60+ Cartoon Dog Names: Classic & Modern Animated Inspiration

60+ Cartoon Dog Names: Classic & Modern Animated Inspiration
Share:

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!

These iconic cartoon dog names have stood the test of time and remain favorites among pet parents looking for recognizable, character-inspired names.

NameOriginPersonality TraitsPopularity
ScoobyScooby-DooLoyal, Hungry98/100
SnoopyPeanutsImaginative, Cool97/100
PlutoDisneyPlayful, Loyal95/100
GoofyDisneyClumsy, Kind94/100
AstroThe JetsonsTalkative, Loving93/100
BrianFamily GuyWitty, Sarcastic92/100
LadyLady and the TrampElegant, Gentle91/100
BoltBoltBrave, Energetic90/100
CliffordClifford the Big Red DogGentle, Friendly89/100
CourageCourage the Cowardly DogAnxious, Heroic88/100

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.

NameOrigin/ShowBest ForPopularity
PlutoMickey MouseLoyal companions96/100
GoofyDisneySilly, clumsy dogs95/100
DroopyTex Avery cartoonsCalm, stoic dogs94/100
HuckleberryHanna-BarberaSouthern charm93/100
DinoThe FlintstonesEnergetic dogs92/100
OdieGarfieldSimple, happy dogs91/100
Pongo101 DalmatiansSpotted breeds90/100
TrampLady and the TrampStreet-smart dogs89/100
Perdita101 DalmatiansElegant females88/100
SpikeTom & JerryProtective dogs87/100
CopperThe Fox and the HoundHunting breeds86/100
BanditJonny QuestDogs with masks85/100
NanaPeter PanNurturing dogs84/100
PorkchopDougLoyal sidekicks83/100
BusterArthurTerrier types82/100

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.

NameOrigin/ShowBest ForPopularity
BoltBoltActive, brave dogs95/100
MaxThe Secret Life of PetsIndependent dogs94/100
GromitWallace & GromitIntelligent dogs93/100
DanteCocoHairless breeds92/100
DugUpFriendly, distracted dogs91/100
SlinkyToy StoryLong-bodied dogs90/100
BusterToy StoryEnergetic dogs89/100
RooneyMickey Mouse ClubhousePlayful pups88/100
PorkchopDougLoyal companions87/100
GoddardJimmy NeutronSmart dogs86/100
SnufflesRick and MortySmall, fluffy dogs85/100
KyleDespicable MeQuirky dogs84/100
RufusKim PossibleNaked/hairless breeds83/100
PerryPhineas and FerbUnique-colored dogs82/100
AppaAvatar: The Last AirbenderLarge, fluffy dogs81/100

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.

NameOrigin/ShowBest ForPopularity
BrianFamily GuyIntellectual dogs96/100
Santa’s Little HelperThe SimpsonsRescued greyhounds94/100
PeabodyMr. Peabody & ShermanSmart dogs93/100
SeymourFuturamaLoyal waiters92/100
VinnyFamily GuyTough, street-smart dogs91/100
RenRen & StimpyHigh-strung dogs90/100
SpunkyRocko’s Modern LifeSimple, happy dogs89/100
BenderFuturamaMischievous dogs88/100
KryptoDC ComicsStrong, heroic dogs87/100
DinoThe FlintstonesExcitable dogs86/100
AkamaruNarutoLoyal partners85/100
EinCowboy BebopCorgi breeds84/100
JasperFamily GuySophisticated dogs83/100
SharkyEek! The CatIntimidating dogs82/100
MuttleyWacky RacesSnickering dogs81/100

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.

NameOrigin/ShowBest ForPopularity
MickeyMickey MouseSmall, black dogs95/100
SimbaThe Lion KingGolden/red dogs94/100
StitchLilo & StitchBlue dogs/troublemakers93/100
TiggerWinnie the PoohBouncy, energetic dogs92/100
ElsaFrozenWhite/silver dogs91/100
WoodyToy StoryLoyal, brave dogs90/100
ShrekShrekLarge, green-eyed dogs89/100
NemoFinding NemoOrange/white dogs88/100
OlafFrozenFriendly, white dogs87/100
PoohWinnie the PoohHoney-colored dogs86/100
ArielThe Little MermaidRed-haired dogs85/100
BuzzToy StoryAdventurous dogs84/100
MoanaMoanaIsland/water-loving dogs83/100
AladdinAladdinStreet-smart dogs82/100
PascalTangledColor-changing dogs81/100

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

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.

Share:

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.