Finding the right name for a small boy dog can be a lot of fun.
Small dogs may have tiny bodies, but they can have huge personalities.
Whether your little companion is playful, energetic, cuddly, confident, or surprisingly tough, the right name can reflect what makes him special.
Take your time and see which names seem to fit your little guy best.
Cute Male Small Dog Names
- Archie
- Benny
- Biscuit
- Buddy
- Charlie
- Cody
- Cooper
- Finn
- Gizmo
- Louie
- Milo
- Ollie
- Peanut
- Percy
- Pip
- Remy
- Teddy
- Toby
- Wally
- Winston
Short and Easy Male Small Dog Names
- Ace
- Bo
- Boo
- Dash
- Duke
- Gus
- Jax
- Kai
- Leo
- Max
- Nico
- Otis
- Rex
- Rio
- Sam
- Scout
- Theo
- Troy
- Ziggy
- Zane
Male Small Dog Names for Big Personalities
- Bandit
- Bolt
- Bruno
- Champ
- Diesel
- Flash
- Hunter
- Maverick
- Rocky
- Rocco
- Ryder
- Shadow
- Spike
- Tank
- Thor
- Tiger
- Tucker
- Turbo
- Tyson
- Zeus
Unique Male Small Dog Names
- Bowie
- Cosmo
- Dexter
- Elio
- Fable
- Hobbes
- Jasper
- Koda
- Mochi
- Nash
- Nimbus
- Otto
- Pixel
- Quincy
- Ranger
- Rolo
- Sonny
- Sparky
- Tater
- Waldo
Tiny and Playful Male Dog Names
- Bean
- Button
- Churro
- Doodle
- Goober
- Jellybean
- Munchkin
- Nugget
- Pickle
- Pogo
- Popcorn
- Pudding
- Scooter
- Smidge
- Snoopy
- Sprout
- Tater Tot
- Tofu
- Waffles
- Widget
How to Choose a Male Small Dog Name
Choosing a name for a small dog can be surprisingly difficult.
You want something that sounds good, fits his personality, and will still feel right years from now.
These five tips can help you narrow down your choices.
1. Consider His Personality
Your dog’s personality can be one of the best sources of inspiration.
Is he energetic and fearless?
A name like Bolt, Flash, or Turbo might be a good fit.
Is he relaxed and affectionate? Something like Teddy, Louie, or Milo may suit him better.
Spend a little time getting to know your new dog before making your final decision.
His personality may point you toward a name you hadn’t originally considered.
2. Think About His Size
Small dogs often inspire names that playfully emphasize their tiny size.
Names such as Bean, Nugget, Peanut, Smidge, and Button can be especially fun for little dogs.
You can also go in the opposite direction and give your tiny dog a big name like Tank, Thor, or Zeus.
Either approach can work. Sometimes the contrast between a tiny dog and a powerful name is what makes the name memorable.
3. Choose a Name That’s Easy to Say
You’ll probably say your dog’s name many times every day, so choose something that rolls easily off your tongue.
Short names such as Max, Milo, Gus, Leo, and Toby are easy to call across the yard and easy to use during training.
If you choose a longer name, make sure you’re comfortable with the way it sounds when spoken quickly.
4. Make Sure It Doesn’t Sound Like a Command
Before settling on a name, say it alongside some common dog commands.
You don’t want the name to sound too much like words such as “sit,” “stay,” “no,” or “down.”
A name that sounds clearly different from everyday commands can make communication easier, particularly when you’re training a young dog.
5. Say It Out Loud Before You Decide
A name can look perfect on a list but feel completely different when you actually say it.
Try calling your dog by your favorite names several times. Imagine introducing him to friends, calling him at the dog park, and using the name when you’re playing together.
Pay attention to which name feels natural and seems to match him.
The best male small dog name doesn’t necessarily have to be the most unusual or clever choice.
It simply needs to be a name you love saying and one that feels like it belongs to your dog.