Maggie, Maggie Mae, Magdelene, Margaret, Princess Maggie, Princess Margaret, The Divine Miss M.
Tootsie, Toots, Toot Toot, Tootie-Potootie, Tootsie-Roo, Tooter-Rootie, Tootsie Roll, The Poot.
That’s a lot of names for two dogs. But is there anyone on earth who doesn’t have a number of nicknames for their dog (or cat, or horse, or . . .)?
Three questions for you:
One: Do you think there is a correlation between how many nicknames you have for your pet and how close you are to them?
Two: Do you know of a book with nothing but lists of women’s nicknames for their pets? It exists; I had it in my library but now can’t find it. I couldn’t locate it online either (although I’ll keep looking). Please let us know if you know what I’m talking about; the book is a treasure.
Three: Most importantly, and with a ridiculous amount of joyful anticipation, what is your list of nick names? (All species welcome.) I am going to begin my mornings reading your lists, and I guarantee you it’ll be a great way to welcome the day.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: The Divine Miss M wants you to know that it’s been awful, AWFUL! here. Tall Two-Leg Female had “complications” with her eye surgery, whatever those are, and we’ve hardly worked sheep at all. AT ALL. And Tall Two-Leg Male has had a stomach virus, so he’s no help either. I AM SO BORED. PLEASE RESCUE ME, signed, Princess Margaret.
Here’s a photo of me, the Divine Miss M, that Tall Two-Leg Female likes a lot, taken by Steve Dahlgren, a professional photographer who came out a few weeks ago for a photo shoot. Stay tuned for more photos in the near future.
Tootie-Poototie would like you to know that Maggie, as usual, is being a drama queen. She doesn’t see what the fuss is about, except that Tall Two-Leg Female gets into a weird posture when she picks me onto the couch, or to get up the stairs. Something about the “don’t bend down” instructions from her doctor, whatever those are. She is calling herself the Queen of Squats.
This is me, Toot Toot, below, also taken by the man with the huge black, big eye thing. It made Maggie nervous, but I’m braver than she is. (Just let me at those sheep! I’d teach them a thing or two.)
Tall Two-Leg Female would like you to know that “not bending over” for an avid gardener this time of year and the owner of a geriatric, tiny dog and the caretaker of 8 paws in a mudmare of a farm is not an inconvenience, it’s a mini crisis. A crisette, if you will. The good news is that the surgery complications resulted in weekend visits to her eye doctor, who said that yes, you can plant some bulbs one day before the restrictions are lifted. Yay! (TTLF wants you not to worry, all will be fine in a few weeks.)
She wasn’t going to plant any bulbs at all this year, given all the work generated by the new landscaping and gardens. 24 Daffodils, 65 Hyacinths, 20 Tulips, 15 Crocus and 3 Wake Robins (total experiment) later, that plan didn’t work out too well.
After two 3-4 inch snows last week, it pretty much was now or never on the bulbs. The last ones to plant were above Willie’s grave. This summer it was riotous with the reds, pinks and oranges of zinnias. Next spring, just a little after a year since Willie died, it will be full of bright yellows and creamy whites.
TTLF would like to end by thanking Maggie Mae and Tootie Potootie for providing their soft, comforting bellies for belly rubs. And that she can’t wait to read your list of nick names.
Timaran says
Hi Trisha. I’m glad that you are recovering from your eye surgery and that you can plant your bulbs. I don’t have a ton of nicknames for my two GSDs, but they are so bonded to me (and I to them), that I don’t think the number of nicknames is correlated. But anyway, here goes…
Ronan: Ronan-boy, Big Guy, Sweet Boy, Handsome Boy.
Tamsen: Tam-tam, Sweet Girl, Baby-Girl, Sweet-Pea, Pretty-Baby.
I look forward to reading others’ nicknames
CLAIRE SANDBOTHE says
Fly (blue Merle aussie) – blue
Kira – kira girl, girlie
Dax – daxinator
Jadzi- jadzi, sweet sweet, sweetness, midget.
My list is short but well used. All dogs.
grrlpup says
Cat, official name Simone: Muffin, Princess, Sea Monster, The Charming Little Roommate. 🙂
Alex Speers says
I’m sorry you had complications! That must’ve been scary and I hope all is going well and the restrictions are lifted soon :):):)
I love the dog nickname game! I can’t wait to read these lists! My dogs have many nicknames (their full names are reserved for actually calling their attention and getting rewarded for coming…we are in no danger of accidentally calling their full names haahaha)
Red border collie, 3.5 years old, girl: Zucchini, also known as Zuc, ZucZuc, Zucci, pants, pumpkin-muffin-cupcake-pants, sweetie, boolaroo, Zucatook, moomoo, poophead, angersface, doggle-girl, stinky, and mooshmott
Black n white border collie, 6 months old, boy: Fennel, also known as Fen, FenFen, Fenster, Minister of DeFENSe, monster, LOUD monster, stinky, freckle-face, Sir, dear sir, poopster, mancake, man-boy, small man, piglet, pinky, and piranha
Trisha says
OMG I love these!
Trisha says
Six names for one dog seems like a lot to me! Thanks for writing in. 🙂
Trisha says
Boy, you can tell a lot about your dogs by their nick names! (Give Jadzi a kiss for me!)
Trisha says
Sea Monster? I envision a cat with tentacles coming out of her head . . .
marymark says
Max, Maxie, Mr Max, Mr Moo, Moozles, Woofles, Sleepy boy, Stinky boy, “Maximus Quintus Albion Lynn” = fake pedigree name for a rescue mutt when only a FULL NAME will do.
Barbara says
Speaking for myself, I can’t say there’s a correlation between closeness and number of nicknames. When I was a kid growing up, I was never allowed to have a dog or cat which I longed for, but did have a guinea pig. When I was older and on my own, I got a cat. I loved and cherished both of these pets and they lived relatively long lives.
Frisky and Dixie – no nicknames.
Now I have an American Eskimo dog – all white with black lips and nose, 11 years old –
Rocky: Rock, Rocky Socky, Rocky Top
Of course, I love this guy dearly, too. I like to use “Rocky” when giving commands and save the nicknames for play. Regardless of their names, these three pets stand out as a meaningful part of my life and were special companions I needed at the time.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with that book of names.
Lastly, may I come over next spring to smell your 65 hyacinths? Some people say they remind them of a funeral parlor but I absolutely love their fragrance! 😉
Debby Gray says
Oh yes, I recall the no bending rule from my 2nd eye surgery just about a year ago! Hope all.goes well and you will.be bending soon.
My dog MAC already a nickname for McKinley:
Macky, Wacky Macky. Big MAC, Mack a Doodle
MeMe (named by Lab rescue): Meem, The Meemster, Creamy MeMe, MeMe WeMe,
Monty: Montezuma, Montilicious, Mr Monty
lynn says
Gila’s notable nicknames include: Gilia Bedelia (after the children’s book character Amelia Bedelia, who interprets requests literally-but-inconveniently), Gila Monster, Monster Monster, Clobberella, Nurse Sneezy, Hog-Dog, and Heebers.
Chama’s nicknames include: Chama Llama Ding Dong, Gremlin, Hoppin’ Turd, Littlebutt, Sassypants, and The Cat (just to be clear, she is a dog).
Wishing you & Jim both speedy recoveries, Trisha!
Chris says
Monty: Montague, Monster, Monts Monts, Mo Mo, Jaunty Monty and Sweet Rabbit. The last one is spoken endearingly with a bit of an eye roll 😉
And thank you so much for all of your books and dog wisdom! They have been so vital towards understanding our sensitive guy.
Good thoughts and good health to everyone on the farm!
Margaret says
Nina (Flat-Coat),8yo, whom I’ve had since she was 9 weeks: Nina the Whina, Needlenose, Ninanoodles, Dingbat, and a couple unsuitable for a family blog.
Kate (Keeshond), 5yo, whom I’ve had about 15 months: Sweetiekate and Stopthat.
I suspect the difference in both number and frequency of use is that Nina came to me as a young puppy and Kate as an adult; even though Kate and I have bonded like superglue I didn’t have her during the cute puppy phase. (Pause to wonder what’s wrong with me, because Kees puppies are as adorable as teddy bears, and I got both of mine as adults.)
Kaari says
Just finished reading your whole blog and “The Education of Will.” Love all of it!
My girls are 3-year-old staghound littermates, failed coyote hunters. Their nicknames are:
Potter: Hotter Potter, Potsticker, Master Blaster (yes, the girl has a lot of greyhound in her), Potsy, Potter You Rotter, FlufferNutter
Kaja: Kajers, Pups, The GooGoo (yes, she’s named after the 80’s band who had a one-hit wonder “Too Shy”), Girlie Girl.
Collectively, my husband (who works from home) calls them “The Productivity Reduction Team,” or “The Team” for short.
Diane says
Thor’s given name: Thor the Magnificent. Thor, Thorman, Thorster, Thornado, Mr. Thor, Junior, Sweets, Mr. Dog, Stinky Butt. And probably more that don’t come to mind right now, or shouldn’t be put in a blog. All said with affection, Well, “Thor” gets used both affectionately and at times a little more…..”robustly”.
I don’t know if the quantity of nicknames correlates to how close you are to your pet(s), but there’s no denying the love with the combination of nicknames, pictures, flowers and memories.
Diane Mattson says
Hope you are recovering quickly from eye surgery and Jim getting over his virus.
Bridget has a lot of nicknames: Snuggle Puggle, Little Dog, Little Girl, Snicklefritz, Bridgety – Bridget and Puggle and Hound Dog.
They are ridiculous, but what are you going to do?
Lisa H says
Java (almost 13 yr old BC) is his name and his nicknames include Runi, Javaruni, Javers, Mr. Handsome, Hot Dog Head, Blue-eyed Boy, My Love.
Lola’s (9 yr BC) nicknames include Lo, Lola Pop, Poppers, Pumpkin, Wild Child
SD says
Hope your eyes heal quickly. Love the photos of the dogs!
My dog’s name is Mishmish, which means apricot in Hebrew. She’s a Golden mix, so I can imagine the girls who found her as a puppy couldn’t resist the name. My nicknames for her are Meesh, Moosh, Mooshmoosh, Meeshy Baby, and Doofus.
Erin says
Pepper-Pepperdoo, Pepperoni toni, Pepperchini tini, Pep, P-p-p-PEPPER! (This is our 1 year old pup)
And our cats are….
Wrex- Wrexerford, Wrexasuares Wrex
Clementine- Clem, Clemmers, Pip
Hope your eye is better and thanks for writing!
Margarita Palacio says
My black tri brothers
Scout aka scout the lout, scout outi, beautiful boy
Cody aka Codybear, bear, gorgeous boy
Can you tell which one does naughty things sometimes by his nickname?
