60+ Cartoon Dog Names: Classic & Modern Animated Inspiration

Looking for the perfect cartoon dog names for your animated-at-heart pup? Whether you grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons or enjoy modern animated films with your kids, cartoon-inspired names offer nostalgic, playful options that capture your dog’s personality. Our collection of 150+ cartoon dog names includes beloved characters from classic series, modern animations, and even adult cartoons.
Fun Fact: Many cartoon dogs have become cultural icons, with characters like Scooby-Doo and Snoopy recognized worldwide for over 50 years!
Most Popular Cartoon Dog Names
These iconic cartoon dog names have stood the test of time and remain favorites among pet parents looking for recognizable, character-inspired names.
Name | Origin | Personality Traits | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|
Scooby | Scooby-Doo | Loyal, Hungry | 98/100 |
Snoopy | Peanuts | Imaginative, Cool | 97/100 |
Pluto | Disney | Playful, Loyal | 95/100 |
Goofy | Disney | Clumsy, Kind | 94/100 |
Astro | The Jetsons | Talkative, Loving | 93/100 |
Brian | Family Guy | Witty, Sarcastic | 92/100 |
Lady | Lady and the Tramp | Elegant, Gentle | 91/100 |
Bolt | Bolt | Brave, Energetic | 90/100 |
Clifford | Clifford the Big Red Dog | Gentle, Friendly | 89/100 |
Courage | Courage the Cowardly Dog | Anxious, Heroic | 88/100 |
Scooby tops our list as the ultimate cartoon dog name, perfect for food-motivated pups who are always by your side (especially if treats are involved).
Snoopy, the philosophical beagle from Peanuts, makes an excellent name for dogs with big personalities and vivid imaginations who march to their own beat.
Astro from The Jetsons offers a retro-futuristic name that works wonderfully for dogs who “talk” a lot or have their own unique way of communicating with you.
Classic Cartoon Dog Names
These timeless names from the golden age of animation bring nostalgia and charm to any canine companion.
Name | Origin/Show | Best For | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|
Pluto | Mickey Mouse | Loyal companions | 96/100 |
Goofy | Disney | Silly, clumsy dogs | 95/100 |
Droopy | Tex Avery cartoons | Calm, stoic dogs | 94/100 |
Huckleberry | Hanna-Barbera | Southern charm | 93/100 |
Dino | The Flintstones | Energetic dogs | 92/100 |
Odie | Garfield | Simple, happy dogs | 91/100 |
Pongo | 101 Dalmatians | Spotted breeds | 90/100 |
Tramp | Lady and the Tramp | Street-smart dogs | 89/100 |
Perdita | 101 Dalmatians | Elegant females | 88/100 |
Spike | Tom & Jerry | Protective dogs | 87/100 |
Copper | The Fox and the Hound | Hunting breeds | 86/100 |
Bandit | Jonny Quest | Dogs with masks | 85/100 |
Nana | Peter Pan | Nurturing dogs | 84/100 |
Porkchop | Doug | Loyal sidekicks | 83/100 |
Buster | Arthur | Terrier types | 82/100 |
Droopy makes a perfect name for dogs with permanently sad expressions or calm, unflappable personalities – capturing the essence of the famously monotone cartoon character.
Pongo works wonderfully for Dalmatians (naturally) or any spotted dog with a playful, adventurous spirit like the 101 Dalmatians patriarch.
Spike suits protective, muscular dogs who are tough on the outside but gentle with family, just like Tom & Jerry’s bulldog.
Modern Cartoon Dog Names
For those who prefer contemporary animation, these names from recent cartoons and animated films offer fresh inspiration.
