish spots, a fluffy white Pomeranian, or a sleek black Miniature Pinscher. What unites them all is their tiny size – usually under 20 pounds – but everything else about them is one of a kind.
If you’ve just welcomed a little puppy into your home, one of the first big decisions is choosing the perfect name. The right name for a small dog isn’t just about cuteness – it’s something you’ll be saying every day, whether you’re calling your pup over or giving commands. In this guide, we’ll share a variety of dog names for small dogs – both male and female – and break down how to pick the one that fits your pup best.
The name you give your little dog isn’t just for fun – it’s something you’ll use every day when talking to your pup and teaching basic commands. That’s why it should be simple, clear, and something you personally love. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down the best names for small dogs:
Look at your pup’s traits. Breed, gender, size, coat color, and personality can all inspire the perfect fit.
Keep it short. One-syllable names work best, two are great, three can still work – but anything longer can confuse your dog and slow down training.
Make it sharp and clear. Strong, crisp consonants are easier for dogs to recognize.
Avoid confusion. Don’t pick something too close to a family member’s name or another pet’s nickname – it will only cause mix-ups.
Think about how it sounds. You’ll be saying it in public, so steer clear of anything offensive or awkward to repeat.
Stay unique. Avoid names that sound like commands. For example, “Chase” might clash with the command “Stay.”
Skip memorial names. Naming a new puppy after a recently lost pet often keeps the association with grief, rather than joy.
The right choice blends personality, practicality, and a bit of creativity – helping your pup stand out while keeping training easy.
If you’d like your pup’s name to carry a little extra meaning, start by looking at their appearance or personality. Both can inspire plenty of fun, creative, and even unique ideas. You can also borrow inspiration from books, movies, pop culture, or even your favorite places. Here are a few directions to consider when choosing nicknames for small dogs.
Even though little dogs aren’t big in size, their looks can spark great ideas. For example, the fluffiest one in the house might earn a name like Rocky (as a playful twist) or Chubby.
Colors also work well:
White dogs: Snowy, Pearl, Cloud, Marshmallow, Casper.
Black dogs: Midnight, Shadow, Onyx, Jet.
Brown dogs: Cocoa, Mocha, Hazel, Chestnut, Maple.
Gray dogs:Ash, Smokey, Storm, Silver.
Red or orange dogs: Rusty, Ember, Ginger, Copper, Blaze.
Spotted or multicolored dogs: Pepper, Freckles, Marble, Speckles, Oreo.
Your pup’s temperament can be just as inspiring as their looks.
Calm and gentle dogs: Serenity, Grace, Dove, Zen.
Bold and sassy dogs:Zeus, Rebel, Roxy, Diesel.
Playful and high-energy dogs: Dash, Bolt, Jax, Rocket, Zippy.
Loyal companions: Faith, True, Valor, Buddy, Amigo.
Food-loving pups: Cookie, Muffin, Peanut, Biscuit, Pickles.
You don’t have to limit yourself to looks or personality. Small puppy names can also come from:
Pop culture: Yoda, Elsa, Scooby, Nala.
Geography: Rio, Sydney, Aspen, Brooklyn.
Nature: Daisy, Willow, Sunny, River.
Stars and space: Luna, Nova, Orion, Comet.
Brands and foods: Skittles, Oreo, Mocha, Pepsi.
When it comes to dog names for small dogs, the possibilities are endless. The goal is to find something that feels fun, personal, and easy to use every day.
While male and female pups don’t differ much in personality, boy dogs often get bold, strong, or even playful names. Below are some ideas – from serious and classic to lighthearted and funny – that work perfectly for little male dogs.
Many small breeds, especially terriers and pinschers, have fearless hearts packed into tiny bodies. For these pups, tough and powerful names feel just right:
Thunder
Storm
Ranger
Titan
Blaze
Hunter
Diesel
Bolt
Thor
Maverick
Rocky
Jupiter
Vader
Flint
Atlas
For calmer or more gentle boys, aristocratic names highlight their classy side and natural charm:
Duke
Lord
Winston
Oscar
Vincent
Charles
Harold
Martin
Malcolm
Earl
Gatsby
Caesar
Some names for small male dogs draw inspiration from kings, emperors, and historical figures – perfect if you want your pup’s name to sound timeless and regal.
Richard
Edward
Louis
Francis
Augustus
Salvador
Dominic
Benedict (Benny for short)
Adonis
Clement
These names give even the tiniest pup a big, dignified presence.
On the flip side, sometimes the best fit is a name that makes you smile every time you say it.
For lively, energetic breeds like Jack Russells, Dachshunds, or Corgis:
Bandit, Pirate, Rambo, Tyson, Viking, Turbo.
For lazy loungers and food lovers (think French Bulldogs or Pekingese):
Donut, Biscuit, Muffin, Cookie, Cheesecake, Brownie.
For tech-savvy owners who love a geeky twist:
Pixel, Gadget, Chip, Byte, Java, Mac.
For cartoon and movie fans:
Goofy, Pluto, Snoopy, Pikachu, Mickey, Dale.