Darlene says
Sorry to hear about your eye “complications” and hope recovery now kicks into high gear!
I have to sit down and think to come up with all the names I call all of my dogs…but here goes:
Zeke the bc – Zman, Zekey, Zeeeeeeeeeee (usually before he goes off course on the agility field!), Mr Z.
Whip the bc – Cool Whip, Whippy
Cayenne the dobe – Cay, Princess Red
Jazz the gsd – Jazzy, J
Rumor the bc puppy – Ru, Trouble, and my fav…Hey you, stop that! But I hope that one passes out of use as she gets a bit older!!
It is fun reading all the nicknames 🙂
Dana says
Oh this is so much fun!
Layla- Layla Shalayla, Boo- Boo
Tucker- T-Bone, Tuka Tuka T
Zulu- Zulu Magoolu
Zeke- Zeke-A-Zoid, Freak A Zoid
All of these are said in a sing dingy fashion.
Ann says
Poor pups! Life IS upsetting when the humans in your world aren’t up to snuff.
Nicknames for Woody, our 9 month old chiweenie/Yorkie boy: Woodrow, the Woodman, Woody-Dog, Woody-boy, Woodster, Wooster, Mr. Wood, Doggo, Dogster, Sweet-boy, Mr. Snuggles.
gayle says
This post reminded me of something that happened at a nose work trial I was at recently. It was the second search with the same judge and I tend to be very exuberant when my dog makes a find so when I finished my search the judge looked at me and said the paper says your dogs name is Ollie but I don’t think I ever heard that – I heard “B” , Bug, Button and a few others but I never heard Ollie!! He had actually written them down on my sheet!
Yup, my boy Ollie is; Ollie B, Bug, Love Bug, Button, B, and sometimes Oliver or Oliver Wendel – I have no idea why or where the Wendal came from!! But that is only used in rare occasions when he has frustrated me.
Mason says
Pushkin: Push-Don’t-Pull, Terrierist, Pushy Push
McCracken: Mack Crack, McCrickety, Mack Quack
Notley: Nots, Naughty Nots
All: Cuppy cakes, Pup Tarts, Gang
Plus the mantra: “I’m sooooo lucky to have you!”
Franny says
Our boxer/hound mix Lily:
Dizzy Miss Lily
Princess Lily (of course)
Silly Willy Lily
Wiggle Princess (or Princess of Wiggles)
Little One
My Little Friend
The photos are extraordinary
Carolyn M Henry says
Snowy has variations on his name: Snow, The Snow Man, Snowish, and Snowylicious are the most common.
My BC and one of my Dachshunds are partners in crime so get joint names (when you speak to one the other is there so what the heck?) – Butch, Sundance / Frick, Frack / Beavis, Butthead, Twiddle Dee, Twiddle Dumb / Stilt, Shorty
I’m very bonded to all of them but Snowy is now 13 1/2 and we’ve been together since he was one. He and I have done a lot of road time together showing in various states…he still competes in Fast Cat which he can continue to do as long as he wants to and is physically able to. He’s simply special.
Kay says
Lilly
Lilly of the Valley
Little Girl
Princess
Little One
Her Majesty
Jill Leggio says
Lucy= lulu…lucinda…lucifer (My husband’s name for her…no comment)…loopdido…loopy…lulubelle…
Lori says
Warm wishes for your continuing recovery. Love all those nicknames for your little pack, and wondering if any of your sheep have nicknames as well! Fun reading all the nicknames in the Replies.
We’re down to one doggy, a 16 lb, 8+ yrs Cavalier cross named Lucy. She came to us at 18 months with “issues,” and, clueless to start, we tackled allergies, submissive urination, loose poo, and fearfulness. Some of Miss Lucy’s nicknames arose naturally from her early challenges…Lucy Lulu, Loosey, Crazy Lucy, Cra Cra, Wee Wee. (Is that just wrong…??) The rest of her nicknames arose from her sweet nature and how much she is loved. Baby, Beebee, Lil Schweetie, Lil Miss, the Queen, Stretchy, Girlie, Little, and The Barker. Good grief, we’ve lost our minds!
Many of your books have informed our force-free trainer, and now us as well. “The Education of Will” was life-changing for me, and I thank you for that.
Again, wishing you a full recovery.
Jean carr says
Our’s is a 15-year old Bailey, and I have spent all 15 of those years giggling at the pun: hey Bails. It never gets old.
Melinda says
Sunshine. The shine. Shiney. Mooch. The mooch. Moochie. Pooh bear and little toot.
All the same dog…
Kirsty says
Cap, the retired sheepdog we adopted out of a farm shed, with a view to giving him comfort in his few remaining years, turned out in fact to be fairly immortal, living to 18 and costing us a fortune in OAP medications. He was long haired and left a tide of hair that lasted long after he did. To put him at his ease in his new surroundings I sang a song reassuring him that he and his fur were welcome. I don’t recall all the verses but some of the lines went:
ScamperBear ScamperBear, we don’t care about your hair,
ScamperBear ScamperBear, we are happy that you share…
I don’t know if the neighbours overheard that ditty but they must have been aware of his extensive list of titles… Scamperpants, Mr Capicus, Capysaurus, etc.
Our current foster (hmmm) goes by Miss Molly, Molly Wolly, Mollteser, Your Magister, and Piglet!
Jen says
Love the name game!
Kinka (ACD) -> Binks, Binksie, Binksie Muldoon, Muldoon, Doonie, Doons, Schmoop, Poopers
Annie (cat) -> Banannie, Banana Pants, Pants, Panties,
Dawg (barn cat who follows us around like a dog) -> Bubba, Bubs, Gud Boi, *kiss kiss* sound
Also and unrelated: have you seen the article (in People if you can believe it) on the catahoula/ACD cross who ‘knows’ 29 words? Check it out, pretty cool.
Be well, rest easy. Sorry puppers! /jen
Lisa Green says
When you name your shepherd mix Jolene, nicknames not necessary. You’re always just singing the song (one of the world’s best ever written). But still, I also call her Joeleeny, Joleeny Girl, and, of course, Sweetie Pie.
Allison says
My 3 cats are Percy: Satan (kitten stage only), Persius and Purse Purse
Gizmo: Lucifer (kitten stage only), Giz, Giz Wizard, GizWiz, GizMOE, and Poopy Butt on occasion (long hair cat that sometimes gets baths)
Jackson: Action Jackson
I have an European Doberman who will turn one on November 8 named Ginny: Puppy nicknames during teething were T-Rex and Piranha; GinGin, Ginny Gin Gin Gin, Ginny Ria, Ria, Pretty Girl, Sweet Baby, Mama’s Girl, and on her moody days it’s *hithead (said lovingly of course, Bulldozer and Brute.
I think the the animals with the most personality get the most names. Percy and Ginny are my two really bonded with me animals.
I am glad you are recovering well. I also want to say thank you. Your books are lifesavers. When we researched Dobermans we missed the article that said you shouldn’t start with one. I’ve been around dogs all my life, but this is the first one that has been mine and first puppy that was mine. Let’s just say it’s been a fun but trying year and training has become a lifestyle. 🙂
Julie H says
Dogs:
Emma – PuppyGirl, Puppity, E-Girl
Jack – J-Boy, Budge (I have no idea . . . )
Pi – PuppyPi, PP, Twitchy
Barn cats:
Orion – KittyBoy
Athena – KittyGirl
Sheep:
Latte, Mocha, Carmel, Argent, Nutmeg, Silky . . . or all together: Sheepies! (no nicknames)
Boy, I’m not very creative am I? And you can tell which ones we spend the most time with.
Donna says
This is too fun. My almost two-year old Sheltie is Tye, which was supposed to be short for Teitur, a man’s given name from the Faroe Islands (close to the Shetlands) meaning, light-hearted, happy, etc., but the name never quite stuck. So he is Tye, and also Tye-Tye; Mr. Tye; the Tye Monster (used in his earlier days during misbehaving puppy episodes); and when at his most full of himself, Lord Tye Swaggerpants. My husband occasionally calls him Tye-dee-bowl which he thinks is funny, but which I discourage!
Since I’m a librarian, I can’t help myself and will try to track down the book you mention about women’s names for their pets and will let you know what I find.
Maryse says
5 year old Parsons Jack Russell
Ender: Blender, Lender, Tender, Enderman, Slender, Bender
Ana Schnellmann says
Two goldens:
1-year-old Sprite: Fancy Pants, Sparkle Butt, Spritiekins, Littlest one, Bratchild, Child of Grace and Tribulation, Princess Poop
5-year-old Calliope: Cal, Cal Gal, Silly Billy, Best Girl, Seal Shark (she likes to lie on the bed, squirm, and snap happily at the air), Sun Catcher
Loved the post above. I really do enjoy reading your blogs! hope your eye gets better soon so you may escape the “crisette.” (Maybe you should have a chocolate croissant)
Hilary Burns says
Scruffy (Cairn Terrier). Scruf, the Scruffster, the Scruffinator, Shorty, Shortstack, little nugget, and of course, Bossypants!
Carolanne says
Skizziks is a Lab-BC cross with Holstein tendencies in his coloring:
I call him Skizz, Skizz-poo, Skizznik, Skizzbox, Skizzbot, Skizzy, Spot, Cow-dog
The neighbors add: Handsome, Cookie Monster, Mr. Wonderful,
Teddy says
I love these comments!
I feel like I am forgetting many of the ingrained nicknames (drat) but here are the ones I can remember:
Duncan (dark chocolate Lab, adopted with that name): Dunkum, Duncan Hines, Duncan Edward Hines, Duncadoo (to which he “said” when we dropped him off for boarding: “DON’T call me Duncadoo in front of the guys!”)
Beezy (black British Lab): Beezy Elizabeth Hines (all of our dogs became “of the Duncan Hineses” — like British aristocracy), Beezita, Bijou
Sprout (mutt with Sharpei, Rott, and Cocker Spaniel!!): Dragon, Baby Dragon, Sprout Edith Hines (of the Duncan Hineses)
YET ANOTHER Lily (mutt, puppy, with black Lab, BC, Beagle): Lily Bud, Messy Pi (for the marking on her chest), Baby, Lily Hines (of the Duncan Hineses), AND many, many singings of:
Little Lily, Lily won’t go home
But you can’t push Lily ’round
Lily won’t go, try tellin’ everybody but, oh no
Little Lily, Lily won’t go home!!
(a blast from the past if you care to return to 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM6I-pmV0RA)
LisaW says
Olive: Monkey, Monkey head, Chunky monkey (there’s a theme here related to mischievousness), Ollie, Owl, Arthur, Walter
Phoebe: Pheebs, Pumpkin Head, Fleabert, Fleebee, and occasionally, Lunkhead 🙂
I hope you (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FscIgtDJFXg) Sorry for the complications (and the snow).
