Pet Health

105 Small Dog Names for Little Pups (Name Ideas)

Discover 105 adorable small dog names perfect for your little pups! From quirky to classic, find the ideal name that fits your tiny companion's personality.
Author: Veterinary Team
Dial A Vet
Updated
June 6, 2025
|
Published
June 6, 2025
Colorful collage of small dog breeds with playful expressions, showcasing cute small dog names for little pups.

Video Call an Aussie Vet now for just $49 AUD

Dial A Vet is available in Australia, NZ, Canada, United States & Canada!
Speak to A Vet Now

Choosing the perfect name for your small dog can feel like a big decision. After all, your pup’s name is something you’ll say countless times every day, and it should reflect their unique personality and charm. Whether you’re bringing home a Chihuahua, a Maltese, or a tiny mixed-breed, we’ve compiled 105 small dog names to help you find the ideal fit for your little companion.

🩺 Vet Recommendations

Small dogs often have big personalities, so their name should match their character. As a veterinarian, I recommend choosing a name that is short, easy to pronounce, and doesn’t sound too similar to common commands like “sit” or “stay.” This will make training and communication much easier for both you and your dog.

Here are some tips for picking the right name:

  • Consider your dog’s size, personality, and appearance.
  • Choose a name with one or two syllables for simplicity.
  • Test the name by saying it out loud to see how it feels.
  • Think about how the name might grow with your dog over time.

📋 Care Tips: Name Ideas for Your Small Dog

Below, we’ve categorized 105 small dog names into themes to make it easy for you to find inspiration. Whether you’re looking for something cute, funny, or unique, there’s a name here for every tiny pup.

Cute Names for Small Dogs

  • Daisy
  • Peanut
  • Buttercup
  • Bella
  • Pixie
  • Snickers
  • Sprout
  • Marshmallow
  • Honey
  • Poppy

Funny Names for Tiny Pups

  • Tank
  • Goliath
  • Moose
  • Biggie
  • Chunk
  • Yoda
  • Nugget
  • Biscuit
  • Rascal
  • Cheddar

Elegant Names for Sophisticated Dogs

  • Chanel
  • Gatsby
  • Bijou
  • Amelia
  • Jasper
  • Oliver
  • Sophia
  • Lulu
  • Monet
  • Ella

Unique Names for One-of-a-Kind Dogs

  • Echo
  • Nova
  • Ziggy
  • River
  • Wren
  • Indigo
  • Scout
  • Lyric
  • Atlas
  • Fable

Pop Culture-Inspired Names

  • Grogu
  • Elsa
  • Simba
  • Stitch
  • Leia
  • Frodo
  • Arya
  • Hermione
  • Chewie
  • Snoopy

✅ Do’s and Don’ts

When naming your small dog, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

  • Do choose a name you love, as you’ll be using it for years to come.
  • Do pick a name that’s easy to say and remember.
  • Don’t select a name that sounds like a common command (e.g., “Kit” might sound like “sit”).
  • Don’t change your dog’s name frequently, as it can confuse them.

Remember, your dog’s name is an important part of their identity. It should be something that brings a smile to your face and fits their personality perfectly.

💡 Expert Advice

If you’re still unsure about what to name your small dog, don’t rush the decision. Spend a few days getting to know your pup’s personality. Are they playful and energetic, or calm and cuddly? Their behavior can help guide you toward the perfect name.

Additionally, you can involve your family or friends in the naming process. Sometimes, hearing someone else’s perspective can spark a great idea.

FAQs

Q: How long should I wait to name my new puppy?
A: It’s best to name your puppy within the first week of bringing them home. This helps establish a bond and makes training easier.

Q: Can I change my dog’s name if they’re already older?
A: Yes, you can change your dog’s name, even if they’re older. Use positive reinforcement and consistent training to help them learn their new name.

Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.

References

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this content - including vet review where applicable - this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is unwell or you are concerned, please speak with a licensed veterinarian. You can book a $49 online consultation with our veterinary team  😄
Speak to A Vet Now

🐾 You Might Also Like

📈 Popular Pet Topics Right Now

🧠 Ask A Vet Questions and Answers
Is a dog CCL injury diagnosis a best guess or definitive?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Does my cat have IBD?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tail Tip Necrosis - How is my dog's wound going?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What stage kidney disease is my dog? What else can I do for her? Prognosis?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vet wants to put down my dog
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Does the cat we're about to buy have any visible issues?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