101 Amazing Small Dog Names Perfect for Your Tiny Pooch

Written by Kathryn Koehler
Updated: November 18, 2023
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Choosing a name for your small dog presents a delightful opportunity to express your pup’s personality or your interests. If you’re a bookworm, consider delving into the world of literary names, like Poe for a mysterious and enigmatic aura, or Gatsby for a dash of timeless sophistication. Classic names like Lady or Bandit have an enduring charm that suits dogs of all sizes. For those who appreciate a touch of irony, Bruiser or Killer for a micro breed can add a whimsical twist. Whether you opt for a name that reflects your dog’s size or personality, or one that reflects your hobbies or interests, there are endless possibilities to ensure your small pup’s name is as memorable as them. Continue reading to discover 101 amazing small dog names that are perfect for your tiny pooch.

Adorable Names

Close-up footage of tiny pups. White sweet Chihuahua. Compact dog. Indoors. Apartment. Amazing pet. Blurred view of woman in background

While their small stature can make them appear vulnerable, these dogs have big personalities.

©Fractal Pictures/Shutterstock.com

Tiny little puppy dogs tend to capture hearts. While their small stature can make them appear vulnerable, their big personalities tend to waylay any lingering concerns. The darling little furballs become all the more endearing when they have an enchanting name. Some adorable names for your little pup include:

  • Precious
  • Missy
  • Sweetie
  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Babe
  • Boo
  • Queenie
  • Snowball / Snoball
  • Fluffy
  • Coco

Flower Names

Dachshund stretched out on a log

Many floral monikers come with ready-to-use nicknames, like Maggie for Magnolia or Jazz for Jasmine!

©iStock.com/NORRIE3699

Having a small dog with a long and elaborate flower name like Chrysanthemum or Poinsettia can be amusing and endearing. These names can create a delightful contrast between the dog’s tiny size and the grandeur of the name, which can add a sense of whimsy to their identity. Many floral monikers come with ready-to-use nicknames, like Maggie for Magnolia or Jazz for Jasmine! Some fun flower names are:

  • Bluebell
  • Buttercup
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Clover
  • Dahlia
  • Daisy
  • Honeysuckle
  • Honeysuckle Rose
  • Iris
  • Jasmine
  • Lily
  • Magnolia
  • Marigold
  • Moonflower
  • Narcissus
  • Petunia
  • Poinsettia
  • Poppy
  • Quince
  • Rose
  • Snapdragon
  • Snowdrop
  • Sweet Pea
  • Tulip
  • Violet
  • Wisteria
  • Zinnia

Literary Names

Smart funny corgi dog in glasses sitting with books, reading and studying smiling on white background

There are countless literary characters to choose from. when naming your wee dog.

©Kristina Holovach/Shutterstock.com

Naming your dog after a literary reference is a splendid idea, especially if you have a deep appreciation for literature or a favorite author. Literary names can be rich in meaning and give your dog a cultured identity. There are countless literary characters, authors, and even literary devices to choose from. Whether you prefer classic literature, modern novels, or specific genres, some literary names you might pick are:

  • Austen – if you’re a fan of English novelist Jane Austen, her last name is filled with Sense and Sensibility.
  • Benji – Benji was the Hollywood canine star of five full-length major motion pictures.
  • Buck – Buck is the main character in the Jack London classic novel The Call of The Wild.
  • Cujo – Cujo is the aggressive canine antagonist of the eponymous Stephen King horror story.
  • Old Dan and Little Ann- Dan and Ann are canine characters in the classic coming-of-age novel Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
  • Einstein – In the novel The Watchers by Dean Koontz, Einstein is a genetically modified dog.
  • White Fang – Another Jack London reference, White Fang is the title character of the novel White Fang about a wild wolfdog who becomes domesticated.
  • Tock – Tock is Milo’s canine companion in the fantasy story The Phantom Toll Booth by Norman Juster.
  • Toto – The beloved little terrier from The Wizard of Oz is never wrong.

