95+ Famous Dog Names

Famous dog names have always been a popular topic among dog owners. From movies and TV shows to real-life celebrities, people often look to famous names for inspiration when naming their furry friends. With so many iconic dogs and people in pop culture, it can be difficult to choose just one name. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive list of famous dog names to help make this decision easier for you.

Famous Dog Names in Literature

dog reading a book

Dogs have always been a popular subject in literature, and many famous books feature beloved canine characters. Here are some of the most famous dog names in literature:

  • Toto – The loyal companion of Dorothy in L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Toto is a small dog, but he is brave and always by Dorothy’s side.
  • Lassie – A beloved collie who starred in a series of books by Eric Knight, as well as several movies and a TV show. Lassie is known for her intelligence, loyalty, and bravery.
  • Buck – The main character in Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild.” Buck is a powerful and intelligent dog who is forced to adapt to life in the wild after being stolen from his home.
  • Argos – The faithful dog of Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.” Argos is the only one who recognizes Odysseus when he returns home in disguise after many years away.
  • Buddy – A golden retriever who starred in the memoir “A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron.
  • Clifford – The big red dog from the children’s book series by Norman Bridwell.
  • Cujo – The terrifying Saint Bernard from Stephen King’s novel of the same name.
  • Daisy – The loyal dog from “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
  • Dante – The dog from the video game “Devil May Cry.”
  • Dogger – The friendly dog from Shirley Hughes’ children’s book “Dogger.”
  • Fang – The boarhound from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
  • Fido – A famous dog name that has been used in literature and popular culture for centuries.
  • Fluffy – The three-headed dog from the first Harry Potter book.
  • Gromit – The intelligent dog from the Wallace and Gromit series of animated shorts.
  • Hooch – The French Mastiff from the movie “Turner & Hooch.”
  • Jip – The dog from Charles Dickens’ novel “David Copperfield.”
  • Lady – The pampered cocker spaniel from the Disney movie “Lady and the Tramp.”
  • Marley – The mischievous Labrador Retriever from the book and movie “Marley & Me” by John Grogan.
  • Max – The hero of “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein.
  • Milo – The dog from the children’s book “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster.
  • Nana – The St. Bernard from J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan.”
  • Old Yeller – The loyal dog from the classic novel by Fred Gipson.
  • Pongo – The Dalmatian from the book “101 Dalmatians” by Dodie Smith.
  • Rin Tin Tin – A German Shepherd who starred in many films and TV shows in the 20th century.
  • Scooby-Doo – The Great Dane from the cartoon series of the same name.
  • Shiloh – The beagle from the book and movie of the same name by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
  • Skip – The Jack Russell Terrier from the book and movie “My Dog Skip” by Willie Morris.
  • Snitter – The dog from Richard Adams’ novel “The Plague Dogs.”
  • Snoopy – The beagle from the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.
  • Sounder – The coonhound from the book “Sounder” by William H. Armstrong.
  • Spuds MacKenzie – The Bull Terrier from a series of beer commercials in the 1980s.
  • Tock – The watchdog from “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster.
  • Tramp – The stray dog from “Lady and the Tramp” by Walt Disney.
  • Ubu – The dog from Alfred Jarry’s play “Ubu Roi.”
  • Underdog – The superhero dog from the cartoon series of the same name.
  • Winn-Dixie – The dog from the book “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo.

Read Also: Food Inspired Dog Names

Famous Dog Names in Movies and Television

for famous dogs

Dogs have been a popular subject in movies and television for decades. From heartwarming family films to action-packed adventures, dogs have played a significant role in the entertainment industry. Here are some of the most famous dog names in movies and television:

  • LassieThis iconic collie starred in the television series Lassie from 1954 to 1973. Lassie was known for her bravery and loyalty, and she always found a way to help those in need.
  • Rin Tin Tin Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd who starred in numerous silent films in the 1920s. He later became a television star in the 1950s with the series The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. Rin Tin Tin was known for his intelligence and athleticism.
  • Benji – Benji is a mixed-breed dog who starred in several movies in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his scruffy appearance and his ability to solve problems and help those in need.
  • HoochHooch was a French Mastiff who starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1989 film Turner & Hooch. Hooch was known for his slobbering and drooling, but he was also a loyal and protective companion.
  • Beethoven Beethoven was a St. Bernard who starred in the 1992 film Beethoven. He was known for his massive size and his ability to cause chaos wherever he went.
  • Air Bud Air Bud was a Golden Retriever who starred in several sports-themed movies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was known for his basketball skills and his ability to win over audiences with his charm.
  • Scooby Doo – Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane who has been a beloved character in cartoons and movies since the 1960s. He is known for his cowardice and his love of Scooby Snacks, but he always manages to help solve mysteries with his friends.
  • Toto – The Cairn Terrier from “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), Toto was known for his unwavering loyalty and bravery alongside Dorothy in their adventures in Oz.
  • Old Yeller – The protagonist of the 1957 film “Old Yeller”, this Black Mouth Cur dog is remembered for his bravery and the strong bond he forms with his young owner.
  • Marley – From “Marley & Me” (2008), Marley is a Labrador Retriever known for his playful disobedience but also for the profound impact he has on his family.
  • Buddy – The Golden Retriever from “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993), known for his determination and leadership in bringing his fellow pets back home.
  • Cujo – The St. Bernard from Stephen King’s novel and the 1983 film “Cujo”, remembered for his terrifying transformation from a friendly dog to a dangerous creature.
  • Milo – The Jack Russell Terrier from “The Mask” (1994), known for his intelligence and for wearing the mask to save his owner.
  • Skip – The Jack Russell Terrier from “My Dog Skip” (2000), known for his loyalty and the significant role he plays in his owner’s childhood.
  • Shadow – Another Golden Retriever from “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”, known for his wisdom and patience.
  • Chance – An American Bulldog from “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”, known for his humorous personality and endearing clumsiness.
  • Baxter – The Border Terrier from “Anchorman” (2004), known for his survival skills and for being “the man’s best friend”.
  • Pongo and Perdita – The Dalmatian couple from “101 Dalmatians” (1961), known for their bravery and dedication to rescuing their puppies.
  • Hachiko – The Akita Inu from “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” (2009), known for his remarkable loyalty and the true story of waiting for his owner every day at the train station.
  • Lady and Tramp – The Cocker Spaniel and the Schnauzer mix from “Lady and the Tramp” (1955), known for their romantic spaghetti dinner and adventures.
  • Jerry Lee – The German Shepherd from “K-9” (1989), known for his intelligence and partnership with a police detective.
  • Max – The Belgian Malinois from “Max” (2015), known for his service in the U.S. Marines and his adaptability to life with his handler’s family.
  • Charlie B. Barkin – The German Shepherd mix from “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989), known for his cunning and eventual redemption.
  • Einstein – The Sheepdog mix from “Back to the Future” (1985), known as the first time traveler in the DeLorean.
  • Frank – The Pug from “Men in Black” (1997), known for his witty character and being an alien in disguise.
  • Sam – The German Shepherd from “I Am Legend” (2007), known for his companionship in a post-apocalyptic world.
  • Fang – The Neapolitan Mastiff from the “Harry Potter” series, known for his size and being Hagrid’s loyal pet.
  • Bruiser – The Chihuahua from “Legally Blonde” (2001), known for his fashionable outfits and being Elle Woods’ constant companion.
  • Sandy – The dog from “Annie” (1982), known for his role as the loyal companion to the main character, Annie.
  • Uggie – The Jack Russell Terrier from “The Artist” (2011), known for his role in silent film acting and winning the Palm Dog Award at Cannes.
  • Bolt – The White Shepherd from “Bolt” (2008), known for playing a superhero on TV and discovering the real world outside his show.
  • Shiloh – The Beagle from “Shiloh” (1996), known for his sweet nature and the heartwarming story of his rescue.

Read Also: Black & White Dog Names

Famous Cartoon and Animated Dog Names

Cartoon and animated dogs have been a beloved part of popular culture for decades. From classic cartoons to modern-day movies, there is no shortage of inspiration when it comes to naming your furry friend. Here are some of the most famous cartoon and animated dog names:

  • Snoopy – This beloved beagle from the “Peanuts” comic strip is known for his adventurous spirit and love of flying his doghouse.
  • Pluto – As one of Disney’s most iconic characters, Pluto is Mickey Mouse’s loyal companion and best friend.
  • Brian – The talking dog from the hit TV show “Family Guy” is known for his wit and sarcasm.
  • Scooby-Doo – This Great Dane is the star of the popular TV show and movies, known for his love of Scooby Snacks and solving mysteries with his human friends.
  • Lady – The Cocker Spaniel from Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp”
  • Goofy – The lovable, clumsy dog from Disney’s classic cartoons
  • Astro – The Great Dane from “The Jetsons”
  • Santa’s Little Helper – The Greyhound from “The Simpsons”
  • Clifford – The Big Red Dog from the children’s book series
  • Bluey – The main character, a lovable and energetic Blue Heeler puppy from the animated series “Bluey.”
  • Bingo – Bluey’s younger sister in the show, an imaginative and spirited Blue Heeler.
  • Bandit – The father in the “Bluey” series, a lovable and playful Blue Heeler who often engages in imaginative play with his daughters.
  • Chilli – The mother in “Bluey,” a caring and understanding Blue Heeler who participates in the family’s adventures.
  • Snickers – A mischievous and playful neighbor dog who occasionally joins Bluey and Bingo in their adventures.
  • Rusty – Bluey’s best friend, a helpful and loyal Australian cattle dog.

Read Also: Spanish Dog Names

Celebrity Dog Names

famous dog names

Many celebrities choose to name their furry friends after famous figures, places, or even objects. Here are some of the most popular celebrity dog names:

  • Boo: This adorable Pomeranian was owned by Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg. Boo became famous for his cute looks and his social media presence.
  • Tinkerbell: Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua became a celebrity in her own right, appearing in Hilton’s reality show “The Simple Life” and even having her own book and fragrance line.
  • Oprah: Eva Longoria and 50 Cent are among the celebrities who have named their dogs after the famous talk show host.
  • Norman: Both Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Aniston have chosen this name for their furry friends.
  • Atticus: Jake Gyllenhaal’s dog shares a name with the beloved character from Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
  • Bambi: Paris Hilton’s other famous dog is named after the Disney character.
  • Augie: Ellen DeGeneres’ dog has a simple and sweet name.
  • Asia: Lady Gaga’s French Bulldog has a unique and exotic name.
  • Baxter: Ryan Reynolds’ Golden Retriever has a classic and timeless name.
  • Brutus: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Bullmastiff has a strong and fitting name.

Further Reading