Adrienne Karoly says
Sorry to hear about your eye complications. When we are out of sorts I think it is somewhat confusing to our fur babies.
I find this post so much fun and now realize that I am not the only one with alternative names for my much loved pets.
Presently my husband and I are parents to a 4 year old moyen poodle her name is Zasu which morphs into Zazzy, Zasu-mania, Pup-pup, and Miss Pitts ( in honor of her namesake Zasu Pitts an old time Hollywood actress who probably no one every heard of these days). I will leave the list at that having had many cats and dogs in my life through the years would make the list endless.
Carolanne says
Skizziks is a Lab/BC cross with Holstein spots:
Skizz, Skizzy, Skizz-nik, Skizzbot, Skizzers, Skizzbo Schisms, Skizzmus, Cowdog. My neighbor chimes in with Handsome and Cookie Monster
Linda Bradley says
Penny – Miss Bitsy-Butt, Snifer-Difer (for her busy terrier nose), Stinky Butt
One of my training instructors calls her Penelope Pittstop which I find adorable.
Barb says
Love this! The nicknames were so fun to read.
Jessi: Jessi-pop, pop-pop, Jessica, poppy, girlfriend, girlie, girlie-Q
Stewie: Stewart, Stoodle, The Stew, Stewball, Bubba, Mister Stew, Bubbie Stew, Bubs
Sophie: Soph-soph, Sophie Mae, Little Sophie, little, the little, the baby, sofa, goose, goosie
Cody (cat): Mr squinty, Mr VBK (very bad kitty), Mr honey, cruddy
Chris Rakauskas says
Cat 1: Sammy, Sammy whammy, Sammy murami, samurai, Sam-I-Am, bratty Sammy, Sam Sam.
Cat 2: Jazzy, Jazz-Jazz, Jazzy-girl (short for “Jasmine,” but we never call her that!)
Cat 3: J.C. (abbreviation for “Just Cat”), Big Guy, also called “Mr. Happy Pants” by the vet techs (spent a lot of time there after having a urinary blockage, and is super laid-back and easy to work with)
Cat 4: Pepper, Pepper-Depper, Pepper-Dep, Tepper-Depper, Tepper-Dep, Little Girl, Bitte Girl.
Dog 1: Dixie Chick, Dixie, Chixie, Dixie MaChixie, Dixie-Doodle, Dix, Dix-Dix, Dixie-Girl, Girlie, and Mona (when she starts moaning to let us know it’s time to wake up and feed her!)
Dog 2: Apollo, ‘Pollo (pronounced with “Ls” but occasionally the Spanish way, too: “Po-yo”), Pollo-Bear Rug (when he sprawls out flat on the floor–he’s mostly white), Pado, Pado-Wado, Pollo-Wallowitz (after watching “Big Bang”), Pollo-Wallo, Pollo-Wallo Waggy-Butt (because his whole rear end wags when he wags his tail), Pollo-Butt, Pollo-Butski, Butski-Wutski, Polla-Walla-Washington, and Wack-a-Doodle.
Haha! So I noticed that the ones with the most “issues” also have the most nicknames . . . hmmm . . . I wonder if there’s some correlation there? 😉
Vienna says
I hope you are feeling better and recovering well from your surgery! We have Tucker a Border X, not only does he have nicknames, but he also has a song!
Tucker AKA Ticket, Lucky-Tuckey, Tuck, Tuckster, Sweet Boy, and the song, sung to an opera song:
Luuuuucky-Tuckey, Luuuuucky-Tuckey, Lucky-Tucky (x2- Staccato) , Luckeee-Tuck-eee, LUCKY-TUCKY!
All my other pups have past, but they all had many nicknames and they each had a song.
Kind Regards
Ayn says
I am not sure about the correlation between the number of nicknames and how close you are to them. I think it has more to do with their personality and the types of activities that you do with them. Sometimes over time the nick names seem to become their name. All of my dogs have been adult labs/lab mixes pulled from shelters. Here it goes
Tyler – My husband called him “Little Man” because he never required any training. You told him what to do and he just did it. “Big Head” because had the biggest head and was ridiculously intuitive and smart. “Surfdog”because he could actually body surf ocean waves. “Peacemaker” because he would break up any fights among the other dogs at park. “Cuddle Master” because he would wander around the near by college campus and cuddle with all the kids that wanted it. “Fetch master” because he was a fetching fool.
Katydid- We actually changed her name from Katy because I inadvertently taught her to spring (all 4 legs up) over agility jumps when we tried it. She kept doing it in any situation. Subsequently she also got called ‘”Grasshopper”. Lovebug was another big one because she was super lovey and knew how to use it to her advantage. She was “Surfer Girl” because like Tyler before her she could body surf the ocean waves. “Fuzzy wuzz” because she shed like crazy and then more so as she got older she got really really fuzzy.
Sealey- Most shy dog ever. Loved to swim and looked a seal moving through the water. We called him “Handsome” and “Twinkle Toes” because he was so light on his feet he reminded us of Fred Astaire. He also did a little dance when he was actually relaxed. He was black with a white patch on his chest and on the tips of his feet kind of like he was wearing a tuxedo. Unfortunately, we only had him for a few years he came down with an extremely rare condition that killed him.
Archie – he came with this name. We have only had him for a couple years. “Handsome” because he is really shiny and people are always remarking on his appearance. “Tug Monster” because he loves to tug even to the point that he won’t fetch. Sometimes” Arches” “Bub, bubbie, bubba” because he responds to baby talk better when I am trying to handle his feet or brush, bath, etc. Sometimes “Hunt master” because he is always hunting critters and “Sniff Master” because we do a lot of nose work.
Minnesota Mary says
Cruiser is Cruzito, the Cruze-Man, or Love
Gizmo is the Giz-Man, Gizito or silly boy
Both are male huskies
The list of prior dogs’ nicknames would be too long and the pain is a bit too fresh to revisit yet (just lost my beloved therapy dog partner in July)
Glad you’re recovering but wish it was without complications.
Diane Imabeppu says
Barney (very fluffy and clever senior blind rescued toy poodle who has blessed our family for past 2 years in a million ways) aka:
Billy Barnes, Sweetie, Fluffer Duffers, Tumbleweed, Curly Fry, Huffa Puffa, Little One, Little Bourek (curled up when he sleeps).
Cori McKee says
Squidget:
Squidge, Squidgee-Woo-Woo, Squidgee, Squidger, Wiggle Butt, Squidgster
Willow:
Willie, Willie-Bean, Bean, Willow-Bean
But I often sing to my pets – so then they have all sorts of nicknames. Willow’s theme song is Cant take my eyes of of you, You’d be like heaven to touch, I want to pet you so much.
🙂
Rachel says
Two pupperoos 1)Kinzie and 2)Captain America
Kinzie: Boot, Boo, Boot Booteroo, Kinzie Lou, Kinzie Winzie, Bobby’s girl (my husband’s name), Boss, Little Miss, Sassy Butt
Captain America: Cap, Cappa Appa, Boy, Boy-o, Cappie Appie, Little Man, Crazy Man, Momma’s Boy
Trisha says
I wish I could comment on every single one of your entries. Suffice it to say right now that reading your lists has made me gloriously happy and I can’t wait to read more. I will be smiling all day (That’s ALL DAY in Maggie Mae speak). What a joy you all are.
Rebecca Rice says
Hello!
Nicknames! I love them, but one thing it has made me realize is how difficult it must have been when writing was first started to figure out the “proper” spelling of words! I know how to speak their names, but spelling… that’s going to be interesting.
So, for my current two, there’s Pixie, the 10-13 year old rat terrier: Pix, Pix-Pup, Miss Pix, Pix-Pix, little girl, and the difficult-one-to-spell: Piximiss, which might also be spelled Pixuhmiss, or possibly Pixamiss? The pronunciation of the middle syllable tends to change depending on the flow of the sentence.
And then there’s Rigger, my almost-2 rat terrier: Riggs, baby boy, little man, little boy, Rigger-pup.
And then there’s the general nicknames: pup pup, dog dog, “bestest dog in da world” (sorry, everyone else!), and “little one”. Those get applied to both dogs. “Little one” works because the boy is largest and heaviest, but the youngest and therefore “littlest”, while the girl is older, but smaller and lighter, so “littlest”!
Rebecca Rice says
Oh! Another comment: when I saw Tootsie’s picture, my first thought was that her eyebrows aren’t angry any more!
ellen goldman says
Riley aussie- Riley boy, Riles, Wiley Riley, Mr. C (because when he’s happy to see you, all the time, he curls his body into a C and tries to walk sideways that way), garbage boy, smiley Riley,
Ruby aussie- Rubeola, Rubes, Badger (my granddaughter thinks she looks like a badger!), Roo, Rubela, Wiggle butt, crazy girl, Rubster.
Janet Hatfield says
Phil – one-year-old BBC (Blended Border Collie): Phil the Pill (if he’s still engaging in naughty puppy behavior), Phil Harmonic (if he’s being a sweety)
Rocket – 10-year-old Border Collie/Aussie: Rocket Man (complete with the Elton John song)
Jazz – 11-year-old Aussie: Jazz Singer if I really wan to get her attention
Glad you are on the mend!
Nikka Martineau says
I speak both English and Russian to my dog so she has nicknames in both languages 🙂
English
Oona: Noona, Nooner, Banoona, Banoonas, Banoona face, Ooh na na
Russian
Oona: Banoonavich, Mopach, Mops
Mary says
Hi Trisha,
Piper (a ruby Cavalier who’s on her way to being a blonde!) Nicknames are Pipes, bit-bit, Her Royal Highness, Ruby Cue, Little Bit….and
Lily (a reclusive Calico cat who has NO nicknames because she hides in the basement. After 11 years, she is beginning to try to become a part of the family, but I think it’s going to be a very looooooong transition!)
I hope your eyes are doing better! I envy your ability to squat! I lost that years ago…
Linda says
Jack aka Jackster, Jackie, Jackie Boy, Mr. Jack, Captain Jack, CJ, and Precious
Our former dog Penny was also known as Practically Perfect Miss Penny by the friend who used to dog sit her
Our cats don’t have any nicknames; I never thought about that before but it’s interesting to contemplate why that is.