These are but a few of the endless possibilities. Favorite authors, favorite non-canine characters, and even literary devices can work for names. For a highly original name, consider Onomatopoeia (Ono for short!), Oxymoron (Ox), or Archetype (Archie).

Cartoon Names

Disneyland with Pluto

Pluto, the beloved Disney pooch, is one of many cartoon dogs.

©KeongDaGreat/Shutterstock.com

Naming your dog after a cartoon character, especially a famous or beloved one, is a fun and lighthearted choice. Cartoon dog names come with a sense of nostalgia and playfulness. If you have a special affinity for a particular cartoon character or series, naming your dog after one of them can be a great honor.
Cartoon dog names can also be a source of entertainment and conversation with others, as they may recognize the reference and share in the enjoyment of the name. Some cartoon canines to consider:

  • Ace, a German shepherd, and Titus, a Great Dane, are Bruce Wayne’s dogs in the comic Batman.
  • Andy is a small dog, possibly a Chiweenie, in the award-winning comic Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis.
  • Blue – Blue from Blue’s Clues was everybody’s favorite pup during the show’s 10-year run from 1996-2006.
  • Brainy Barker is a cartoon Afghan hound from the show Krypto the Superdog.
  • Clifford of Clifford the Big Red Dog fame would also qualify as an ironic name for a small dog.
  • Goofy and Pluto- These beloved Disney characters have rather unusual names, but your little pooch might prove just goofy enough to warrant them.
  • Jake- Jake is the stretchy canine combatant of Adventure Time.
  • Max- Max is the overburdened, underloved dog of the Grinch in the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
  • Odie- He’s the lovable foil for Garfield the Cat.
  • Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo- ‘Nuff said
  • Santa’s Little Helper- the family pet in the long-running animated series, The Simpsons
  • Slinky Dog- the iconic toy and star of the Pixar film Toy Story

Ironic Names

Small decorative dog breed Papillon. Outside, sitting on a green background. Spring.

Christening a tiny dog with an ironically grand or imposing name can be a humorous choice.

©iStock.com/Nadezhda Braninger

Christening a tiny dog with an ironically grand or imposing name like Hercules can be a humorous choice. It creates a delightful contrast between the dog’s small size and the powerful or heroic connotations of the name. Some names you might not initially consider for a petite little canine include:

  • Bruiser
  • Buster
  • Brutus
  • Big Daddy
  • Captain
  • Hercules
  • Hulk
  • Killer
  • Thor
  • Tuffy
  • Zeus

Traditional Names

Red tan and Blue Isabella Frenchies looking up

Traditional names have a sense of elegance and can make your dog feel like a refined companion.

©iStock.com/yhelfman

Naming a small pup a traditional dog name can give them a timeless and classic identity. Traditional names are easy to pronounce and have stood the test of time, making them comfortable and widely accepted. Some classics to choose from are:

  • Bandit
  • Barkley
  • Bingo
  • Bounder
  • Bowser
  • Buddy
  • Duke
  • Fido
  • Lady
  • Lassie
  • Lucky
  • Nipper
  • Patch / Patches
  • Pepper
  • Pip
  • Rags
  • Rex
  • Rover
  • Scooter
  • Scout
  • Scruffy
  • Spot
  • Trapper
  • Wags

Names for Jumpers

Two Brown Red Chihuahua Dachshund Chiweenie Puppies Young Looking Posing in Dog Bed Playing in Studio Portrait Isolated on White Background Cut Out

If you have a jumpy little dog, you might name him Beans.

©Hannah Carl/Shutterstock.com

Jumpy little dogs: We know ’em and love ’em. If you have a wee little bundle of springing energy, may we suggest:

  • Beans
  • Bunny
  • Roo
  • Popcorn

The photo featured at the top of this post is © eva_blanco/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

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