So, you’re bringing home a new puppy or rescue dog–now what? Well, congratulations on becoming a dog parent! First things first, every dog needs a name. 

You need something to call your new furry friend that they can identify and respond to. But how do you know which name is right for your dog? Girl dog names are easy to come up with (or maybe that’s just because a woman wrote this!). Coming up with unique male dog names is a bit of a challenge. 

You could go classic with a name like Fido or Bingo. Over the past decade, it’s become popular to give male dogs more proper human names. But if you want your pup’s name to stand out at the dog park, we have some inspiration for you. 

Most Popular Male Dog Names

Curious which boy dog names are trending? Whether you want to stick to the status quo or steer clear of it, here are the most popular boy names for dogs: 

1. Charlie
2. Cooper
3. Max
4. Milo
5. Oliver
6. Buddy
7. Rocky
8. Teddy
9. Bentley
10. Tucker
11. Duke
12. Leo
13. Winston
14. Bear
15. Toby
16. Louie
17. Jack
18. Murphy
19. Jax
20. Finn

Unique Male Dog Names

If you aren’t into trendy names, that’s okay, too. Here are suggestions for unique male dog names you won’t hear every time you go to the dog park. You can even get creative and make up a new of your own. 

1. Huxley
2. Nimbus
3. Ozzy
4. Cassius
5. Albie
6. Mars
7. Juno
8. Rhys
9. Ringo
10. Banjo 
11. Enzo
12. Apollo

Charmingly Cute Boy Dog Names

Just because your dog is male doesn’t mean they need an overly masculine name. We love our soft boys! Here are a few cute boy dog names that are a perfect fit for fluffy breeds:

1. Ollie
2. Benny
3. Chewie
4. Bambi
5. Chauncey
6. Remy
7. Binky
8. Cashmere (Cash for short) 
9. Lucky
10. Coco
11. Buddy
12. Boo
13. Biddy
14. Munchkin
15. Buttons
16. Woofy
17. Skippy
18. Fluffy
19. Shaggy

Nature-Inspired Boy Names for Dogs

If your new puppy will join you on outdoor adventures, a nature-inspired name is the way to go. Earthy male dog names are perfect for pups who love a good hike, swimming, or running through grass. 

1. Oakley
2. Ranger
3. Gunner
4. Rio
5. Buck
6. Cosmo
7. Hawk
8. Ash
9. Maverick
10. Moose
11. River
12. Flint
13. Aspen
14. Glacier
15. Forest
16. Ocean
17. Storm
18. Scout
19. Hunter
20. Orion
21. Badger
22. Drake
23. Storm
24. Cedar
25. Timber
26. Rooster
27. Sunny

Food & Drink Boy Dog Names

Inspiration for male dog names can come from anywhere–even your dinner plate. Who can resist cuddling a dog named Waffles? These cute boy dog names are as sweet to say as they are to eat:

1. Pickles
2. Cocoa
3. Biscuit
4. Crouton
5. Popcorn
6. Cola
7. Whiskey
8. Donut
9. Pepper
10. Pretzel
11. Pancakes
12. Mac
13. Beans
14. Mochi
15. Snickers
16. Churro
17. Brownie
18. Coffee
19. Beef
20. Nacho
21. Brew
22. Applejack
23. Chip
24. Pumpkin

New Dog Parent? Here’s What to Know

Choosing the perfect name is only the beginning of your dog parenting adventure. It’s an exciting (and sometimes, overwhelming) experience to bring home a new pet. Here are a few quick tips to help you navigate the first few weeks with your pup. 

Establish a Routine

When it comes to dogs, structure is everything. An established routine makes training, feeding, and exercise much easier for you and your pup. Try your best to feed, walk, and potty train your dog around the same time each day. It builds trust and helps you both navigate this new lifestyle. 

Socialize Early

One of the best things you can do for a puppy is to prioritize socialization. Expose your pup to new people, other dogs, and environments outside your home as early as possible. This can prevent anxiety in dogs and help your pup build confidence with others. 

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies are very similar to human babies. They teethe, develop new skills quickly, eat a lot, and are curious. Try to ensure anything dangerous or delicate is out of reach of your puppy. At that age, dogs are still learning their boundaries, so they aren’t sure what’s okay to chew on yet. 

Find a Vet & Vaccinate Early

It’s not safe to visit the dog park or socialize your pup with others until they are fully vaccinated. Puppies have a weaker immune system and are more at risk of diseases like parvovirus. Find a vet you can trust and keep up to date on your dog’s vaccinations. 

Choose the Right Puppy Food

Quality puppy food fuels your dog to grow up healthy and strong. Skip the kibble and opt for fresher diets with clean ingredients, like Sundays for Dogs. Sundays’ beef and turkey dog food recipes are AAFCO-approved for dogs of all ages, including large breed dogs.