Anton says
Real name Ruzha: Ru, Ruzh, Ruzhi, RuRu, Chub Chub, Chublet, Roost, ChubletRoost, Rooster, RoosterRu, the Great and Glorious, Big Bad Boss Bitch 🙂
Real name Tyro: Ty, TyTy, Big T, Precious, the Butler (when he wears his canine overcoat!), PB (short for Precious Butler), Sweet, Sweetums
Real name Rona: Rone, Roner, Wona Wone, Pink Winky, Winker, Baby, Funny Ears
Real name Skipper: Skips, Skipster, Nipper, Nip, Nipper Skipper, Skippy, Speckled Rodent (he’s a spotted Cattle Dog)
Real name Lily: Lily Pilly, Pilly, Pilly Lily, PillPill, Pillar, Sweet P
People who come to visit have no idea what our dogs’ names are! And when I mix up the combinations of names and call out, “WonaRuster!” they are more confused than ever! Lily is my oldest and a sweet and gentle girl. Rona and Skipper are our younger dogs and have had less time to develop so many monikers. 🙂 Ruzha has the most nicknames and this corresponds to her unique personality and ways. Don’t get me started on the nicknames for our feral cats and goats!
Barbara Martin says
Best wishes on your recovery, Trisha. What a fun game this is! So fun reading all these nicknames. Here are my nicknames for my GSDs. Not as imaginative as many of the others.
Mindy: Big Dog, Mins. (Poor Mins was the only dog for quite a while and didn’t get many nicknames.)
Miley: Miles, Miley Mutt, Little Girl, and my favorite The Love Sponge. This last was my husbands nickname for her because Miley is so affectionate. It got shortened to The Sponge, or Sponge. One time my husband was in the kitchen and said, “Where’s The Sponge.” I told him it was in the microwave. Oops, he meant the dog not the actual sponge.
Casey: Little Man, Case, Mr. C, Poophead (as in don’t be a…)
Beryl Gersch says
This is a fun game. Here are my nick names:
Hans – 10 yr old White Shepherd: Hansli, Big Guy, Good Boy
Bijou – 7 yr old Scottish Terrier: Bij, Sweet Cakes, Princess,
Klara- 4 yr. Old Scottish Terrier: Impossible girl (her name sake from the Dr. WHO show so named as she has a leg disability from whelp box ), Sweet girl, Scottie girl.
I can call the Scottie by calling out “Scottie girls!”
Tell – 5 month old Scottish Terrier: Willi Tell! Pup pup, little guy, sweet boy
Fritz- 8 month old black cat: Monster Man, Fritzi, Naughty Kitty!
Oliver 13 yr old cat: Fat Cat (16 pounds) Ollie Ollie! Good cat!
Carolyn Bryan says
Dobby – 7 year old Pekingese. The Dobster, Little Bear, Dobby Bear, Dobby Monster, Little Lion, the Little Prince, Mama’s Baby, and probably a half dozen more.
Learned so much from Calling All Pets!
Summer says
I must have a million names I call my crew!
Darby – Darby Marie, Darbs, Darby Darbs, baby girl, sweet thing, my love, crazy pants
Jello – Jello B. Jelly Bean, Beany, Beano, Mr. Biafra, Monkey, Naughty Dog, baby boy, cuddle bug, Jelly Dog, Jel Jel.
Iggy – Iggs, Iggopotamous, Ignatious, Iggy Pup, Iggstapher, Iggtastic
I dont know if the quantity has any bearing on your relationship…. I’d like to think no, as Jello has far more names than the others.
Kristin says
We named our pup, allegedly a GSD/Akita/something(s) mix, Akira (OH chose it for the anime character—silly me thought he was naming him after revered Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa). Anyway, it apparently means “bright boy,” and our Aki definitely is that (here’s where you offer your condolences to us over our smart dog!) 😉 Anyway, we call him Aki most of the time—I’m not even sure he knows Akira is his *real* name—and he is also known as Aki Teriyaki, Aki Yakisoba, Aki-Aki Poo (singsong to the tune of the Scooby Doo theme—“Aki-Aki Poo, where are you…”), Sweet Pea, Boo, Pup-pup, Pupper.
Best wishes for your continued recovery. I’m so grateful for your blog and books (as is Aki—or he would be, if he only knew what a help and comfort you and your wisdom have been since we brought our precocious adolescent pupper home from the local shelter this past spring!
Anne says
Dodge: Dodgerbodger
Tessa: TessaMessa Or TessaMessaMutt or MessaMutt
Pepper: Pepper Pot Pie aka Little Miss Leap and Bite (she’s 10 now but she used to jump and bite shoulders -not hard, kind of a playful bite) or Pepper Salty Feet (black with white feet)
Sprite: SpriteyBitey (she only bites her food or toys). Cookie face- because her face is sweet as a cookie. When it gets really mushy she is Squishy Baby Cookie Face (how embarrassing)
Qwill: “puppy” because she acts like one even though she’s be 3 next March. Or Qwillo, or Qwuilloooo, or CrazyPup
Mary says
My Aussie/border collie, Penny Lane is Miss P, Sweet P, Penny Pie, my little pupperazzi. On cold days she’s my little pupsickle. She’s also Pupperoni, Pea Pod and Puppy Dups. I also used to tell people that for the first year of her life she thought her name was Dammit Penny.
Susan Whelan says
My second standard poodle was the first time ever getting a pup and first time getting to name one. The dam was nicknamed Apple so all her litters had been named after apple varieties. I decided to carry on the tradition, almost, and named him the breeder’s name and Drummond, after an Apple farm where I lived some happy years. I’m sure you can guess where the nicknames went. From Drum to Drum-bum to just bum. And that he is.
Clelia says
I am glad you are feeling better!! I wish I could plant that many bulbs.. they are going to look so beautiful!
My old baby, my soul mate was Zorro and only had one nickname, baba… his name was perfect for him… on the other hand my other kids….
Sabrina (cat) – princess, meow meow, lion, tiger, michi
Koby (20lb dude) – mush, bubu, Kobayashi maru (his real name), duff, duffus,
Lucy (old pitty girl) – girl, Luz, baby…
Hope you get to smile a lot!
Amy says
Our Millie (a short coated, terrier-ish mix, who came to us from the shelter so practically perfect in every way that I wish I could find 2 more just like her, but maybe boys) is often Millicent.
Sometimes; Millicent Bystander. Tiny Dog.
Infrequently; Millie D. Williams. Millpool. Milford Brimley. Milquetoast. Millipede. Dogbert.
Cathleen D FitzGerald says
So Fun! 1st time commenting, long time reading.
Dublin ( A red English Labrador, irrepressible, love bug).
Dubby, Dub-Dub, Rub-a-dub-dub,
Dub-nut, Dub-a-roo,
Dubster, misheard as Dumpster, but that works too.
Dubble-trubble, Dubble-icious
Smoochie-boy
S’much, as in love you so’much!!
My other dog, Rohan, is a hard-working Therapy Dog who takes his job seriously, and “Doesn’t believe in nicknames thank you very much.”
Mary Ellen says
Our standard poodle-pit bull mix (don’t you have to wonder how THAT happened?!) is Hannah. Otherwise known as Hannah Banana Fee Fi Fofana Hannah, which has to be sung to the tune of the Name Game.
Candace Weber says
Wonderful read , Patricia. So glad your eye is improving. I have many names for my 3:
Lili = little, little-diddle, big girl, silly Lili
Rose = Roro; baby dog; mama’s girl; sweetie girl
Poppy = poppop; biddy; poppity; puppup
I’m sure I’m forgetting some, but I’m away on vacation right now, so haven’t been with the girls in several days.
Best to you and yours.
Sandy says
My nicknames always start out making sense but then…
Mercy Me- mercy Percy, mercy tunes,
Newf a poof, Merc a tune a boonie, Mercy tunes,
Goodness- goodness pudness, goody, goody poody, pud-n-tator, goody two shoes,
Badness, goody McRoody, Goodness rudeness…
Truly the list is endless.
I had a Sophie once whom I dubbed, Sophlita Marita Chiquita Juarez!
I enjoy playing with the names on the tongue and it expresses my endearment.
Silke says
This ist going to be fun! My Friends call me the queen of nicknames ^_^ because i come up with another one every month…
So far I have:
Wall-E: Houdini, Houdi, Woody, Wollo, Wolla, Wallaroooooonie, Wheezy, Wee Wee and If he does Not behave: Wallace
Iva: Ivelina, Ive, Evee, Pörp, Pörpi, Pörpi pörp, Pörpel, Nörpi pörp, Pörpette, Das B!, B, BB, Bärbel, Bärbelita If she does Not behave: Üffes
Pixie: Pixie Pix, Pixo, Pixar, Pixelle, Pü, Püxe
She never sets a foot wrong as she is the most beaeutiful beeing that exists
(Actually she is naughty as hell: KartoffelPü!!)
Love them all!
Renee says
It’s so much fun to read all these nicknames! When I first read the post a couple of days ago, I thought I didn’t really have very many nicknames for my hound/husky mix Colby. Then, I started paying attention to what I say to her and, well, here goes: Colbs, CC, Boo-Boo, CC Boo-Boo, Colby Lou, Colby Louba, Louba-badooba (?), Colbalicious, Boobalicious, Betty, and Betty Boop. There are actually more, but I can’t figure out how to spell most of them! The other day at the dog park, I turned to Colby and said “Ready to go home, Boo-Boo?” A woman entering the park gave me a look and asked “What’s your dog’s name?”. I replied “Colby” . . . “Oh,” she said “so you just call her Boo-Boo?”
All the dogs I have loved and lost in the past also had many nicknames . . .
Karen from Oregon says
Aww, get well soon Trisha!
Ok, Dixie is pup, my puppy, Dixie Mae and my lil Dixie Cup. Not too imaginative.
BUT when I had house rabbits:
Abby was Abbarab
Tebril was Tebby Webby
Phoebe was Phee the Bee
Monty was Montaman
Gertie was Gertsamee
Butter was Butbut
Desiree was Desrina
Pokey was Pokemoke
Mickey was Mickaman
Ben and Desiree together were Bendesi (which is still my email address)
❤
Robin Murray says
Oh my what fun! My little Stuart (you know him from the Peanut butter dogs book) is Stu, Stu-bert, Stuperman, Stooby-doo and Stupendous. The other dogs’ names don’t lend themselves to so many nicknames.
I sure do love him a lot.
Cheryl says
GSD Piper = We call her Piper. Piper-doodle. Doodle. Pipe.
GSD Pierce = We call him Pierce. Piercey-boy! Piercey.
They call us “Food” (Pierce) and “Play” (Piper).
And when they are mis-behaving, we call them “Hey!” , “Knock-it-off!”, and “Right here!” 😮
Corinne says
Gus, lab/boxer mix who I have had since 8 weeks old: Gus, Guspuppy, Sweetpea, Bestest Boy, Tikki Tikki Tembo (because he constantly has ticks – we live in western Pa), Loverboy, and Tippy Tail (when he is curled up somewhere and wags, only the tip of his tail goes thumping madly). Oh and when he was an adolescent he was very often ‘Big Big Dog, Little Little Boy’ because he was growing up so fast but he was still my baby. I still sometimes call him that at 9 years old. 🙂
Martha says
Whatever you do, don’t schedule cataract surgery (2, two weeks apart) in July in Wisconsin. The weeds take off like crazy and there is nothing you can do about it. It’s chaos.
