Small dogs may come in compact packages, but their personalities are anything but! From sassy Chihuahuas to bubbly Yorkies and bouncy Pomeranians, these pint-sized pups are often the biggest characters in the room. Whether your little companion is playful, cuddly, mischievous, or fierce, they deserve a name that celebrates their spirit. We’ve rounded up the best names for small dogs, inspired by their size, sass, and even a few famous pups!
Table of Contents
- Names That Celebrate Their Small Size
- Food-Inspired Names
- Names for Playful and Mischievous Small Dogs
- Names for Sweet and Loving Small Dogs
- Brave and Bold Names for Small Dogs
- Names Inspired by Famous Small Dogs
- Final Thoughts
Names That Celebrate Their Small Size
Embrace your dog’s teeny-tiny stature with a name that highlights just how adorable and miniature they are:
- Tiny – Straight to the point and oh-so-cute
- Pebble – Small and solid, just like your pup
- Midge – A cute name for a very small dog
- Pixie – A magical name for a tiny creature
- Button – Because they’re as cute as one
- Smidge – Just a little dash of adorable
- Pip – Short, sweet, and full of charm
Food-Inspired Names
Whether your small pup is sweet, spicy, or just a bit nutty, take inspiration from these delicious name ideas:
- Cupcake – Ideal for a dog that’s as sweet as frosting
- Peanut – A classic choice for any small dog
- Olive – Small, stylish, and full of personality
- Toffee – For a caramel-colored cutie
- Mochi – Soft, squishy, and totally lovable
- Bean – Ideal for tiny pups
- Nugget – Perfect for a golden little fluffball
- Marshmallow – Ideal for a pup with a white fluffy coat
- Pickle – For a pup with a tangy personality
- Chili – Small but mighty!
- Berry – A juicy name for a vibrant little dog
- Noodle – For a wiggly pup with lots of bounce and personality
- Sprout – Perfect for a tiny dog with a zesty little spark!
- Cocoa – Ideal for brown-coated dogs
Names for Playful and Mischievous Small Dogs
Does your pup zoom around the house, steal socks, or keep you on your toes? These names suit the cheeky ones!
- Zippy – Always moving at lightning speed
- Pogo – For a dog who loves to bounce
- Rascal – A little troublemaker with a heart of gold
- Dash – Perfect for fast little legs
- Bubbles – Full of energy and pop!
- Wiggles – For a wiggly, wriggly bundle of joy
- Tinker – For a curious pup always tinkering around
- Zoomer – For a dog who’s always on the go
- Skippy – A lively and upbeat name
- Nifty – For a clever and agile little dog
Names for Sweet and Loving Small Dogs
If your tiny dog is a devoted snugglebug who follows you everywhere, these affectionate names are just right:
- Cuddles – Because that’s what they do best
- Lulu – Soft, feminine, and oh-so-sweet
- Maple – Warm, gentle, and full of love
- Daisy – Cheerful and loyal
- Milo – A gentle and friendly name
- Teddy – As cuddly as a stuffed bear
- Rosie – Sweet and classic
- Nala – Loving, loyal, and majestic
- Joy – For the little one who lights up your life
- Buddy – A friendly and loyal name for your tiny best friend.
Brave and Bold Names for Small Dogs
Small but fierce? These names capture the mighty spirit of tiny dogs with big confidence:
- Tank – Ironic and adorable for a little powerhouse
- Rex – A regal name meaning “king”
- Xena – Warrior pup alert!
- Spike – Tough on the outside, cuddly on the inside
- Rocky – A name for the underdog with grit
- Blaze – Fast, bold, and full of fire
- Moxie – For a pup with guts and gumption
- Jet – Sleek and bold
- Stormy – A force to be reckoned with
- Nova – Bright, powerful, and unforgettable
Names Inspired by Famous Small Dogs
Looking to name your pup after a celebrity pooch or pop culture pup? These small dogs made a big impression:
- Toto – Dorothy’s beloved sidekick in The Wizard of Oz
- Bruiser – Elle Woods’ adorable Chihuahua in Legally Blonde
- Gidget – Star of The Secret Life of Pets
- Boo – The “world’s cutest dog” turned internet star
- Frank – The talking pug from Men in Black
- Tinkerbell – Paris Hilton’s iconic Chihuahua who basically invented the designer dog-in-a-handbag trend of the 2000s.
- Slinky – The lovable dog from Toy Story.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect name for your small dog is one of the most fun and important parts of welcoming them home. Whether you go with something adorable, cheeky, bold, or inspired by pop culture, the best names for small dogs capture the personality behind the pint-sized pup.
What’s your tiny dog’s name? Share your favorites in the comments — we’d love to hear them!