Name | Origin/Show | Best For | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|
Bolt | Bolt | Active, brave dogs | 95/100 |
Max | The Secret Life of Pets | Independent dogs | 94/100 |
Gromit | Wallace & Gromit | Intelligent dogs | 93/100 |
Dante | Coco | Hairless breeds | 92/100 |
Dug | Up | Friendly, distracted dogs | 91/100 |
Slinky | Toy Story | Long-bodied dogs | 90/100 |
Buster | Toy Story | Energetic dogs | 89/100 |
Rooney | Mickey Mouse Clubhouse | Playful pups | 88/100 |
Porkchop | Doug | Loyal companions | 87/100 |
Goddard | Jimmy Neutron | Smart dogs | 86/100 |
Snuffles | Rick and Morty | Small, fluffy dogs | 85/100 |
Kyle | Despicable Me | Quirky dogs | 84/100 |
Rufus | Kim Possible | Naked/hairless breeds | 83/100 |
Perry | Phineas and Ferb | Unique-colored dogs | 82/100 |
Appa | Avatar: The Last Airbender | Large, fluffy dogs | 81/100 |
Dante from Disney’s Coco makes a perfect name for Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless) dogs or any pup with a spiritual connection and loyal heart.
Dug from Pixar’s Up suits friendly, easily distracted dogs who love everyone they meet – “SQUIRREL!” – but remain devoted to their owners.
Goddard works well for particularly intelligent breeds or dogs who seem to understand everything you say, just like Jimmy Neutron’s robot dog.
Adult Cartoon Dog Names
For the grown-up cartoon enthusiast, these names from more mature animated series offer edgier options with adult appeal.
Name | Origin/Show | Best For | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|
Brian | Family Guy | Intellectual dogs | 96/100 |
Santa’s Little Helper | The Simpsons | Rescued greyhounds | 94/100 |
Peabody | Mr. Peabody & Sherman | Smart dogs | 93/100 |
Seymour | Futurama | Loyal waiters | 92/100 |
Vinny | Family Guy | Tough, street-smart dogs | 91/100 |
Ren | Ren & Stimpy | High-strung dogs | 90/100 |
Spunky | Rocko’s Modern Life | Simple, happy dogs | 89/100 |
Bender | Futurama | Mischievous dogs | 88/100 |
Krypto | DC Comics | Strong, heroic dogs | 87/100 |
Dino | The Flintstones | Excitable dogs | 86/100 |
Akamaru | Naruto | Loyal partners | 85/100 |
Ein | Cowboy Bebop | Corgi breeds | 84/100 |
Jasper | Family Guy | Sophisticated dogs | 83/100 |
Sharky | Eek! The Cat | Intimidating dogs | 82/100 |
Muttley | Wacky Races | Snickering dogs | 81/100 |
Brian Griffin makes an excellent name for dogs who seem wise beyond their years or who enjoy sitting with you during your evening cocktail.
Seymour from Futurama offers a touching tribute to one of animation’s most loyal dogs – perfect for patient pups who would wait forever for you.
Ein is ideal for Corgis, as a nod to the data dog from the anime classic Cowboy Bebop – great for surprisingly intelligent small dogs.
Non-Dog Cartoon Character Names
These names inspired by non-canine cartoon characters work wonderfully for dogs with matching personalities or appearances.
Name | Origin/Show | Best For | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|
Mickey | Mickey Mouse | Small, black dogs | 95/100 |
Simba | The Lion King | Golden/red dogs | 94/100 |
Stitch | Lilo & Stitch | Blue dogs/troublemakers | 93/100 |
Tigger | Winnie the Pooh | Bouncy, energetic dogs | 92/100 |
Elsa | Frozen | White/silver dogs | 91/100 |
Woody | Toy Story | Loyal, brave dogs | 90/100 |
Shrek | Shrek | Large, green-eyed dogs | 89/100 |
Nemo | Finding Nemo | Orange/white dogs | 88/100 |
Olaf | Frozen | Friendly, white dogs | 87/100 |
Pooh | Winnie the Pooh | Honey-colored dogs | 86/100 |
Ariel | The Little Mermaid | Red-haired dogs | 85/100 |
Buzz | Toy Story | Adventurous dogs | 84/100 |
Moana | Moana | Island/water-loving dogs | 83/100 |
Aladdin | Aladdin | Street-smart dogs | 82/100 |
Pascal | Tangled | Color-changing dogs | 81/100 |
Stitch makes a perfect name for small dogs with big attitudes and a tendency for mischief – “small and fluffy but still destructive!”