Zibi: Zibzib, Zibidee, Zibber, Bud, Buda Buda, Mister, Mister Mister Bo Bister, Zibilicious
Layne says
What fun to read the nicknames!
I don’t know that the number of nicknames has anything to do with how close I am to my furry clan. The dogs are always with me. What does surprise me is that they know which nicknames are theirs and which mean their ‘sibling’ and the collective name that I use for all the dogs.
Jack (Border Collie – the baby) Captain Jack Sparrow, Jackie, Boy-o, Bedbug, Boober, Noodlehead, N’dai
Sweep (Border Collie – Sheep Herder Emeritus ) Sweet Pea, Sweeper, Boo, Baby Girl, Snug-a-bug, N’dai
George (Border Collie – The old man) Jor, St George, Pup Pup, Georgie Porgie Puddin’ and Pie, N’dai
Mister (a 20 lb. Norwegian Forest Cat) Mista Monsta, Lightfoot (he’s not!), Sunspot Baby, Mister Muffin Toes
Teddybear (6 lb very fluffy cat) Teddy, T-bear, Mister T, Grey Ghost, Bearcatz, Babyboy
Cathy Balliu says
Rosie (the dearly departed, neverforgotten, queen of my heart) border collie had lots of names: Rose, Rosie, Rosie-posie, Rosie-posie-poo, RoPoo, Missie Rose, MySweetRose
Sunny, resident 10 year old corgi: Sunny, Sunnybunnybutt, SunBun, Bunnerbutt, Babybunbuns, Missie Bunbuns, Stumpwagger, The Corglet, The Diva
Ben (gone 4 years now): Mr Ben, ObiwanBenobee, Benerbe, BennerBeanerBoy, The Benster, SkunkBoy (white stripes on his black head)
I think the nicknames speak of our bond with particular animals – how they touch us, how they make us feel, how much they make us feel. I also think it speaks to our brains and our abilities to go off on total flights of fancy, into a huge expanse of love and oxytocin for our critters. Kinda ties into the amount of time kissing them on the head, snuggling, smooching, teasing. I currently have 5 dogs and 4 cats and not all of them have the as many nicknames or elicit the same response from me. Partly them, partly me. Thanks for this challenge, Trish. Fun to put this all down on the screen.
Nancy Whitt says
Trisha–I enjoy reading all of your thoughtful and well written posts (and your books–especially about Willie). I look forward to many more, and hope you feel better soon! This article spoke to me, as I wasn’t sure that so many folks have multiple names for their dogs. (We have to wonder what our pets’ perception is about this!) I was also amused to find out that others sing to their dogs, as I do.
BLAZE (Blazin’ New Trails with No Tails—(7 yo blue merle mini Aussie) Blazie Boy, Mr. Crazy Pants, Honey the Dog, The Nut Job, Fabio, Little Buddy, Woofie-Woofster
ZIVA (3 yo red merle Aussie) Zeeeee!, Cray-Cray, Ziva Loca, ZZZ, Beyonce Butt, Screaming Popcorn. 🙂
Ellen says
Miles, the standard poodle has a bunch of nicknames.
Mister Miles, Mister and Stinker are in the most frequent rotation. But he’s also (lovingly) called Fro-man, Psycho, Fuzz-bucket, Scruff-bucket, Crazy-pants, Old-man, and Eyore.
Paula says
My black lab “Rainy” morphed to “Rainbow “ which morphed to “Bo-Bo” and the best part is that she gets all squishy and wiggly when I call her Bo-Bo. She makes me laugh. All of my dogs have had a million nicknames.
Paula Franklin says
All my dogs have had a million nicknames. My black lab “Rainy” morphed to “Rainbow “ which morphed to Bo-Bo. The funniest part of that is that she gets all squishy and wiggly when I call her Bo-Bo and it makes me laugh every time.
Erin says
I call my Chloe…Chloe Bug, Bug A Boo, Bug, Fuzz Butt, &Miss Whiny Pants. My mom calls her Chloe Girl & Pumpkin Eater
Barb Stanek says
Portuguese Water Dogs
9 year old Sawyer — Sawyzie; Honey Bear; Lovey Lou; Loulie; Buddy; Bear Dog
6 month old Starshine — Star; Starry; Starryshine; Honey Bear; Little Girl; Cuddle Bug
Jim says
Jackson: Mr. Puppy, Mr. Puppy Shpoomuppy, Shpooie, Shpooie Old Shpoo, Great White Beast.
Maria says
Nicknames for our beloved pets is a great theme for a post. Loved “Princess Margaret” and “the Divine Miss M”! Also loved “Tootsie Roll”! Such cuteness! and their photos were lovely, capturing their personalities. (Tootsie was all, “My NAP is being disturbed!”)
We lost our beloved Cavalier last summer–it still feels like yesterday we were welcoming him home as a puppy. He was just such a cute little guy, that we ended up calling him “Little Guy.” That turned into “LG” as he grew up, which sprouted the nicknames “Gee,” “Gee-gee,” “G-Man,” “The G Man,” and “The G Monster.” I would also call him my “Little Man.”
His favorite thing was the Recall. Even if he was chasing something, he’d turn around and come whenever I called him. https://youtu.be/9Bu9fSs_JhY and https://youtu.be/P412RPVAMrc
Barb Stanek says
PWD Nick Names
I call both the 9 year old and the 6 month old Best Dog! Forgot about that name until the 9 year old came in to say, “Hi!”
Chris Wells says
Wow what a response to this question! Do we love our dogs or what? I am always surprised at the pet owners I know who don’t have nicknames. But I come from a family of nicknames, my uncle shorty, uncle pappy, uncle puggy. They are all gone now but I am serious when I tell you I was almost an adult before I knew their real names!
My dear sweet Golden Rescue Molly. She came to us with a completely different name which my Jim said sounded like a bar fluzzie. So she became Molly and she never skipped a beat. She loved her new name. Besides calling her Molly Molly, her other name is World’s Best Dog!
Then there is our latest 2 year old rescue, some sort of terrier /hunting dog mix (DNA kit ordered!)
He came with the name Chili and we kept it.
Chili: chili Bean, beanie, Skinny Butt Bean and Little Sh*t. He is going to be a great dog, right now he is a wild child! But smart as a whip.
To Ana who said her Golden Retriever ‘s nickname was Sparkle Butt! Cracked me up…still laughing.
I hope your eye surgery complications are minor, much love from your readers! And I enjoyed hearing straight from Maggie!
GRACE says
ANNIE–ANNIE BANANIE- ANNIE DOG ANNIE GIRL. POOCHIE BALACHO
ccrow says
My Šarplaninacs:
Rudj- Rudjie, Rudjie-Roo, Roo, Klepto Boy (guess how he got that one, lol), Goober, Goober Boy
Iskra- Iski, Iski-wee, ‘Ski, Ski-wee, Miss Barky
DH’s pointers:
Rip- Rippy, Rippy Doodle, Rippy Rippington
Frauke- Frau, Fraukie, Fraukie Doodle, Fraukie Frau, Fraukie Wow, Fuzz Face
All also answer to Good Boy/Girl 🙂
Greg Veeh says
Ok, for my two furballs the nick names go
Jazz – Jazzy, Jazzy Jo Jo, Jo Jo, Baby Girl
JJ – Butthead
Kate S says
Such a fun idea because you’re right, the nicknames we give our pets are always delightful: )
My Maggie: Magoo, Mrs. Magoo, the Great White Beast, Maggie June, Junie Magoo, Junie Magoonie, Miss Maggie, Maggie the Mouth
Daphne: Daphernee, Dapheraphernee, Fapheraphernee
Carlie: Mrs. Coo, Coo, Curly Coo, Coo-chonga, Pumpkin, Pumpkin-butt, Potato, Potato-butt
Fox: Foxaroo, Foxaloo, Snuggaloo, Fox-sabaka, Foxy-Roxy-Soxy, Foxtrot, Tatertot, Aussietot, Sir Foxalot, Big Buddy
Goose: Goosey, Goosey-goo, Gooses, Goosey-too, Lil Buddy. Currently in the throes of housetraining, so also, and hopefully only temporarily: Gooseyturd and Stinkgoose
Penny passed away 3 years ago, but she had the best and greatest variety of nicknames: Pip, Pipper, Pipperbean, Pipsquawk, Squawp, Squapernog, Squawptog, Pippernelly, P’nelly, Pippernellybelly, P, HennyPenny, Penny-Plenty, Miss Penny-Plenty-Ate-Too-Much, Scaredy P, Sneak P, Sneaky P, and Penny P’Nelly Plenty. Gosh, I hope I haven’t forgotten any. That was a very happy trip down memory lane.
Canard says
Mick the 11 year old Brittany has his fair share:
Mickelodeon, Mick-a-doodle-do, MickMick, MickNick, Dogus, Dogish, Dog-Butt, Dog-Face, Dog Man, Man Dog, Stubby (docked tail), Stubman, Stubbish, Stubs, Middi, Bick, Fuzz Face, Lumpy (he has a lot of benign lipomas on his belly), Tick Dog (we pull a lot off him), Old Man, Ood Eyes (sometimes when he squints he looks like an Ood, an alien from Doctor Who), Lazy Bones, Kitchen Cleanup Detail, Pre-rinse, and of course “hey you stop that!” or “NOW what are you eating?!”
Joanne says
Gulliver: Gully, Boo Bear, Mister Boo, GullyMan, GullyBear, StinkyBoo, BooBoosan,Felcor
Lisa Francis says
I just love your blog, reading about your farm, dogs, sheep, and sheep trials. You both challenge and inspire me to be a better person, more observant and yet a participant in life as well, compassionate, and joyful in all life’s discoveries – whether simple or complex, happy or sad. Thank you.
We have a male PW Corgi (Phineas), female PW Corgi (Maggie) and Norwegian Elkhound (Alia).
Phineas is often Phinny, Dude, Phinny-boy, & Phinny-man
Our Maggie is Maggie-May, Maggie-girl, & Magnadoodle
Alia has the most – Lia, Lou, Lia-Lou, Lou-Lou, Lia-girl, and ‘nostopdontdothat!’ Upon occasion! 😂
Nannette Morgan says
I hope you are feeling better. Loved all these nicknames!
