Best small dog names for your petit pup

Tiny in size, big in paw-sonality – it’s why we love small dogs. From the playful Chihuahua to the spirited Yorkshire Terrier, these pint-sized pups sit on our laps, steal our hearts and bring endless joy to our lives. And what better way to celebrate their uniqueness than by choosing a small dog name to suit their stature?

Join us as we explore the best little dog names that are as adorable as your furry friend, from cute and cuddly names and ironic monikers to names that reflect their spunky personalities, we've got plenty of ins-paw-ration to help you find the ideal name for your petit pup.

When it comes to small dog names, it’s best to go big or go home…

Male small dog names

For your small sir, choose one of these small boy dog names to match his splendid stature…

• Max 
• Charlie 
• Cooper 
• Teddy 
• Milo
• Toby
• Rocky 
• Finn 
• Oliver 
• Jasper 

Related article: Boy dog names

Female small dog names

Picked a petite pooch? Ah, so adorable. No matter which breed, you’re sure to love one of these small female dog names…

• Bella
• Luna
• Daisy 
• Ruby 
• Coco 
• Lily
• Stella 
• Sadie 
• Poppy 
• Chloe 

Related article: Top female dog names

Cute small dog names

All pups are cute in our eyes. Especially small ones. To transform your small dog into an even cuter ball of fur, try one of these cute little dog names for size…

• Pippin
• Buttons
• Nugget
• Peanut 
• Muffin 
• Cupcake 
• Sprout 
• Biscuit
• Giggles 
• Pixie 

Related article: Corgi names

Unique small dog names

Your pooch is one of a kind. That’s why you’ve brought them into your loving home. So, why not gift your pup one of these unique small dog names to help them feel even more special?

• Zephyr 
• Nimbus
• Echo 
• Jett 
• Zuri 
• Maverick
• Zorro 
• Juno
• Django 
• Kismet 

Related article: Unique dog names

Short names for small dogs

We always recommend choosing short, one-or-two-syllable names anyway. But these small dog names are particularly suitable for pint-sized pups…

• Ace 
• Max 
• Rex
• Zoe 
• Ivy 
• Leo
• Mia 
• Ava
• Kai 
• Eli

Related article: Pug names

Food-inspired small dog names

Does your pooch remind you of your favorite snack? Or did you find them breaking into the biscuit cupboard? Whatever the reason for your food-related search, try one of these small dog names… 

• Olive
• Pepper 
• Ginger 
• Biscuit 
• Mochi 
• Pickles 
• Coco 
• Cinnamon 
• Honey
• Peanut 

Related article: Food names for dogs

Names for tiny dogs

Could these names be any smaller? If you’ve brought home a specially-sized pooch, check out these tiny dog names…

• Bitsy 
• Pip 
• Noodle 
• Mini
• Poco 
• Midge 
• Nano
• Pebble
• Twig 
• Atom 

Related article: Popular puppy names

Ironic small dog names

We all love a bit of irony, don’t we? From naming your Mastiff ‘Nano’, to calling your Chihuahua ‘Goliath’, there’s a laugh to be had from these ironic small dog names…

• Tank 
• Hulk 
• Goliath 
• Titan 
• Hercules 
• Moose 
• Everest 
• Avalanche 
• Kong 
• Bruiser 

Related article: Big dog names

Small dog names - tips

Great job! You're now ready to fetch the best small dog name for your pint-sized pup. Still a bit unsure? No worries, it's a big decision, but we're here to lend a helping paw.

First things first, it’s always best to celebrate your petit pup’s unique paw-sonality and adorable quirks. What makes them special or different? Are they a tiny ball of energy? A feisty little adventurer? Or maybe a lovable cuddle bug? Tailor their name to match their colorful canine character.

Also, when choosing a small dog name, make sure it's a breeze to say (unlike untangling their leash in the back of the car). Avoid names that are too long or complicated, unless you enjoy watching your pup tilt their head in confusion. And steer clear of names that sound like common commands, like “sit” or “wait”, unless you want your pooch to have a perpetual identity crisis. (Seriously, we hope you don’t).

Lastly, close your eyes (figuratively, of course) and imagine calling out their name at the dog park. Does it make you giggle with joy? If so, you're on the right track. Does it make you squirm with embarrassment? Well, maybe don’t pick that small dog name…

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