Tigger suits bouncy, enthusiastic dogs who greet you with excitement every time you come home – dogs who are “bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy!”
Pascal works wonderfully for adaptable dogs who blend into any environment or situation, just like the color-changing chameleon from Tangled.
Cartoon Dog Names by Personality
For Brave, Heroic Dogs
- Underdog
- Bolt
- Krypto
- Courage
- Mighty
- Hong Kong Phooey
For Silly, Playful Dogs
- Goofy
- Odie
- Pluto
- Scooby
- Stimpy
- Taz
For Intelligent, Thoughtful Dogs
- Brian
- Peabody
- Gromit
- Ein
- Goddard
- Snoopy
For Loyal, Devoted Dogs
- Seymour
- Hachiko
- Pongo
- Copper
- Lady
- Perdita
FAQs About Cartoon Dog Names
What are the most popular cartoon dog names?
Based on our research and adoption data, the most popular cartoon dog names are Scooby, Snoopy, Pluto, Goofy, and Brian. These names have remained consistently popular due to their recognizable characters and easy pronunciation. For female dogs, Lady (from Lady and the Tramp) continues to be one of the most popular cartoon-inspired names.
What was the dog’s name on The Jetsons cartoon?
Astro was the Jetson family’s beloved Great Dane. Known for his unique way of speaking (adding “R” sounds to words, like “Rello, Reorge!” instead of “Hello, George!”), Astro was a loyal and lovable character. This makes Astro a perfect name for dogs who seem to have their own language or who are particularly vocal.
Are cartoon dog names good for training?
Many cartoon dog names make excellent training names because they’re short (one or two syllables) and contain hard consonant sounds that dogs can easily distinguish. Names like Max, Bolt, Dug, and Spike are particularly effective for training. However, avoid names that sound similar to common commands – for example, “Kit” sounds too much like “sit.”
What are some famous cartoon dogs that aren’t well-known?
While everyone knows Scooby-Doo and Snoopy, there are many wonderful cartoon dogs that deserve recognition. Some lesser-known but fantastic cartoon dogs include Goddard (Jimmy Neutron), Snuffles/Snowball (Rick and Morty), Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog), Dino (The Flintstones), and Ein (Cowboy Bebop). These characters offer unique name options that aren’t as common.
What is the name of the cartoon dog that laughs?
Muttley is the famous snickering, wheezing dog from “Wacky Races” and “Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines.” His distinctive laugh makes him one of animation’s most recognizable canine characters. This name works well for dogs who make unique sounds or seem to laugh at your jokes.
Training Tips for Dogs with Cartoon Names
When choosing a cartoon-inspired name for your dog, consider these training aspects:
- Choose names with distinct sounds that won’t be confused with commands
- Consider the length – one or two syllable names like “Bolt” or “Pluto” are easier for dogs to recognize
- Avoid names that sound like common commands – “Beau” sounds like “no,” which could confuse your pup
- Test the name by calling it in different tones and volumes before finalizing
- Make sure everyone in the household can pronounce the name consistently
Whether you’re a lifelong animation fan or simply appreciate the nostalgia of cartoon characters, giving your dog a cartoon-inspired name adds personality and charm. From classic Saturday morning cartoon dogs to modern animated heroes, these names celebrate the joy, loyalty, and sometimes silly nature of our canine companions. Just like their animated inspirations, dogs with cartoon names are sure to bring color, adventure, and happiness to your life every day.
Related Dog Name Themes
More Dog Name Ideas
Looking for even more options? Check out our other lists of dog names grouped by popularity, breed, theme, first letter, size and color to help you find a name as unique as your new puppy.