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Although there are many exciting things about getting a new puppy, one of the most exciting is picking out his or her name. Although some of the “old school” names like Spot still work, check out our list of some very unique names and the meaning behind them.

Abe

Of English origin and meaning “Father of Nations,” it was also the name of the U.S.’s 16th president.

Ace

A term for the best card in the deck, “ace,” can also mean an expert or pro. 

Alfie

A classic 1966 rom-com starring Michael Caine that was remade in 2004 with Jude Law.

Ali

Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee who won Olympic gold in 1960 and was the boxing heavyweight champion along the way.

Alpha

The first letter of the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha, will let all the other dogs know who’s the top dog! 

Amigo

Meaning “friend” in Spanish, this is a perfect dog name for your new best friend. 

Andy

Short for Andrew, which means “brave” or “manlike” in Greek. 

Apollo

The name of the Greek god of sun and light also belongs to six outer space missions that successfully landed humans on the Moon. 

Astro

Greek for “of the stars,” and also Houston’s Major League Baseball team.

Atlas

 In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the world.

Avery

 This name of English origin means “ruler of the elves.”

Axel

 Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the name Axel has many other spellings, including Aksel. 

Bacardi

One of the all-time best-selling rums in the world.

Bailey

A creamy Irish liquor enjoyed in coffee in the morning or on the rocks in the evening. 

Baloo

The easygoing bear character of “The Jungle Book.”

Bandit

Meaning a thief, this pup name could be perfect for your little pup who stole your heart! 

Banjo A twangy instrument popularized by Earl Scruggs.

Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States.

Eli

Short for names like Elijah and Elliott, and meaning “elevated” in Hebrew.

Elvis

After “The King,” Elvis Presley, of “Jailhouse Rock” “Hound Dog” fame.

Fenway

Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball and home to the legendary Boston Red Sox.

Finley Signifying a “fair-haired hero” in Scottish.

Finn

For fair-skinned male dog names, this literally means “fair or white” in Irish.

Finnegan

Also means “fair-haired” in Irish.

Flash

A good name for a sporty-looking pup.

Flex

A name with a macho vibe.

Ice

For the dog who is cooler than the other pups! 

Igor

A common Russian and Polish name meaning “farm laborer.”

Jager

Short for Jägermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.

Jake

Short for Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”

Jager

Short for Jägermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.

Lincoln

The U.S. president on the penny, or a luxury automobile company.

Link

The main character in Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” video game series.

Linus

Sibling of Lucy and Rerun in the iconic “Peanuts” franchise.

Marlin

A fish found in oceans throughout the globe.

Marshall

A Scottish name meaning “lover of horses.”

Martini

A cocktail that’s a favorite of James Bond.

Ninja 

For a stealthy dog, or one with all black fur, like the ninja’s outfit.

Norman

Golfers can name their pup after “The Great White Shark,” former world No. 1, Greg Norman.

Noah

A biblical character known for his ark.

Porsche

The German maker of high-performance sports vehicles.

Presley

Last name of Elvis, the King of Rock’ n Roll. 

Raven A bird, an Edgar Allan Poe poem, and Baltimore’s NFL team.

Rebel

For the dog who goes against the flow and shakes things up. 

Red

The color of Mars, roses, bricks, and maybe your dog’s coat, too.

Teddy

Like a stuffed teddy bear, you’ll just want to snuggle with him.

Thunder A powerful name for the noise that comes after lightning.

The Pomeranian and Maltese have many great qualities. They are both friendly pups that love their family and look forward to seeing them. These dog breeds are very popular and have found their way into homes around the world thanks to their endless list of great qualities. If you are looking to learn more about for a smaller breed of dog that is kid friendly and mom approved this blog is for you.

History of the Pomeranian  

The Pomeranian is a miniaturized Spitz-type dog that originated in Pomerania, Germany in the 1800s. This breed was originally a larger dog that over time were bred to be the smaller dog they are today. “Poms,” as they are often referred to, have been warm and loving companion dogs that have won the hearts of people around the world.

Life With the Pomeranian

Pomeranians tend to be easy to maintain and live with.  Their double coat does require some extra brushing to keep looking good, but overall, they do not require excessive amounts of work. They also tend to be healthy pups because of their activity level and generally do not have a tendency toward obesity. They are normally up for learning new tricks and will gladly be the center of attention while showing these tricks off to family and friends. This breed of dog does well with other pets in the home and will quickly bond with any children. It should be noted that they are a smaller breed of dog so children do need to use a degree of caution while playing with them.

The Pomeranian’s Personality

The Pomeranian is a very smart, affectionate, and playful pup. This breed has a very charming and happy personality and a demeanor to match. The Pomeranian is very approachable and is not known to be aggressive or abrasive. They love their family and show it with their snuggles and licks. This breed has been around for a very long time and has made a truly amazing family pet.