Dugall (pronounced “Doo-gall” – Gaelic for “pirate” or “dark stranger”) – Dugall Woogle, The Dugie Man (sung to KC and The Sunshine Band “Boogie Man”), Boogie Woogie Dugall Boy
Cricket – Cricket Marie, Princess Cricket, “Cricket Marie who sits at my knee”
Both are Siberian Huskies
By the way, I noticed someone’s nick names of Binks. My first Siberian, a rescue, came to me with the name “Binks” after Star Wars. His nicknames were Binksie,
Sir Lickalot, Binksie Boy.
Frances says
Poppy (toy poodle) – Popsicle; Snuggle Bunny; Pop Pop; Poppitty
Sophy (papillon) – Snowphy; Soffit; Sophs; Honey bunch
Pippin (ginger cat) – Pipsicle; Pip Pip Hurrah
Tilly (ginger cat) – Lady Ottoline, Empress of the Known Universe, bow down ye mortals before her majesty…
Hope the eyes continue to improve. I have had a wonky knee all summer and the dogs were very, very patient with me, but definitely think I should make up the massive walk deficit now it is at last getting better!
Molla Braunstein says
Current dogs: Robbie, Robbie Dawbie, Rob, sweetie (deaf Cavalier)
Kabuki, Mrs. K, Kabuk (CKC)
Chester (0ver the Rainbow Bridge): Ches, Chester the Molester, Chessie, honey boy, also was a deaf CKC and precocious, unlike any CKC I have ever had, drove us insane with his antics. Humped a dog a few days before he passed. Very busy!
Hazel ( 0ver the Rainbow Bridge), Hazel Bagel, Hazie, Purple Haze, Haze (border collie husky mix from the humane society so it is a guess).
Louise says
Hope all is well soon.
Carly- Carly Girl, Carly Pie, Smarty Pants
Kai- Kai Pie, Kai Girl, Babe, Sweet Girl – bravely fought spondylosis for 2 years. Lost her this past April.
Together: Girls, Sisters
The plural words still come out of habit. Leashes, collars,girls, etc.
Louise Toole says
Hope all is well soon.
Carly- Carly Girl, Carly Pie, Smarty Pants
Kai- Kai Pie, Kai Girl, Babe, Sweet Girl – bravely fought spondylosis for 2 years. Lost her this past April.
Together: Girls, Sisters
The plural words still come out of habit. Leashes, collars,girls, etc.
Arwen says
Wow, what a joy all those amazing nick names! At the moment I only have one cat, a gorgeous ginger boy who is called Jasper, to which he listens like a dog! He usually even comes when I call him! He has endless nick names: gorgeous boy, beautiful, best cat, little darling et cetera. And my partner, who passed away last April, called him Little Wings, which was the special nick name he had for his own cat, Halo. Quite an honour!
Arwen says
I forgot to mention that I’m getting rescue dog, a whippet/collie cross, whom I have already named Frodo. He will move in with Jasper and me once he has realised he can really trust me and will be safe with me – he definitely has issues in that area – and I’m looking forward to find out what kind of nick names he will inspire!
Lyn says
My girls name is Biscuit and is also called: Ms Biscuit, Bikkie Boo Boo, Boo, Bikkie, Bubba, Pumpkin, The B, Sweetie.
Jann Becker (aka Mommy) says
Kira, 10-year-old Goldendoodle: K-K, Kiradoodle (1 word or 2), Ki-RAH! (Mommy’s not happy), Fluffybutt (when letting her back in front door, with perfectly good dog door in the kitchen). By husband: Girlfriend, Girly-girl (he sleeps with his girlfriend every night.)
Dooley, 3-year-old miniature Poodle: Dools, Dooleydoot, Oodooleydoot, Junior, Puppybaby
Both: Guys, DUDES!! (when action or cessation of action is requested)
Spell check is going mad with most of these. What, “Oodooleydoot” isn’t a word?
Verena says
Oh wow, I love this! It’s so funny to read all the names! 🙂
I am from Austria but I’ll try my best to translate:
Pug named Paula: Pauluzzi, Pauline, Madam Fluffybottom (I love that one), Pugomat, Paula Pug, Miss Pug, little Pugprincess, Pauli, Fluffprincess, Snailofatz, my sweet Paulina, Farty,…
Pinschermix named Wilma: Wilhermoine, Wild Wilma, Shelter-terror-pinscher-mix (with a twinkle in the eye), Mitz, Cow-dung-Mitzi (I guess you know her favourite snack by now), Mitzel, Mitzel-Striezel, Sputnik, Whirlwind Wilma, little Fartnose, my pretty one, Bat, Batear, Popcornfooty,…
Both together: The Los Stinkos, Stinkerbell & Decibel (this is really hitting the nail on the head)
Actually these are even more than just nicknames, they are kind of a character study. 😉
soyoung kim says
we wish you a speedy recovery!
my dog’s name is francisco “paco” de jamon and he goes by paco taco, paquito, paco bell, paco bear, and on instagram, he is known as the burt reynolds of dogs. his pec fur is glorious, hehe.
Sally Fox says
Springer Spaniel brother # 1 Royce. Ro-ro; row-boy, Royster, roto-rooter, rufus, rufadufus
Springer Spaniel brother # 2 Winston: Winnie, Winnie the Pooh, Pooh Bear, Winston Churchill, Winston-tastes-good, peabody
Tham says
Archer:
Monkey Face, Puudy, snuggle bunny; for when he was overweight: chub-chub
Edward:
The Professor
Thanks for putting a smile on this old lady… What fun I had reading everyone’s posts!
muttzrule says
@Maggie and Tootsie: my pups and I wish your humans a speedy recovery! Also, enjoyed both of your well written contributions (must take after Mom) 😊
@gayle: I think there was a Supreme Court justice named Oliver Wendell Holmes? My history is pretty rusty but that sounds familiar.
Dogs’ nicknames are…
Duncan: golden shepherd, dunkin punkin, dunkey monkey, velcro boy, shadow shepherd, the duncanator (given by a coworker in honor of his early months with me and his epic chewing, peeing and pooping blowouts while we dealt with some separation anxiety).
Missy the bc/springer spaniel: sprollie, missy prissy, lady fluffytail, the floofinator, divine miss m, princess (the last two she shares with her sister across the bridge, Meg)
multiple dogs: puppies, brats, snugglepuppies
Seeing everyone’s nicknames made me smile today. Maybe another post could be what songs do you sing to your pets?
Jenny Haskins says
So sorry about your eye,
My cataract surgery was lousy, too,. The surgeon said, off-hand, “It looks like we put the wrong lens in! Stll it’s a good result!” What!!! Then followed, “but we cannot prescribe glasses to improve it.”
Anne B says
Sympathies on recovery and boredom, as the case may be.
Nicknames (I can’t BELIEVE there is a book dedicated specifically to women’s nicknames for pets):
Tristan- 1st dog, GSD: Triss, Trissie
Raven-2nd, Dobie, 1st competition dog: Hosenose (but not in public)
Griffin 1 and 2- 1st and 2nd Aussies: Griff, Griffie, Hey!! (it worked, they always came)
Solo-PW Corgi- double champion, obedience titled, died at 17- … nope, she was all that
Bailey- 1st agility titled Aussie- Bay, Boo-Boo, Boo dog, booley, Big Boy…my big, gentle teddy bear who loved all…as long as they stayed with the flock.
Chynna- my Aussie alter ego and the love of my life: Baby Girl
All are gone now. Looking at the nicknames, it seems the number of names was more related to their personalities than how close I was to them. Solo was sufficient unto herself, a true Corgi Queen in all respects who did not invite nicknames. Chynna and I were closer than I have been with any living being, and I only ever called her Chynna or Baby Girl. Bailey had the most pet names, but he was so loveable that he invited “pet names”.
Thanks for asking! It brought up warm, fuzzy memories.
Georgann Freasier says
Hank (15 yr. All American: “Hanker Dude” “Hanker Doodle”, “Hankster”.
Scout (12 yr. Cardigan Corgi): “Souter Doubter”.
Yeti (3 yr. white lab): “Yeti Bet”, “Yet Yet”
Sue says
Gwendolyn Victoria Barker, chocolate mini labradoodle: Gwennie, Googoo, Curly Girly, Gwee, GV, and Whackadoodle. My grandson calls her Gwendjolin Mictoria.
Jenny Haskins says
Ironbark: Big Fat, Gorgeous, Puddin’ (as the Magic Puddin’), or My Gorgeous Puddin’, Dork
Sallee Wattle: Sal, Sillee Sallee, Love, Sweetheart, Poppet. Scally-wag and Scal have gone out of fashion now she’s elderly.
Millie: (NOT my choice of name fore her). Milligram, Mad Milly, Poppet. Sometimes “Oh, Mill!” and when she is being obstreperous, “mill- LEEE”.
Nan says
Rosie became Rosie Posie Pudding and Pie, so Puddenhead.
JOAN L LINDBERG says
I currently have two collies: Cooper is Super Cooper, Coop a dupe, Cooper Duper and Tilly is Silly Tilly or Beautiful Girl because she is. I mostly sing to my dogs when being especially affectionate. Tilly’s AKC name is Colliewood Acres Chantilly Lace so she gets to hear “Chantilly Lace” a lot. My latest foster came in with the shelter name of Mufasa. I changed it to Bennie and he heard the Michael Jackson song “Ben” but mostly “Bennie and the Jets”. I have two grand-dogs who are border collie/collie mixes. The song names have been passed down thru my son as they are named Freddie (for Freddie Mercury) and Bowie (for David Bowie). I get them for the next 10 days as their humans are on a vacation. Four dogs in one house…ages 2, 3 5 and 7. What fun.
Kat says
The Cats are:
The Great Catsby aka evil spawn of basement cat, evil tech wizard cat (are you detecting a theme) Catsby, Fatsby, and damn cat.
Purrcasso, aka small demon, evil tech wizard in training, Casso Cat, and Purrsby.
The Dogs were:
Ranger aka Beautiful, Runrer, Park Ranger, Fearless Leader, and Friendliest Dog in the county.
Finna aka Psycho Bitch, Psycho Bitch from H*ll, Fidiot, Fisbo (as in FSBO), Fin Bin, Fin, Finna Binna Ding Dong, Fin Fin, Fizz and Fizzy.
No idea what the new guy will be named much less what nicknames he’ll acquire although Tank is almost guaranteed. He’s 130 lbs of Great Pyrenees who stands 29.5 inches at the shoulder. Currently named Darth Vader but going by the name Abominable Snow Dog here while we search for the right name. Abominable Snow Dog is what the cats christened him. He’s not a permanent resident yet as we’re trying to make the transition from the family he’s had for his four years to ours as smoothly as possible with the least stress for him.
