Top Dog Names & Breeds 2025: What’s Trending and Why
Why dog names matter
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Choosing a dog’s name isn’t just about cuteness - it can influence training and communication.
Behaviour experts point out that a name is a training tool that helps your dog learn and respond - justanswer.com. Pick something distinct that doesn’t sound like common commands; avoid names like “Noah” that resemble “No”. For multi‑dog households, steer clear of similar vowel sounds (e.g., Shasta and Sasha) to prevent confusion.
Above all, choose a name you enjoy saying, since you’ll be using it thousands of times.
Trending dog names – Top 10 female and male names
Agria Pet Insurance analysed UK pet insurance policy data to identify the most popular puppy names.
For female dogs, the top names are Luna, Bella, Daisy, Poppy, Willow, Ruby, Bonnie, Lola, Coco and Winnie.
For male dogs, Teddy leads, followed by Milo, Charlie, Buddy, Max, Monty, Reggie, Cooper, Bear and Bertie.
These names are not only cute but also short and easy for dogs to recognise.
Why these names are popular
Luna: The name Luna has climbed to the top of the national list, bumping Bella down from its long‑held position. With the popularity of the moon symbol in pop culture and its link to calm, it’s no wonder so many owners find it appealing.
Teddy: Names that evoke softness and cuddliness (Teddy, Bear) remain fashionable because they reinforce the idea of dogs as beloved family members.
Nature‑inspired names: Poppy, Willow and Daisy signal an appreciation for the outdoors - fitting for our park’s nature‑rich location.
Traditional names: Classic names like Bella, Charlie and Max persist because they’re simple, timeless and easy for kids to pronounce.
Local twist
At The Dog Play Park we’ve noticed a strong showing for Teddy, Milo and Charlie among male dogs, while Luna and Daisy remain top picks for females.
If you’re looking for something unique but still trending, consider Nova or Maple (new‑entry names from U.S. data). For local flair, names like Cloud (a nod to the Congleton skyline) or Sandy make your pooch stand out.
Most talked‑about dog breeds in 2025
JustAnswer’s analysis of more than 115,000 owner–veterinarian conversations reveals that Chihuahuas have officially dethroned Labrador Retrievers as America’s most talked‑about dog breed.
Labradors remain a close second, with Sausage Dogs in third place. Yorkies and German Shepherds complete the top five.
French Bulldogs broke into the top ten for the first time, reflecting the popularity of smaller dogs.
What about the UK?
While UK‑specific data for 2025 is still emerging, Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels have historically topped British lists. However, French Bulldogs and Dachshunds are quickly gaining ground. If you’re considering a breed, research its exercise needs and temperament to ensure a good fit for your lifestyle. Our secure park welcomes all breeds but particularly benefits high‑energy dogs like Spaniels and Collies, who thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
How to pick a name that suits your dog’s breed and personality
Different breeds tend to attract different naming styles: Chihuahua owners gravitate toward names like Chloe and Mac, Lab parents prefer Daisy and Duke, and Pitbull families often choose Roxie and Beast. Observing your dog’s behaviour can guide your choice. A shy dog might suit a soft name like Willow, whereas a confident pup could pull off a bold name like Bear.
For an extra fun twist, you could pick a name related to your dog’s fur colour (e.g., Coco for a chocolate Lab) or use local geography (e.g., Cloud or Dane for those from Congleton and Biddulph). If you adopt a dog with an existing name, don’t worry - you can change it. Experts suggest using the new name consistently with an upbeat tone for about a week and rewarding your dog each time they respond.
Final thoughts
Selecting a name and choosing a breed are exciting first steps in your canine journey. Understanding national trends adds context, but the best name is one that fits your dog and makes you smile.
Whichever breed you choose - be it a playful Labrador or a pint‑sized Chihuahua - our award‑winning dog park provides a safe, off‑lead environment to explore and socialise. Feel free to test out names at the park; if your dog responds with a wagging tail, you’ve picked a winner.
