Small Dog Names: 100+ Perfect Names for Your Little Companion

Small dogs may be tiny in stature, but they’re giants in personality! These pint-sized companions often have the biggest hearts, the boldest attitudes, and the most endearing quirks. From the confident Chihuahua to the fluffy Pomeranian, from the spirited Yorkshire Terrier to the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, small dogs bring immense joy to families worldwide.

When choosing a name for your small dog, you have delightful freedom to explore options that might not suit larger breeds. You can embrace their adorable size with cute, playful names, or create charming contrast with bold, powerful names that celebrate their fearless spirits. The key is finding a name that captures your individual dog’s unique personality.

Why Small Dogs Deserve Special Naming Consideration

Small dogs aren’t just miniature versions of large dogs - they’re breeds with distinct characteristics that can inspire perfect name choices:

• Big personalities in small packages - many small dogs are confident leaders
• Adorable size that inspires cute, endearing names
• Playful nature that suits fun, whimsical name choices
• Portable companions who often become constant sidekicks
• Brave hearts - small dogs often show surprising courage and determination
• Unique breed characteristics from toy spaniels to terrier tenacity

Popular Small Dog Names

Classic Favorites for Small Dogs

These beloved names work beautifully for small dogs and have stood the test of time across many breeds.

Cute & Tiny Names

Perfect names that celebrate your small dog’s adorable size and endearing nature.

Bold Names for Small Dogs

Surprisingly strong names that create delightful contrast with your small dog’s size.

Playful & Fun Names

Whimsical names that capture the joyful, entertaining nature of small dogs.

Male Small Dog Names

Handsome Boy Names

Distinguished names that work perfectly for male small dogs with charm and character.

Spunky Male Names

Energetic names for male small dogs with spirited, lively personalities.

Female Small Dog Names

Sweet Girl Names

Adorable names that celebrate the gentle, loving nature of female small dogs.

Sassy Girl Names

Confident names for female small dogs with attitude and personality.

Small Dog Names by Breed Type

Toy Breed Names

Perfect for the tiniest companions - Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles.

Terrier Names

Spirited names for small terriers known for their bold, fearless personalities.

Find More Breed-Specific Names

Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Small Dog

When selecting a name for your small dog, consider these important factors:

Size vs. Personality Balance

The beauty of naming small dogs is the delightful range of options available. You can choose names that:

• Embrace their size with cute names like Peanut, Pip, or Tiny
• Create playful contrast with bold names like Napoleon, Rex, or Mighty
• Reflect their personality regardless of size - a confident Chihuahua might suit Zeus perfectly
• Honor their breed heritage - Yorkshire Terriers might suit British names, while Chihuahuas could carry Spanish names

Practical Considerations for Small Dogs

• Easy pronunciation - you’ll say this name thousands of times
• Clear sound - small dogs often have excellent hearing but need distinct calls
• Public-friendly - small dogs often go more places, so choose names you’re comfortable calling anywhere
• Age appropriately - that tiny puppy will be a small adult dog for 12-16 years

Training and Social Aspects

• 1-2 syllables work best for training and recall
• Avoid command-like sounds - “Kit” sounds too much like “sit”
• Consider nicknames - longer names often get shortened naturally
• Family consensus - everyone should love calling the name

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good names for small dogs?

Great small dog names include classics like Bella, Max, and Lucy, cute size-appropriate names like Peanut, Pip, and Button, or bold contrast names like Napoleon, Rex, and Mighty. The best choice depends on your dog’s personality - some small dogs have huge attitudes that suit powerful names, while others are gentle souls perfect for sweet names.

What is a good name for a small dog?

A good small dog name should reflect your individual dog’s personality while being easy to say and remember. Popular choices include Milo, Daisy, Charlie, and Luna for classic appeal, or Gizmo, Pixie, Biscuit, and Honey for more playful options. Consider your dog’s breed, color, and temperament when choosing.

What is a good name for a small female dog?

Excellent small female dog names include sweet options like Rosie, Lily, Ruby, and Honey, sassy choices like Diva, Princess, Coco, and Pepper, or cute size-themed names like Pixie, Button, and Pebble. Many small female dogs have big personalities that can carry surprisingly bold names too.

Should I choose a cute name or a strong name for my small dog?

Both approaches work wonderfully! Cute names like Peanut or Sweetie celebrate their adorable size, while strong names like Rex or Zeus create charming contrast with their small stature. The most important factor is choosing a name that fits your individual dog’s personality and that you’ll enjoy using for years to come.

Do small dogs respond better to certain types of names?

Small dogs typically respond well to clear, distinct names with 1-2 syllables, just like larger dogs. Their excellent hearing means they’ll learn almost any name quickly. Since small dogs often have big personalities, don’t feel limited to “small” sounding names - many tiny dogs proudly carry bold, powerful names.

Can I give my small dog a “big” name?

Absolutely! Many small dogs have enormous personalities that suit powerful names perfectly. Names like Zeus, Thor, King, or Hercules can be endearing and fitting on a confident small dog. The contrast often adds charm and reflects the “big dog in a small body” attitude many small breeds possess.

Training Tips for Your Named Small Dog

Once you’ve chosen the perfect name, here are some tips specific to training small dogs:

Small Dog Training Considerations

• Positive reinforcement works best - small dogs respond excellently to praise and treats
• Be patient with house training - smaller bladders mean more frequent breaks
• Avoid “small dog syndrome” - train with the same expectations as larger dogs
• Use their name during socialization - small dogs need extra social confidence
• Practice recall in safe spaces - small dogs can be more vulnerable outdoors

Building Confidence Through Naming

Your small dog’s name will be one of their first learned words and a source of identity. Small dogs often develop the most personality when they feel secure and loved. Use their name during:

• Positive interactions - feeding, playing, cuddling
• Training sessions - building confidence through success
• Social situations - helping them feel secure around new people and dogs
• Daily routines - creating predictability and comfort

Remember, your small dog’s name represents the special bond you share. Whether you choose something that celebrates their tiny size, contrasts with their bold personality, or simply sounds beautiful to your ears, the perfect name will grow with your relationship and become a cherished part of your daily life together.

Small dogs may be little in size, but they’re enormous in love, loyalty, and personality. Choose a name that honors the big heart beating in that small chest!