J says
Sydney Pee, Syd Wiggle, Syd-Syd, Squeak, Miss Syd; Keji-man, Keji-can, Kejito, fluffytail, tornad0-dog; Raven scissorteeth, Raven snaggletooth (now that so many of his teeth are broken from his epileptic seizures), Ravey, Pooh (as in the eater of), little bear… funny how you cannot think of them all once you begin writing them down!
Heidi Rosin says
We had Ty who was often Tybo, TyMyTy, and Pook
We had Osher who was Oshybear, Beardog, Oshkosh b’gosh, Osh and sometimes a Pook
We had Tess who was Tessie, the Tesseract, the Tessie Tess Tess, Tess and Tonic, Tessie the Terrorist, the bad mamma jamma from down in Alabama, and IMHA Warrior Princess
As siblings Tess and Osh were known collectively as TOSH
Now we have Malaki and Molly – not littermates but Mollyki is their collective
Molly is Good golly Miss Molly, Molly Mu, Molls and Mollypop
Malaki is Malaklyde or Klyde and Moose or The Moose – 60 lb 20-month old too apropo lol!
Chris Geschwantner says
While reading this I realized that I no longer give the dogs nicknames, probably because I have had so many. Some were fosters, but many stay because of health issues. Only my 3 older dogs have nicknames; Tank, my big black pit is Chunk Monk, Rock Head, Fat Ass. My smaller pit Marie is Moomy. Little, a 70# black hound mix is Little Bittle, Little One, Brat and Little be diddle. And there is Jake, my huge old bloodhound is The Old Grump, Grumpy and Bath Tub Boy. Before he arrived I threw a leaking dog bed in the tub. He arrived and immediately made the tub his own. Very opinionated, he lets you know that he doesn’t want it to be cleaned.
Mari Evans says
Elvis…Elvie Bobo..old man..good fella
Teddy..ted..Tedder..best boy..teddy man
Dizzy..diz-a-looloo..dizzy momma..momma dog
Link..bubba..linky…momma’s dog..damnit Link!
Chevy..Chevy girl…Chevy-a-loo..shut up Chev
Halo..halo baby..baby girl..baby dog
The Aussie posse
Sally Wallach says
Lucy, a rat terrier, adopted and very fearful: LuLu, LucyLoo, Looney, Roo (she looks exactly like a baby kangaroo from the neck up), Gooney, Little Girl, and, of course, Cutie. She also has a song that I sing to calm her. It’s to the tune of Don’t Cry Out Loud: Don’t be afraid, You’ll always be mine, I’ll always be here to guide you. Don’t be afraid, You live in my heart, And I will be sure you have it all!
Doreen Browning says
Oh what fun! We had no idea others did this.
First dog: Brittany, Brit, Britskie, Skeezie
Second dog: Baxter, Bax, Bah, BaHa, Bahooraburrah, Big Boy Baby Boy
Current dog: Roscoe, Roscoe P. Duncan-Hines Esquire, R-P-D, R-Pid, Pid, Pidster, Peed, Peedle, Sheedle Peedle, Long Dog, Big Dog, Furmageddon – Dark Lord of All.
Patricia Roberts says
Lucky, a black mouth cur (maybe – she’s a rescue I found as a puppy in a cemetery) – The LD, my Lucky Girl, the Luckster, Lucky-Loo, Baby Dog (as in don’t be a baby dog when she is whining or misbehaving, The dawdler (when she takes too long to find a spot to pee).
Janet Bergner says
I am on the staff of two elderly house cats.
Digger’s nicknames are Mr. Fuzzy Pants and Mr. Fancy Pants. He is a beautiful boy,
Sammy’s are SamSam and Samsonite
Marlene says
For us (&obviously others) the nicknames start to “morph” into something completely away from her name…..
Olive = Ollie, Ollie Smalls, The Smalls, Princess Puffy Pillow, Pinky Tuscadero, Crunch, The Crunch, Crumpet. And yes I love her more & more with each new silly name.
Feel better Trisha!
quichehound says
The good dog: Chickadee, Birdie, Sweet Pea, Girly Whirl. The puppy: Monster Mash, Boyo, Young Man. (“What do you think you’re doing, Young Man?” “How do we ask nicely, Young Man?”) (…we ask nicely by sitting, for the record)
Gail says
Izzy – Iz; Izzie-botz; Izzie-boom-ba-lizzy; Iz-mo-ski;
Margo says
Fun topic!
I think my dogs who ended up with the most nicknames are the ones with unusual personalities.
Let’s see…
Charlie: Sir Charles, coyote boy, chunky monkey, Charlie Bear
Pippi: the Pipster, Pipsqueak, Princess Pippi, “the Rat” (when my husband was mad at her…)
Sam: Bam-Bam
Echo (Sam’s mom): Betty!
Only 1 of my horses has nicknames, Annie: Tugboat Annie, Tank
1 cat… Rapunzel: the Punz!
I have not heard of the nickname book, but it sounds great.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for both of you humans!
Jaye Mier says
Dot (dog): Dottie, Dotzie, Dottie Mae (because early on our phrase was “Dottie Mae pee in the house, Dottie Mae poop in the house.”
Theo (dog): Theodore, Ted Bear,Teddy Bear, Tubber, T-Bear
Myles (cat): Smiles, Mr. Myles, Sir Myles, Miley
Argyle (cat): Sugar Ray
Sully (cat): Sulsters
Gordon (cat): Gordy, Gord Gord
Heidrun says
Get well soon!
I believe the more dogs you have (had), the more nicknames evolve. At least this is true for the “evolution of nicknames” in our house. And they gather more and more of them as they grow older.
All of my dogs had a lot of nicknames, depending on situations, their personal quirks and their age. And Margo’s idea about “unusual personalities” is definitely true for my boy…
Woody: Dude, Pup, Puppers, Schnups, Shnoodledoodle, Doodelig, Pip, Pipse, Pipserich, Erbskopf (Peahead), Fitzepitz, Tü, Tüdelü, Stink, Stinkepink, kleines Gebrüll (“little scream”), Superdude, Buddy, Laddie, Beastie Boy, Schatzimann (“sweetie-man”), Goody-Lee, Sweetie, Bumskopf (“bonk head”)
…and probably many more
(as I am from Germany, there are some names that can’t be translated because there even is no word in German for it, sorry for that).
And I am sure he would be truly embarrassed if he knew I told you about all his (very private) names… Sorry, Dude.
Melanie Hawkes says
This is fun! My dog’s name is Upton (I didn’t name him but it suits him as he’s up to no good most of the time!). From the day I got him I’ve called him Buddy as a nickname. Also Big Boy and occasionally Boss Dog (after seeing A Dog’s Journey in September).
I actually have more nicknames for his toys when I want to get him to play or pick them up. Monster is Mon-staaaarrr! Dolly becomes Polly Wally Dolly and Doggy becomes Doggy Woggy Woo! I wonder what he thinks of my crazy names but I don’t care as long as we have fun.
A speedy recovery to you both.
Jackie D says
Lucy: Lucy Lou, Norty Lucy, Bog Spaniel, Cloth Ears,
Twix: Twixy Twix, Mad Dog, Demon Dog (this was my daughter’ friends’ nickname for him…), Fang, Dr Twix, Old Dog
You can learn quite a lot about my dogs by their nicknames!
I did an online course for owners of reactive dogs by Janet Finlay, who believes that we should be careful in our choice of nicknames as they colour how we see the dog and what we expect from them. She challenged us to change any negative nicknames. So I deliberately chose the nickname Dr Twix because he has a history of indicating when Lucy is ill, bless him.
Jackie d says
PS – and thinking it over I don’t think either of my deceased cats had any nicknames other than generic endearments like ‘sweetheart’ that I use for all animals and small children! . I did love my cats, but I’m a dog person at heart. So maybe there is some truth in the ‘closeness’ theory.
lak says
Noel: no no, sweet baby girl, big farty girl, best dog
Alison Scott says
Charlie( female) Charlie Bug, Bug ,
Fluke (female) Miss Mouse, Mouse
Inna (female) Innanina, Nina
Tig (female) Tigget, Tiggy
Geri Yaccino says
Love this opportunity to share our pet names 😁!
Goldie Tanq, short for Tanqueray: Tanquers, Tanqueroo, Tanquerpoo, Gangster, Rooster, Roo
Goldie Cru: Cruzer, Cruzer Do, Cru the Poo, Hairy Pooter, Fuzz Muffin, Hairy Turducken
Maine Coon mix cat brothers,
Harry: Harold T. Cat, Harry Poodle, The Hairster, Haroldo, Roldo, Harry Pie
Moose: Moosie, Mooser Doo, Moose Potato, Moosie Pie, Mooser Roo
I have unsuccessfully searched for a quote from Morris’ MY DOG SKIP, in which he beautifully captures the sentiment that the more you love a dog, the more names you have for him. When I find it, I’ll share it.
❤️
Marianne Lockyer says
Pickle: dill pickle, dilly bar, chub chub, cranky frankie, dillers
Oogie: ooger booger, oogie boogie, baby boy, oogers, handsome lad, oogster
Both are bull terriers, and can occasionally hear a not so polite nick name when they are especially “good” terriers😉
Stacie says
Love this!
Morgon-Morgalicious, Morgie, Honeybun, Horrible Bitch, HB,
Hob-Hobber Bobber, Bobber, Hobster
Roane-Roanie, Roanie Macaroni, Roanie Mac, Macaroon
Thyme-Thymie Thyme, Thymester,
Tock-Tockity, Tickety Tock, Tockety Boo, Boo
Trisha says
Looking forward to the quote from Morris!
Rebecca says
Fiona McKenna Skye (Jack Russell mix)- Flying Fiona MacFee, Feefers, Fifi, Sloth Nose, My Little Grub
Joaquin del Puerto Peñasco de la Madrid (terrier mix)- Weenies, Weener, Booboo, Joaquinie Weenie
Bug (longhair tortishell) – Bugaboo, Buggy, Mamacita, Mamas
Norman (longhair blue) – Stormin’ Norman Schwarzkopf, Norrrrmaaan, Noshy
Nia Little says
Kiki (Yorkie, aged 4) a.k.a. Kikarella, Kiki Puppy, Puppy Girl, Shweetums, Poppet McSprocket, Pickle Chickle, Kiki Squeaky, Keekersqueaker, The Boss Lady, HRH the Princess Kiki Tamnik Cariad Bach von Bragg-Little
JMM says
I had to google Wake Robin. Looks like it could be a Jack in the Pulpit or a trillium. I never heard that name for any of those plants.
I loved hearing from Maggie and Tootie, you should let them contribute to the blog more often.
Pat says
This is such a joyful post to read – the comments are wonderful. Kona:
– Little man
– Monkey
– Chunky Monkey
– His Lordship!
