Good dog names come in two varieties: the ones that come to you immediately, and the ones that take days or even weeks of painstaking research.
Anything in-between – any name you’ve simply “settled on” – is probably a mistake. After all, you and your dog are going to have to live with the name for a decade or more. It’s got to be perfect (no pressure).
The good news is, there are tons of articles and even whole websites to help you with your (obsessive and possibly unhealthy) dog name research. The bad news is, precious few of them are terrier-specific.
Terriers have unique origins, looks, and personalities – and that means that many of the standard dog names simply don’t hit the mark.
General Dog Naming Advice
That said, there are a few guidelines that apply when naming any new puppy. Dog experts generally agree that you should pick a name that:
- is one or two syllables
- rolls off the tongue (so you grab your dog’s attention quickly)
- doesn’t sound too much like a command (sit, come, stay, etc.)
But above all, you should choose a name that reflects your dog’s personality, even if it means ignoring those rules or the terrier-specific suggestions below.
Like people, dogs don’t always turn out the way their breeding would suggest. Fortunately, unlike humans, they can be named weeks or even months after they’re born – giving you plenty of time to get to know them before you make a decision.
One final note: You get bonus points for originality when naming a dog, though you should be careful not to take it too far. It’s advantageous if you can call out the name at the dog park and only have one dog come to you.
On the other hand, it’s problematic if the name is so weird that you hesitate to even speak it in public. Remember, what might seem clever at first can get tiresome after awhile, especially if you’re constantly having to explain the name to other people.
Terrier Names
The ideal terrier name suggests all the qualities that make these dogs unique – from their small, compact appearance to their feisty personalities.
Of course, you’re unlikely to find a single name that does all that, so focus on the one or two things that really stand out in your dog. It could be a scruffy mustache that reminds of you a bygone era, an impish nature, or just a weird habit the dog has.
Here’s a list of name to kick off your brainstorming.
Baxter
Benji
Bruno
Casey
Diesel
Finn
Gus
Harry
Izzy
Jack
Jake
Kirby
Louie
Max
Ringo
Rudy
Rupert
Scooter
Tango
Zeke
Babs
Bella
Bertie
Bonnie
Cassie
Chloe
Cookie
Daisy
Gabby
Lizzie
Lucy
Maddy
Maxie
Millie
Molly
Nellie
Ruby
Sadie
Sally
Winnie
Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier has been nicknamed “The American Gentleman” due to his distinctive tuxedo-like markings. But despite the formal wear, these dogs are actually the jokers of the terrier family.
Buster
Deuce
Dudley
Igor
Jeeves
Maestro
Oliver
Oreo
Tux
Winston
Allie
Bessie
Betsy
Dotty
Eleanor
Maud
Poppy
Roz
Shirley
Tootsie
Jack Russell Terriers
The Jack Russell Terrier is a tenacious little scamp that’s known for causing trouble and generally being a handful. Consider a name that suggests intensity or toughness.
Axel
Bugsy
Eddie
Harley
Iggy
Jaque
Rascal
Rex
Rocco
Taz
Cleo
Fanny
Lola
Maisie
Margie
Molly
Rosie
Roxy
Stella
Zoe
Miniature Schnauzers
The Miniature Schnauzer is a scrappy, very vocal little dog with a gruff appearance. Unlike most terriers, which originated on the British Isles, Mini Schnauzers were first bred in Germany.
Fritz
Guenther
Hans
Hedwig
Hugo
Klaus
Ludwig
Otto
Siegfried
Wolfgang
Gabby
Gertie
Gretchen
Heidi
Helga
Hanna
Ingrid
Matilda
Minnie
Wilhemina
Scottish Terriers
Many people choose to give their Scottish Terrier a Scottish name – which makes good sense, and leaves plenty of options. Scotties are also associated with the Good Old Days, as they were the most popular dog in America in the early 20th Century.
Angus
Duffy
Fergus
Fala
Jock
Laddie
Magnus
Murphy
Shamus
Webster
Agnes
Beatrice
Bridget
Dolly
Gracie
Katie
Maggie
Martha
Olivia
Sophie
Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier is more delicate and “fancy” than other types of terriers. Think about giving your Yorkie a name suggesting glamor and fabulous looks.
Adonis
Bam Bam
Bubba
Chewy
Cuddles
Gizmo
Killer
Nibbler
Peanut
Romeo
Bindy
Buttercup
Cricket
Gidget
Kiki
Lily
Mimi
Phoebe
Pixie
Princess
What did you name your terrier? Share in the comments section below. It might be a great help to other terrier owners out there.