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Selecting the perfect name for a new four-legged friend can be just as tricky as deciding on the right baby name. With their sweet and slobbery kisses, their funny antics, like chasing their own tails, and their sometimes crazy messes, our dogs become members of the family and these sweet furbabies deserve a name that's as special and individual as they are.
Since dogs can't talk, their names become that much more important. Whether it's a brand new pupper who's still learning how to walk without wobbling or a sweet rescue baby who's getting a second chance at life, every dog deserves a name that speaks to their individual personality and tells the world a little bit about who they are.
When it comes to naming a child, we're sometimes lucky enough to have inspiration from friends and family members -- perhaps there's a family name that's been passed down for generations or it's tradition to name a daughter after her mother's middle name. Since our dogs often come without intact family trees, we don't have these shortcuts to rely on.
But this pet name blank slate gives us the chance to get super creative when it comes to picking the perfect name for the family mascot. We can look to beloved movies and books for ideas to name our pooch (who wouldn't want their own Mr. Darcy or a Ruffeo to cuddle?) Or we can use our dog's appearance and fur as a hint to what they'd love to be called -- a brown dog named Java -- how cute is that?
Check out these 20 awesome dog names as inspiration when bringing a new furry friend home (or as the final push to get to the shelter!)