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Don’t worry, the perfect girl dog name is out there. Go through the list below to find the right pick for your furry new family member—and be sure to read until the end. We’ve provided a few extra insights into dogs along with some tips for naming them.

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Do Dogs Know Their Names?

While in the wild, dogs communicate largely through smells and vocalizations, their domesticated counterparts have learned to do so through commands. As they settle into their new surroundings, dogs will eventually begin responding to their names. Whether that means trotting over to you when beckoned or tilting their head from across the room, it depends on the dog. Other signs that a new puppy recognizes the name her pet parents have decided on include:

Wagging tail Perked ears Barking Staring Looking alert Tail up

Of course, responding to her name and knowing her name are two different things, and science has yet to make it clear where on that spectrum your new dog falls. Dogs respond to hundreds of words, from “come,” “stop,” “no,” and, to be sure, their names. Some suspect that even more significant than the actual command is the tone it’s delivered in. So, if your dog responds playfully to your calls, it could just be because you said it in a playful tone. It’s also important to note that your new pet is trained to respond in certain ways to specific commands. “Here” means come, “no” means stop, and “sit” means well, sit. But their name? Well, that one isn’t usually tethered to a specific action. They just know that when you call them, they should respond. What that looks like probably depends on a few other factors.

How to Choose a Dog’s Name

What you decide to name your dog largely depends on what you like and what you think sounds good. That said, there are a few more things to keep in mind. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help you choose the best name for your new pup.

Don’t Make It Too Complicated

Long names can be tempting. Think about it—they’re distinct, they’re bold, and you’ll rarely run into someone whose pet is named the same. But there is a downside, and it revolves around how much your dog can really process. A long name runs the risk of failing to hold your dog’s attention. While short, sharp names demand immediate reactions, a longer pick can get lost in the mix. Stick to something short, easy to pronounce, and something that won’t attract eyes at the dog park.

Stay Away From Similar Sounds

Complexity isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to confusing your dog. You should probably also cross names that sound too similar to other everyday utterances off the list. Unfortunately, that category covers more ground than you might think. While the name Bo sounds like a perfectly reasonable pick, it also sounds a lot like “no,” a phrase you’ll probably be saying a lot in the days following your new puppy’s arrival. The same goes for names that have already been claimed within the household. So, if your daughter’s name is Hailey, maybe stay away from Bailey; if your wife’s name is Carly, then Charlie is likely a no-go. You get the idea.

Take Some Time to Get to Know Your Dog’s Personality

Just like their male counterparts, female dogs boast unpredictable, individualized personalities. While it’s understandable for a dog owner to decide on a name before picking up their new pet, it might pay off to wait until they get a better sense of the pup’s personality. Of course, you don’t want to take too long. The name is important to the training process, which should probably start sooner rather than later—especially if she’s still a puppy. But don’t worry if you think you made a mistake, you can always change it. You’ll just have to spend some time helping her adjust.

Wrapping Up

That’s it for our list! We hope you settled on the best female dog name for you and your pup. Be sure to check back with us soon for more ideas to share with the ones you love. You can also sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out!