Tough Dog Names – Amazing Ideas For Badass Pupsters

What are some tough dog names?

And why would you want to choose one for your dog?

This article takes a look into dog names and the importance of getting it right.

We’ve also included some suggestions for tough dog names for those hounds who won’t be messed with!

(Or at least look like it – they may be big softies at heart!)

The Importance Of Choosing The Right Name For Your Dog

Every dog has a different personality and look, and it’s important that your dog’s name suits him or her.

Some dogs are cute and cuddly, some are dainty and sweet, and some are just plain TOUGH!

Think about it, you really wouldn’t want to be heard calling your big, bruiser of a mutt in the park by a name like Trixie!

That would surely blow your dog’s street cred straight out of the water!

Naming Can Be Hard

So a cool name that suits your dog’s looks and personality is really important.

Now, when naming a new puppy, there is an element of guesswork when it comes to predicting how your pup will turn out.

This applies especially to crossbreeds whose future looks are something of a mystery.

However, if you buy a breed such as a Doberman, Rottweiler, Labrador, or an American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull), you can be confident that a tough dog name will suit their look.

Short, memorable names are simple for your dog to learn, making recall easier.

Steer away from really long names, even if they seem like a great choice, unless you can think of a suitable nickname for your pooch.

When you’ve chosen a name for your new puppy, remember to have him microchipped, and buy a name tag for his collar too.

Tough Dog Names For Lady Dogs

Just because your dog is female, doesn’t mean that she won’t suit a strong female dog name.

There are plenty of tough female dog names to choose from that could make your pup sound both ladylike and tough too.

You can find more names for female dogs at this link.

You may find inspiration for strong female dog names from bands or rappers, many of whom like to sound street-tough. Here are a few ideas:

• Dido
• Fergie
• Ke$ha
• Pitty

Tough Dog Names For Male Dogs

Tough dog names can look good on brawny guard dogs or on smaller, scrawny dogs that need to boost their image.

There are lots of male dog names at this link.

Tough Dog Names – Rock Bands And Rappers

There are plenty of bands and rappers who like to create a tough image or outlaw vibe.

Some of these names are great for tough male dogs too.

• Akon
• Arcade (short for Arcade Fire)
• Bruno
• Busta
• CeeLo
• Jayzee
• Linkin
• Neyo
• Outkast
• Stormsie
• Tayo
• Waylon
• Wyclef

Prisons

There are lots of tough prisons around the world that can be a source of inspiration for a good tough dog name.

• Al (after Alcatraz)
• Traz
• Chino (state prison for men in California)
• Hatfield (a tough prison in Yorkshire, UK)
• Parchman (the oldest maximum security men’s prison in Mississippi)
• Sing-Sing (maximum security state prison in New York)
• Riker (one of the largest US prisons, located on Riker’s Island in New York)
• Mo (after Guantanamo Bay)

Tough Dog Names With Meanings

Some names that are traditionally given to people are also suitable as tough dog names, because of their original meanings.

Here’s a selection that might appeal to you.

• Amir – from the Hebrew, meaning “powerful”
• Brendan – from the Gaelic, meaning “brave”
• Garvan – from Celtic, meaning “rough”
• Gunner – from the Swedish for “strong in battle”
• Lex – abbreviated form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men” in Greek
• Xander
• Ozzie – from the Hebrew, meaning “strong”
• Stalin – from the Hindu, meaning “man of steel”

You can find lots of inspiration for dog names among lists of baby names.

Baby name dictionaries also include the meaning of each name listed, making it simple to find a really meaningful tough dog name.

Tough Dog Names From History

Ancient history has produced some great names for heroes and tough guys that make perfect tough dog names too.

• Atlas – from Greek mythology who carried the world on his back
• Ajax – mythical Greek hero who held the entire Trojan army at bay during the Trojan war
• Hades – Greek god of the underworld
• Hera – Greek goddess known for her vengeful character traits
• Eris – the Greek goddess of discord and chaos
• Loki – the shapeshifting Norse god of troublemaking and mischief
• Samson – biblical character said to have superhuman strength
• Shaitan – Arabic name for the devil
• Thor – Norse god of thunder
• Titan – Greek giants of incredible strength

Scary Dog Names

If you want to give your pooch a really tough dog name, you might want to consider something really scary.

We think these fierce dog names are enough to make you quake in your boots!

• Hannibal – after fictional serial killer, Hannibal Lecter
• Lecter
• Satan
• Lucifer
• Spook
• Freddie – after Freddie Kruger
• Bullet
• Orc (after the vicious goblins in the Lord of the Rings)
• Sauron (evil wizard in the Lord of the Rings)

Tough Dog Names That Just Sound Tough!

There are some words that simply sound tough!

Here’s a selection that you might like to consider.

• Turbo
• Spike
• Sniper
• Rhino
• Reaper
• Razor
• Rampage
• Nitro
• Kevlar
• Hitman
• Duke
• Dozer
• Crusher
• Champ
• Brutus
• Bruiser
• Ammo
• Ajej – means “sandstorm” in Moroccan Arabic

Things To Remember When Choosing Tough Dog Names

When you think you’ve found the ideal tough dog name for your pup, there are a few things to bear in mind before you make your final decision.

Make sure that the name you choose has only one or two syllables.

Of course, you can use a longer name if you find one that you really like, but this can make it tricky for your pup to learn his name and come to call.

If you prefer a long tough dog name, abbreviate it to a nickname!

If you already have a dog, avoid choosing a name for your new pup that sounds too similar.

Avoid giving your new pup a name that sounds very like one of his training commands!

The name, Grit, is undoubtedly quite a fierce dog name, but it also sounds like sit!

And you don’t want your helpful hound to stay seated in the park when you actually want him to come back to you!

Try to think of a really unusual and unique tough dog name.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs that are called Rambo, Rocky, and Tyson!

Imagine the confusion that could be caused in the park and at your local vet surgery if you pick a really common tough dog name!

Tough Dog Names – Summary

Even the toughest-looking dogs can be loving and gentle.

However, if you have a fierce-looking pup, you might want a name to suit him.

We hope you find inspiration amongst our list of tough dog names!

If you do choose one of our suggestions, please tell us in the comments section below.

However, if you already have a dog with a great tough dog name, we’d love to know about that too!

References and Further Reading

Bounty – “Baby Name Search”

Behind The Name – “Ancient Greek Names”

American Kennel Club