Annie says
Scout (13yo Staffy) Sissy, the Noodle, Bee (because she is very busy), Sugar Bee, and my office mate calls her Snuffy Princess or Snuffy P. (because she make wonderful pig sounds)
Dillon (1yo BC) Dill, Dilly, Dilly Doo. He’s young, so not as many nanes, but there’s lots of time to add more : )
Betsy says
All of these are great! With four horses, four dogs, six cats, a goose and a rooster, the nicknames have largely become interchangeable. All the girls are sugar booger and all the boys are bubba gump. For my much loved 10 month old puppy girl,who is still in the throes of adolescence, we use the nickname Helen Wheels (say it fast)!
Hope all the two legs on your farm are feeling better!
Chris from Boise says
Hope you’re over the surgical complications quickly and that your “new” eyes give you a brighter sparkle to every day. Yay squats, boo crisettes!
I didn’t think we used many nicknames except Mr. O and Ms. R, which we use when we’re talking about the dogs rather than to them, but then realized there’s Rowan The Pest (apologies to Beverly Cleary’s “Ramona The Pest”) whose best friend happens to be Janet’s Phil The Pill (see Janet’s comment). They suit each other well. Then there are the various endearments like Best Boy (Obi) and Girlie-girl (Rowan and previously Habi).
I agree with Jackie d that a nickname emphasizing less-desirable characteristics can color one’s outlook. Happy to report that Rowan is now 95% wonderful and only 5% a pest as we near her first Gotcha Day celebration. Obi, who was on the receiving end of much of her pestilence, is very happy too. It’s really nice to see them buddying up the last couple of months.
Chris from Boise says
Geri Y: Is the “My Dog Skip” quote this one?
“He [Skip] knew my father by the name of Big Boss. My mother was Bossie, and I was Little Boss, or interchangeably, Willie. (I called him, depending on the mood, Skip, Old Skip, and Boy. I have learned that when you love somebody, you will address him or her by different names.)”
Christine says
Tabasgo, Jura Laufhund, 11 years old: Tabi, Bübu, Schätzi, Lusbueb (Swiss german Expressions!)
Shari says
Maya (Golden Retriever): My My, Miss Maya, Maya Papaya, Muffin, Monster Muffin
Alice R. says
I think I suffer from a real lack of imagination in nicknames, and need to up my game! My guy, Arlo, is monkey, rug rat, pup pup, sweet boy, and momma’s baby. Also fair is stringing several together at the same time for endless combinations. 😉
Melinda Jacobson says
My nick-namees are rabbits:
Finnegan, Finnie, Finnie-boy, Mr. Mood Swings, Finni-ky https://flic.kr/p/2hv4TkR
Pixel, Pix, Pixie, Princess Tiny Feet https://flic.kr/p/MxPRx1
I would have said that the more nicknames the more bonded, but I realized that for me it’s not true. The girl who holds my heart the tightest is Moraea. Just Moraea. https://flic.kr/p/PuvefH
Geri Yaccino says
Patricia,
I found the quote from Willie Morris from MY DOG SKIP!
“I called him, depending on the mood, Skip, Old Skip, and Boy. I have learned that when you love somebody, you will address him or her by different names.” p. 6
This is soooooo true for me and the beings I have been lucky enough to love. Fortunately, they have all tolerated my penchant for pet names and recognize them for what they mean to both of us.
Geri
Trisha says
JMM: They agree!
ES says
Aldous (lab?/schnauzer? charmer, 1 yr): Mophead, Conehead, Fluff-bucket, Danger Tail, Disaster McGee, Pupper
ES says
Aldous (lab?/schnauzer? charmer, 1 yr):
Mophead, Conehead, Fluff-bucket, Danger Tail, Disaster McGee, Pupper
Deborah Graber says
Sunny: 9 yr old, very alpha female Golden = Missy Pissy Pants (because of her attitude, not bad bathroom habits, LOL) also Missy Bark-A-Lot-A-Puss, and Sunny D-lightful
Teddy: 9 mo old male Golden = Teddy Beddy Bear, also Sugar Bear. He has the softest fur I have ever felt on any dog.
Love your blog, hope by the time you read all these silly and entertaining comments you are 100% better. God Bless
Heidi from Madison says
Petunia: Tunie, Tunie Girl, Toonces the Driving Cat, Toonces McGee, iTunes, Tune Balloon, Stinky, Stinky Puddin’
Jayne Edgley says
When we got our now 9 years old border collie pup we searched for a name that a family of five could agree on. Being sailors we went through various nautical themed names and terms and came up with Jib (one of the head sails)
But he also gets
Jibby
Jibber
Jibster
Jibblet
Jibber jabber
Jiberoni
All variation of the same theme.
Whether these of nicknames make us closer is questionable. That fact that he is such a loyal, sweet, sensitive and connected companion is the reason to connect us the most.
I hope your recovery is going well and that I’m time you are able to be busy and no longer bored.
Donna Baker says
Here are mine – I thought there were more for each dog, but either I was wrong or my memory fails me!
Benji (male), mixed breed …my very first pup: Ben, Benjaminny
Eliza (female), my first Golden Retriever: other people called her Liza, but to me, she was always Lizey or Lizey Lize
Bailey (male), first rescued Golden Retriever: Bales
Hobo (male), Golden Retriever adopted at age 12: Hoboguy, Hobes, Silly Old Boy
Tyler (female), adopted Golden Retriever, my little red girl, totally adored: T-ty, or (most often), just “T”
Morgan (male), adopted Golden Retriever: Morgie, Morgie-man
Alli (female), adopted Golden Retriever who came home at age 11: Alli-cat, Allcat, the girl with Alli-tude (oh man, did she have Alli-tude!)
Charlie (male), adopted Lab mix with many trust and behavior issues, my current dog: Charles, Punkin, Punkin man
Michael says
Tinkerbelle, occasionally also known as:
Tink
Tinker
Tinker B.
Tinky
Tinky Girl
Princess
Baby Girl
Tinkster
and finally… “Lady Tinker, Belle of the Ball”
Mary Beth Stevens says
Oh, what fun! Here goes – late to the party, but still enthusiastic😊
Suzie – Suziegirl, Babydoll, Girlygirl, SuzieQ, Girlfriend, SuzieBurger, SueSue, Sweetcheeks, Loviegirl, The Suze-stress, Sweetness
Tippy – Tip, Tipper, TippyBoy, Tipster, Meatball, Little Dude, Buddy Buddster, Badboy
I know I’ll remember others as soon as I close this off. Thank you for reminding me how much I love them ❤️
Sandy says
Message on a T-shirt; “I wonder what my dog named me?”
That would be an Interesting conversation!
Vicki says
Late to the party too but such a fun idea.
Leo (cat): Lee, Leelee, Terrorista, OG (he’s 17+ and oldest one in the family), LoverBoy
Annie (dog): Annie Pants, Pants, Ann, CrayCray, MamaGirl,
Sophie (dog): Soph, Soph MGosh, Beast, SophEEE, Baby Girl, Chubby Face,
Andi Krusoe says
I wonder if the book you’re thinking of is “Dogs and Their Women” by Barbara Cohen and Louise Tayloe. Not lists of nicknames, but photos and essays about the beloved partners, a lot of nicknames included, with one, the evolution of a nickname. If not, it’s a wonderful book to have, one of my favorites.
As for nicknames, here’s a few, all GSDs, most at the Bridge…
Minnie – Min, Mee, Mee-Moo, Minnie-Mouse, Minnie Winnie
Bobby – Bob, Bobster, Robert, Big Ba – Boo, Boo
Wynonna – Wy, Nonie, Nonie-Balonie
Ava – Avie, Avooch, Avie-Bavie
My two bonded boys, collectively known as FarandEm, one dog, eight legs
Farley – Far, Farfel, Farley Mo
Emmett – Em, Emmie, E-Moo, Emmett Andrew
My current boy
West, Westie, Woo-Woo, Westerfield, West Hollywood, Pretzel, House Pony
Thanks for this thread. We can’t be this wonderfully silly and dear with everybody!
Lucille says
Had to return to put the nicknames out. Possum, Malti-pom recently deceased. Possum, Possie, Pos, Possie- Dumplin’, She’s a Pumpkin, She’s a Muffin, possi-Sweet Pea
Possie-Pup. Plus a few more❤ She was such a special girl. Sweet through & through! One day she began to lick bite marks on my Vet’s wrist. He told her that that dog wasn’t sweet like she is!
Riley, 4-year-old Great Pyrenees. Rye, Rye-Guy, Fluff Butt, Sweet Boy, My Good Boy, Barky Mouth, My Guy,
Beautiful Boy. He IS all of these things and so much more!💜
Laura says
Lucy, my 9 year old rescue min pin/papillon mix: Lucy loo who, Luc, Boinga boinga (when she can’t keep her feet on the ground), and best of all her native american name, Lucy Underfoot, when we trip over her
AK says
So many fun and sweet names people have for the four-leggeds they love. My Australian Shepherd, Nick, was rescued the day he was going to be euthanized, so his long serious name is Just’in the Nick of Time. We tried out Justin for awhile, but he’s really a Nick.
I call him Nico, Nicolito, Goober, Nickelodeon, Chulo, Guapo, Mudbug.
My late Miss Rosie, also an Aussie — Badu, Crash, Pelota, Ita, Little One, Miss Thing.
Kimberly Merenda says
Abacus (Anatolian-Great Pyrenees): Abby; Abby-Cuss; Abz; AbbyFace
Pi (Lab-Aussie): Piper; Pi-Pi
Lemma (Anatolian): Lemm; Lemz; Lemmie
Tally (Lab-English Mastiff): Tal; Shovel Head; Dingo Eyes; Tally Lou
Mandelbrot (BC mix): Mandy; Mandel; Young Mister Brot
Julia (BC mix): Jewels; Jujube
Kathryn Butterfield says
Gabi Grace-English Golden retriever
Gabs..Sweet Girl…Sweet Cheeks…Girlie Girl…Little One…Hunny Bunny
Robin says
Her name is actually Cat, but we make up for that with kit-Cat, bratty catty, cat of destruction, mischief, little miss, and the one in the orange pajamas.
Hope you’re all healed up, and I love the pictures in the latest post!
Janet says
All Border Collies
Callum- Callum McKay, you dirty pot licker (as he messed up in a sheep dog trial!)
Queen- your majesty, my little kumquat
Michelle and Shan says
I hope you feel better soon.
We have a rescued Doxle. His name is Whopper, like the burger. I’m Mexican, so I tend to add -cito (suffix meaning little in Spanish) to pretty much every word. So we started calling him Whoppercito, then it turned into just Cito. My fiance calls him buddy, little, Mr.Cito, pequeño, and the list goes on.
Loved reading all the sweet names people call their babies. Thank you for sharing.