And of course, you can always go ironic with names like:
Boss, Rockstar, Artist, Playboy, General.
The trick is to balance humor with your dog’s unique vibe, making sure the name is fun to say and easy for your pup to learn.
Little female dogs usually get names that sound sweet, romantic, or elegant. Still, many small-breed girls have bold personalities, and sometimes a strong name is the best match. Here are popular and creative ideas for names for small female dogs that fit a variety of styles.
For calm, graceful, and elegant pups, classic names inspired by queens, noblewomen, or gems work beautifully:
Aurora
Beatrice
Vivienne
Audrey
Chloe
Daisy
Jasmine
Esme
Nora
Pearl
Ivory
Athena
Regina
Eleanor
Victoria
These names highlight dignity and charm, even in the tiniest dog.
If your little girl is sweet-natured and affectionate, consider soft and cozy names:
Bella
Penny
Molly
Coco
Lulu
Rosie
Joy
Holly
Muffin
Poppy
Fluffy
Tinkerbell
Yaffi
Honey
These are perfect cute small dog names that sound warm and easy to say.
Not every small pup is delicate – some are feisty, determined, and full of spirit. For these girls, strong and daring names fit best:
Xena
Freya
Lilith
Stormy
Ember
Roxy
Hera
Tara
Raven
Vixen
Valkyrie
Rebel
Nova
Onyx
Zelda
These names show off her fearless side, proving that little dogs can have big energy.
If you want something elegant and timeless, go with names inspired by queens, princesses, or flowers:
Isabella
Josephine
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Kate
Nefertiti
Rose
Lily
Violet
Azalea
Orchid
These names feel graceful and stylish, making them great choices for female little dog names.
Sometimes the best name is one that makes everyone smile.
For food-loving pups:
Cupcake, Cookie, Jellybean, Brownie, Donut.
For playful mischief-makers:
Sassy, Wasabi, Diva, Fifi, Trouble.
For affectionate cuddle bugs:
Tootsie, Button, Sweetie, Snuggles, Bunny.
Looking for something unique? Try names inspired by stars, cities, or famous characters:
From Hollywood: Marilyn, Monroe, Scarlett, Salma, Jennifer.
From space: Venus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Luna.
From geography: Paris, Verona, Dakota, Tuscany, Rio.
From movies & books: Ariel, Elsa, Jasmine, Hermione, Rapunzel, Harley Quinn, Dory.
These ideas add a global touch while still being easy to pronounce and fun to use.
When picking names for small breed dogs, size isn’t the only thing that matters. Every breed has its own look, personality, and quirks that can inspire the perfect name. Here are some ideas for popular little breeds.
Behind the fluffy teddy-bear looks, Poms are bold, curious, and full of personality. Cute options that highlight their coat or spunky character include:
Teddy, Fluffy, Cloud, Puff, Marshmallow, Sunny, Boldy, Jester.
Yorkies are intelligent companions with silky coats and confident little attitudes. Names that reflect their smarts and elegance work well:
Clever, Silky, Bonnie, Chic, Jewel, Darcy.
Chihuahuas, with their big eyes and tiny frames, are famously from Mexico. Fun names with a Spanish twist or a nod to their size include:
Salsa, Frida, Diego, Camila, Chico, Miguel, Rio, Tiny, Peanut, Button.
Tiny and energetic, Toy Terriers can be a little mischievous. Playful names fit their personality:
Tricksy, Pip, Tinker, Sly, Rocky, Daisy, Cleo, Sophie, Harvey.
Corgis are cheerful, smart, and often compared to loaves of bread because of their shape and “smiles.” Owners often pick names with British or Celtic flair:
For males: Angus, Bruce, Gavin, Knox, Ewan.
For females: Arabella, Fiona, Isla, Rona, Glenna, Makenna.
Terriers are hunters at heart – brave, active, and quick. Names that reflect speed and courage fit perfectly:
Hunter, Hawk, Stormy, Meteor, Dash, Artemis, Wolfie.
Playful, loyal, and a little goofy, Pugs deserve names that show off their charm:
Frank, Sparky, Elvis, Ollie, Marley, Toto, Daisy.
These little lions are dignified yet affectionate. Names that highlight elegance suit them best:
Chester, Calvin, Rufus, Emma, Leona, Sally, Eli.
At the end of the day, the best name for a small dog is one that feels natural to say and matches your pup’s unique personality. Whether you lean toward something cute and funny, elegant and timeless, or bold and powerful, the right choice should bring a smile to your face every time you call your little companion.
Keep these simple tips in mind:
Make it short and clear. One or two syllables are easiest for your pup to recognize.
Think about personality. A playful ball of energy may need a different name than a calm, cuddly lap dog.
Choose something you love. You’ll be saying it every day, so pick a name that makes you happy.
Avoid confusion. Stay away from names that sound too much like commands or the names of family members.
Small dogs might be tiny in size, but their personalities are anything but small. The right name will capture their spirit and make your bond even stronger. Whether you go with a cute little dog name, a classy choice inspired by history, or a playful nickname, what matters most is that it feels like the perfect fit for your best friend.
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