AUSTRALIA’S MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES REVEALED

Aussies are in the business of reserving special names for their pets, and it seems we are not alone.

According to two surveys just released, Charlie and Bella top the list of Australia’s most popular male and female dog names respectively. And while the monikers on that list bear little resemblance to Australia’s most popular children’s names – they do form part of a worldwide canine phenomenon.

During extensive research for her new book World of Dogs, well-known pet behaviourist Lara Shannon found Charlie and Bella not only topped the list of Australia’s favourite dog names but also worldwide.

That research corresponds with a new study undertaken by insurance provider Budget Direct and content marketing agency Neomam Studios, which found that found that Charlie, Max and Buddy are the top three male dogs names in Australia over the past year. Bella, Molly and Coco were found to be the most popular female names for dogs.

The comprehensive study referenced and cross-checked dog registries, animal welfare charities and animal insurance providers.

According to the Budget Direct study, Luna, Bella and Lola are the top three most popular female girls names in the world, while Max, Charlie and Buddy are the most popular names for boys.

However, there is very little resemblance between the names Aussies give to their fur babies and those gifted to their human babies. Only two of the most popular top 10 male and female dogs names are also on the list of most popular children’s names – Charlie and Jack.

That list is based on a study from McCrindle research earlier this year.

In the process of coming up with a name for your new dog, Ms Shannon, who also stars as a presenter for Channel 10’s Pooches at Play, said it’s best to choose something that won’t confuse your canine.

“It’s best to have a short, sharp name that is really clear so your dog can quickly and readily understand you,” she said.

“You want your dog to know you’re calling out and you don’t want it to be confused. A two syllable name that is high pitched at the end is ideal for that.

“You also don’t want a name that might sound like a command because that can cause confusion too.”

Ms Shannon said people also need to be wary of the effect an unusual name can have on both dog and owner, if it’s not right.

“You should definitely be mindful of children calling out the name, anyone you might offend at the dog park or words that might startle or set off a panic,” she said.

“Cutesy is OK, but you also might want to consider the embarrassment factor for you and the dog if you do give it a strange name. Of course the dog won’t know, so it is the overall human embarrassment factor you need to think about.

“But if you’re calling out a name and people are looking and laughing at your dog it might confuse or freak an anxious dog out a little.”

The list of the top five most popular male dog names is rounded out by Oscar and Milo, for females it is Ruby and Lucy.