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Dog name stories
The naming of dogs, cats
(or even children), can tell quite a
story. It is interesting to know the history and circumstances of the
naming of a puppy. This can reflect on many things especially if children
are involved in the choice of name.
Breeders have various ways of naming their litters. Some will
choose a theme for the litter, others will name all of the dogs of a litter with
names that begin with the same letter. This makes it easier to remember the
relationships of one dog to another.
Unlike cats,
purebred dogs only have two names. The registered name consists of the breeder's
registered kennel name followed by the dog's formal name. This is what is
used in the pedigree and all official references. The name that is used for a
dog on a day to day basis is known as the dog's dog kennel name (or family)
name. This is often similar to, or the same as, the dog's registered name
(without the kennel prefix). Often it can be something quite different.
In choosing names, breeders have a lot of fun playing with the words,
spelling or sound of names to have a sly joke on the world or themselves.
This can be quite difficult at times because in Australia the full name
(including the Kennel prefix and spaces) cannot be longer than 24 characters.
When selling a puppy, breeders will often try to incorporate the name the new
owner's want to use for the dog to the registered name.
e.g. my dog Rani's
registered name is Lynkirk Sir Rani. Lynkirk being the breeder's
registered kennel prefix.
Although we haven't been involved with dogs for very long (8 years), I
find it interesting to reflect on the dog names we have been involved in
inflicting upon our faithful canine companions.
Now, for the dog names.
If you have any interesting naming
stories please send them to me at:
mailAddyFor:
'Dog_Names_Canmio'
| Submitted by: |
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| Dog Name:
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Spike, Willow, Xander |
We all love Buffy the Vampire
Slayer.
It is interesting to note that you can tell if a family has
little children in it if they immediately think that Spike
is named after "Santa's Little Helper" in "The Simpsons"
cartoon. |
| Dog Breed: |
Italian Greyhounds
(IG) |
| Named by: |
My family |
| When: |
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| Submitted by: |
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| Dog Name:
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Rani, Skeeta |
Italian for frogs (see "about
us).
Skeeta is short for Mosquito. Rani was a very tiny
puppy and very active, he would fly around the house an pounce on things.").
Skeeta is his first offspring. We imagined her also as
flitting around like a mosquito. In view of the fact that
she fairly solidly built, naming her after a mosquito was
probably inappropriate. Nevertheless she is my favourite. |
| Dog Breed: |
(IG) |
| Named by: |
Me. My
first dog. |
| When: |
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| Submitted by: |
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| Dog Name:
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Buttons, Strings |
Buttons developed an infection
in the eyelid which had to be kept open until it healed.
The vet sewed a button to the eyelid to do this. it was natural
to call the pup buttons. When The kids were asked for a name for
its littermate they chose "string" because the button was sewn
on with "string". |
| Dog Breed: |
Australian Kelpie |
| Named by: |
my children at about
8yo |
| When: |
circa 1995 |
| Submitted by: |
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| Dog Name:
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Raptor (Rappy) |
Jurassic park was very popular. |
| Dog Breed: |
Australian Kelpie |
| Named by: |
my children at about
8yo |
| When: |
early '90s |
| Submitted by: |
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| Dog Name:
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| Dog Breed: |
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| Named by: |
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| When: |
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The attribution of names above are not intended to cause offence. If you have any complaints please let me know and I will seriously
consider removing the offending item. Some of the names and attributions
listed may, at various times be considered to be inappropriate, I will
not include items which are clearly offensive, however I reserve the
right to include items which have a historical or cultural connection or
are indicative of a historical view.
e.g. When I was young I came across a dog called Fritz. This may
not be unusual for a dog in Germany or a German breed, however when
applied by a person who grew up in Italy during the second world war, it
can be taken as a slur on the Germans (it probably was).
This reminds me of a joke I was told by my Grandfather when I was
little. It is set during or just before the war and tells of a
market day. As there were lots of people around, these were great
occasions for the politically minded to people to grandstand and lecture
on their particular ideology.
At that time there was a rather keen fellow who was lecturing
on the benefit that the alliance between Mussolini's fascists and
the German Nazi's was bringing to the country. He went on for
quite some time until people were quite tired of him. He would not
go away and kept on his propagandizing until a seller of dogs set up
near him. Then in a very matter of tone, whenever the activist
would mention Hitler and Mussolini the dog seller would happen
to also raise his voice and call out his wares. The activist
would say "Hitler and Mussolini" and to be joined by a firm clear
voice calling "na bedda parii cani" (translated: "a lovely
pair of dogs").
If you are looking for a name for your new dog, below are
links to some naming sites.
Behind the Name
The Etymology and history of first names
This site contains lists of names in many languages. This link points to
Italian names
China Road Names.
This site has links to a huge number of name collections in various categories.
 
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