Basic Breed Information

Male: 10-12 inches tall and 3-8 pounds
Female: 10 to 12 inches tall and 3-8 pounds

Physical Characteristics: Puffy and shiny coat with upright ears

Daily Exercise Requirements: About thirty minutes

Energy Level: High

Life Expectancy: Twelve to sixteen years

Drool Level:  Low 

Bark Level: High

History of the Maltese

For centuries, the Maltese spaniel has been the aristocrat of the K9 world. It is believed that the Maltese originated in Malta, Italy. The Maltese has been highly valued in society throughout history. One account is of a Maltese being sold in the 1500s for the equivalent of today’s $2,000. The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed as a “Maltese lion dog” at Westminster’s first dog show in 1877. In 1888 the American Kennel Club registered the Maltese.

Life With the Maltese

The Maltese is a very down to earth breed of dog that loves to socialize and spend time with his family. They are not overly rambunctious dogs but do have a lot of play in them. They also do not require excessive amounts of work to look good and enjoy a daily brushing and a warm bath every four or five weeks. They tend to adapt well in contemporary homes or apartments and get along well with other pets inside the house. This breed is a great companion dog and will win your heart in no time at all.

The Maltese’s Personality

The Maltese has a very personable and caring personality. They are easy to approach and not known for aggression or being very hyper. Many families that own this breed are repeat breed owners because they have had a lot of success with a past Maltese. This breed is generally a happy and loving breed that just wants to be loved.

Basic Breed Information

Male: 9-11 inches tall and 4-6 pounds
Female: 9-11 inches tall and 4-6 pounds

Physical Characteristic: Floppy ears with a smooth coat

Daily Exercise Requirements: About twenty minutes
Energy Level: Semi energetic
Life Expectancy: Twelve to fourteen years
Drool Level: Low
Bark Level: High

We all know the Poodle makes a great family pet. This breed of dog is also considered to be the smartest of dogs and has a very inquisitive and sharp mind. The Poodle is known to interact very well with people and other animals and loves one on one attention. For generations, the Poodle has been one of the most popular breeds of dog and it looks like this pup’s status will remain this way for a long time.

The Poodle is so well-liked that it has been bred with more than forty other dog breeds which have also proven to be a success. In this blog we will go over some of these breeds and talk a little bit about them.

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Goldendoodle and the Poodle. This breed has become one of the most sought-after dogs on the planet. They make great family pets as well as therapy pets. They are pleasant and do well with children in the household.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. This breed is very popular amongst those who suffer from allergies yet want a dog. This breed is smart and loyal and a joy to be around. They can also be found in a variety of colors.

Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a mix between the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. Loving, loyal and friendly best describes this breed of dog. They are known to have amazing personalities and to quickly bond with their family.

Whoodle

The Whoodle is a cross between the Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier and the Poodle. This breed of dog is also known as a Wheatendoodle, the Wheatenpoo, the Sweatendoodle, and the Sweatenpoo. These pups are friendly and energetic and are not known to bark a lot.

Westiepoo

The Westiepoo is a mix between the West Highland White Terrier and the Poodle. This is a smaller breed of dog known for its fluffy coat and high levels of energy. They do well with families that have active children.

Weimardoodle

The Weimardoodle is a cross between the Weimaraner and the Poodle. This breed enjoys his family and loves to be a part of everyday family activities. They are a kind and gentle breed of dog with a very warm and approachable demeanor.

Pomapoo

The Pomapoo is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Toy Poodle. This compact and energetic dog has the heart of a lion yet is very gentle and caring. They do quickly bond with family and love to be the center of your attention.

Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. This breed of dog is very popular and known to be very smart, energetic, and loyal. They love outdoor playtime and make lovely family pets.

Dalmadoodle

The Dalmadoodle is a cross between the Dalmatian and the Poodle. These are bigger dogs who are considered to be very smart. They enjoy socialization and one-on-one attention from their family.

Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Poodle. These dogs are known for their charming personalities and their alert watchdog mentality. They are not aggressive dogs and tend to do well with families that have children.

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle. These dogs are friendly, caring, social, and affectionate. They have funny personalities and tend to be happy when you are. They are considered to be the oldest of designer dog breeds with roots that date back to the 1960s. This breed is a great pet that the whole family will love.

Keeping your fur-legged friend contained on his property can be a little tricky at times, especially if he’s known for his Houdini abilities! We dog owners try everything to keep our pups safe and secure at all times, but every so often, they manage to get out and away from us. A dog on the run may think he’s just out for a joy run, but he is putting himself at risk of getting lost, injured, or even worse. If your pup is known to enjoy exploring alone, this blog may help you learn some tips and tricks for keeping him where he is supposed to be.

