Names for Big Dogs — Choose Yours!

We tend to think that if our dog is a large or giant breed, it should be named Thor or Sultan so as not to undercut its imposing look. But even with XXXL-sized dogs, we can play with funny or original nicknames. All you need to do is notice what makes them unique. Today we suggest some names for big dogs.

We're also offering some basic guidelines to make choosing its name easier for you and well received by your pet. After all, the name you choose will stick with it for its entire life and will leave its mark on your relationship. Let's get started!

How to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Big Guy

Experts agree on a set of guidelines worth keeping in mind when considering your furry friend's name. Here's a summary:

• Make sure its name is different from any other word you use regularly. It could get confused and not internalize it as its own.
• It should be a short name, no more than two syllables.
• The vowels "a," "e," or "i" are easier for dogs to learn than "o" and "u."
• Once you've chosen the name, repeat it to your dog several times throughout the day so it gets familiar with it, and reward it when it comes to you. Always say it the same way, without nicknames or shortened versions.

Our Suggestions for Big Male Dogs

There are almost endless possibilities for finding the name that best fits your pet. You can draw from its physical or temperament traits, the way it moves, its energy level, its communication style, or pet names from movies, comics, or TV shows. Here are our suggestions.

Names for Delicate and/or Aloof Dogs

French names suit you perfectly if your dog, besides being big, is refined in its manners. Francis, Salma, Petit, Brioche, Gris, Denis, or Roco seem quite fitting to us — what do you think? They suggest a very original, well-suited contrast.

Names for Big, Barky Dogs

The surnames of great music icons pair perfectly with big dogs known for their vocal talents. We suggest Lennon, Lenny, Chopin, Mozart, Jackson, or Sinatra.

Names for Hyperactive or Wild Dogs

You can draw inspiration from weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or cyclones (Dorian or Igor, among others), or, if you prefer, from Norse Viking mythology with its fierce gods Thor or Odin. If your pet, on the other hand, is the complete opposite — very calm and slow-moving — names like Marley, Ziggy, or Sizzla are lovely too.

Names for Rough Dogs

If your dog's bulk comes paired with strength, and let's be honest, a certain roughness, you can go with the word "strength" in different languages. We mean Ares, Mars, Cronos, Draco, Azoi (meaning strength in Aramaic), Jaret (in Germanic), Oziel (in Hebrew), Thanos, or Seth (strength in Egyptian).

Famous Names for Big Male Dogs

Pop culture offers up countless alternatives: Pongo, Golfo, Rex, Odie (Garfield the cat's best friend), Snoopy, Milou, Brian (from the irreverent show Family Guy), Dogmatix (Asterix and Obelix's pet), Pancho, Argos, Anubis, Bart, Boris, Brutus, Buddy, Cooper, Duke, Gaston, Joker, Kyoto, Leo, Loki, Newman, Scar, Toro, Tyron, Vader, or Czar.

Original Names for Giant Male Dogs

If you still need more suggestions, take a look at the names we're offering now. We're sure you haven't heard of more than one of them.

Japanese names like Goku, Chiyo, or Hiroki are ideal for breeds of Japanese origin like the Akita Inu and Shiba Inu. Bixo, Baxter, Froy, Bru, Cru, Monty, Trasto, King, Neo, Vinni, Yako, Buktus, Krasty, Potter, Lolo, Rocky, York, Dino, Zizou, Kobe, Figo, Messi, Pau, Puskas, or Curro could be just as funny and easy to remember for you.

As you can see, you have a rich collection of names to choose from, and you'll surely find the perfect one for your dog. Remember to focus on whatever best captures your pet's personality, and you'll already have a good part of the work done. Have you already found your favorite among the big dog names we've shared with you?