Your dog’s name is one of the most important words that they will ever learn. We humans develop attachments to our names early in our lives. Conversely, a dog learns to associate their name with something happening after they hear it. Their name becomes more of a cue than a personal identifier. They’ll eventually learn that after their name crosses your lips, the next words that you speak will be important or relevant to them.
Choosing the right name is not only a special part of dog ownership, but their name also serves an important purpose in their life. Determining the perfect name for an Australian Shepherd can be a bit of a science, but we’re here to help. Keep reading for a breakdown of the best Australian Shepherd dog names.
How to Name Your Australian Shepherd
You already know why choosing the right name is important for your dog’s development, but how do you go about picking the perfect one? There are basic guidelines to follow if you want to choose a name that’s both cute and efficient at getting your pup’s attention.
- Names with one or two syllables are not only easier for you to say, but they’re short enough to grab and keep your dog’s attention.
- Names that are short and choppy sounding will perk up your dog’s ears faster than longer names. For example, “Huckleberry Finn” is a cute name, but it has five syllables and takes a while to say. A better name or nickname might be Huck, as it’s short and to the point.
- A name with a sibilant consonant is another great option because it helps your pup to distinguish their name from the ambient noise in their environment. Names with sharp consonants like “s,” “sh,” or “zh” are quite effective, as are ones with crisp and commanding-sounding consonants like a “k” or hard “c.” Kaiser, Kosmo, and Krista are great examples.
- Avoid names that sound like commands that you’ll eventually be teaching your dog. “Ray” sounds like “stay.” “Bo” sounds like “no.” “Britt” sounds like “sit.”
- If you live in a multi-pet household, avoid the urge to name your pets similar-sounding names. While Trixie and Pixie sound adorable on paper, you’ll be setting both you and your dogs up for disappointment when it comes time to train them. Pet names should be distinguishable from one another.
- If you plan on registering your pet with the American Kennel Club, you might want to take a look over its rules to ensure that your dog’s name is eligible for registration.
Now that you know how to pick a great pet name, let’s take a look at the best Australian Shepherd dog names out there.
Male/Boy Australian Shepherd Names
Male dog names can come from nature, TV shows, or your favorite masculine hobby. You might even choose a name that comes from your unique heritage.
Here are a few of our favorite names for a male Australian Shepherd puppy:
- Bear
- Milo
- Finnley
- Charlie
- Max
- Ollie
- Jasper
- Beau
- Loki
- Thor
- Blu
- Atlas
- Fog
- Koda
- Wally
- Jack
- Lake
- Riley
- Asher
- Dallas
- Cooper
- Bodhi
- Oscar
- Mac
- Chip
- Blaze
- Ozzy
- Ruger
- Milo
- Tank
- Rocco
- Luke
- Benny
- Oliver
- Ace
- Jax
Female/Girl Australian Shepherd Names
Female animal names are often derived from nature, foods, and our favorite TV or book characters. When it comes to choosing a name for your girl Australian Shepherd, you might consider something feminine and flowy.
Here are a few of our top picks for the best female Australian Shepherd puppy names:
- Khira
- Minka
- Pippa
- Roxy
- Venus
- Zelda
- Stella
- Paisley
- Sakura
- Daisy
- Bailey
- Enya
- Lila
- Kaci
- Maci
- Maddy
- Trixie
- Mabel
- Kiki
- Clara
- Lucy
- Pixie
- Izzy
- Hazel
- Maggie
- Gaia
- Buffy
- Sooky
- Juno
- Mia
- Maya
- Zoey
- Zeena
Australian Shepherd Names With Ties to Their Heritage
The Australian Shepherd’s name is a bit misleading. They did not originate in Australia, as their breed title would suggest, but instead in the United States during the Gold Rush. They were originally bred to herd livestock, and many still maintain that working dog ethic, 160 years later.
Here are unique Australian Shepherd names that will tie back to their Klondike Gold Rush heritage, along with a few that are a nod to the “Australian” part of their name:
Gold Rush-Inspired Australian Shepherd Names
- Goldie
- Gold
- Rush
- Nero
- Klondike
- Dooley
- Bennett
- Gideon
- Benji
- Bela
- Twain
- Yukon
Australia-Inspired Australian Shepherd Names
- Barbie
- Kylie
- Adelaide
- Aussie
- Bondi
- Hobart
- Joey
- Coral
- Irwin
- Steve
- Dundee
- Wentworth
- Roo
- Bonzer
- Taz
Australian Shepherd Names Relating to Their Coat Colors
Australian Shepherds can have many different colors in their coats. In fact, they are well-known for their unique colorations and variable coat patterns. The Official United Kennel Club standards allow for blue and red merle, solid black, solid red with/without white markings, and/or copper points.
Here are great color-themed names for your Australian Shepherd based on their coat color:
- Blue Coat
- Indigo
- Iris
- Bluebell
- Bluey
- Azure
- Sapphire
- Aster
- Cobalt
- Denim
- Grover
- Lapis
- Skye
- Sonic
- Red Coat
- Scarlet
- Cinnamon
- Chili
- Brick
- Coral
- Poppy
- Lava
- Marigold
- Clifford
- Rusty
- Phoenix
- Berry
- Curry
- Blaze
- Sparky
- Ruby
- Black Coat
- Asher
- Nova
- Eclipse
- Jet
- Onyx
- Sable
- Smokey
- Salem
- Twilight
- Cobalt
- Pepper
- Raven
Conclusion
Naming their dog is one of the most exciting things that new pet owners get to do. We hope that this comprehensive list has helped narrow down a few prospects for you to choose from. Don’t be afraid to give a few names a test run before settling on one. Say it aloud, and feel how it rolls off your tongue. Think about what possible nicknames you could come up with.
Regardless of which name you choose, you and your new pup will have many years together to look forward to. Enjoy every moment of the adoption process, and congratulations on your new addition!
Featured Image Credit: JitkaP, Shutterstock
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