First, let’s understand why our pups try to get out, to begin with. The main reasons are:

• Boredom: Hanging out in a yard in the same environment with the same dog toys isn’t fun. Dogs of all breeds can suffer from boredom, though it’s more common in high-energy breeds. Cattle dogs are especially prone to this because being on the move and working is in their DNA.

• Looking for something beyond the fence: If a taunting squirrel gets your pup’s attention just beyond the fence, he may be inclined to try and catch him and have a “little talk” with him. This could also include a neighbor’s dog or children that your pup wants to play with.

• Anxiety issues: Anxious pups might escape the yard to flee something that is frightening them. This can include loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms. Their instinct creates them to want to run from the perceived threat.

• Being Lonely: If your dog tends to spend a lot of time outside with no interaction and alone, he may want to explore and find companionship elsewhere. Pups are social creatures and do have emotional needs like we do.

Ways To Prevent Your Dog from Escaping a Fenced-in Area

• Increase the height of your fence to make it more difficult for your pup to jump over or climb it.

• Eliminate any objects that they can use to reach the top of the fence. (Chairs, decorations, etc., that your pup can use to climb up.)

• Reconfigure your yard layout.

• Underground fencing to prevent digging their way out. Many dogs tend to dig under a fence to escape.

• Spread gravel at the base of the fence, which will help to temporarily fill in gaps.

• Pour concrete at the base of the fence, which will permanently fill gaps.

• Inspect and repair the weak or damaged areas of the fence that are open, not sturdy, or not fully secure.

• In some instances, replace the fence with a new one that is stronger and more secure.

Although many of these tips will help to prevent your pup from escaping, they are not guaranteed as our pups can be creative and, at times, a bit sneaky. There are other tools that many dog owners use to keep their pups safe. Basic GPS tracking collars are a great way to quickly find your pup should he get out. It is always recommended that your dog is microchipped, which will allow for a much quicker and easier return home should he ever get away. And lastly, a good old fashion collar with an ID tag on it will allow your pup to be brought home if he is found after escaping. Taking the time to make sure your pup is safe and secure now will result in a lot of saved time and grief should he escape.

As we enter summer and the temperature rises, we need to be mindful of our pups and their health. Although our pups do enjoy playing outdoors in all months, hot summer days do take a toll on them and paying extra attention to them and their needs is crucial. We have come up with a list of things to consider which will help keep your pup feeling his best as we enter the summer.

Provide Your Dog with Plenty of Shade and Water

Dehydration in dogs is a common occurrence but one that can be prevented. Making sure that your pup is well hydrated is the first step in preventing this. Having fresh drinking water available is key as is making sure your pup has ample shade while outside. Shade will allow your pup to escape the sun and help him cool down. Signs of dehydration quickly arrive and it is best to prevent before taking place.

Identify the Signs

Your pup’s normal temperature is between 100° and 103°F, which means anything above that means your pet’s health is in danger. Dogs do not sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool down. If your pup is outside and you observe any of the following, it may be a good time to bring him inside and allow him relax and lower his body temperature.

• Heavy or excessive panting
• Dry or bright red gums
• Thick drool
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Wobbly legs
• General look of exhaustion or discomfort
• Lethargic behavior
• Whining or barking

Never Leave Your Pet in The Car

Although your fur-legged friend most likely does enjoy a ride in the car, leaving him inside for any amount of time without the air conditioner on can be extremely harmful. The temperature inside a parked car can reach a temperature in very little time that is enough to cause your pup to overheat and die. This act is not only very dangerous, but illegal in many states as it is a form of animal abuse. Police are commonly called to public parking lots after someone observed a dog inside a car unattended. Cracking your windows is certainly not enough to keep your dog safe and is a bad practice.

Apply Ample Amounts of Sunscreen

Believe it or not, dogs are able to get sunburn just like we can. This especially for dogs that are light in color and or have very short coats. Sunburn can be very painful and eventually lead to major health issues such as skin cancer. If you are planning to take your dog outside, a fresh application of sunscreen should be applied every three to four hours. Be sure to pay special attention to areas such as his belly and ears as those are sensitive spots that tend to burn easy. The sunscreen used should be a pet-friendly one as human sunscreen can be toxic for dogs. Taking the time to do this will save a lot of time and pain for your pup later.

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Cool and Protected

Pets heat and cool from the bottom up. If you’re out in the sun together, try to keep your pet off of hot surfaces like cement and asphalt which are generally much hotter than grass and dirt. Hot surfaces will prevent your pup from cooling down and can cause their sensitive paws to burn which may require medical attention. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

Put Together a Travel Pack for Your Pup

If you plan on bringing your pup out for the day have items packed up that he will be able to use. Extra bottled water, sunscreen, and rags that can be dampened to help keep him cool are just a few. Plan out your adventure ahead of time and be sure there are rest areas that have shade. This will allow for a safer and much more enjoyable adventure for you and your pup.