Introduction
You may want to find the perfect German name for your puppy because your family hails from Germany or your dog is a German breed. It could also be that you simply love German culture and want to find a name that makes you think of this interesting country. There are plenty of names with German origins to choose from for your newest companion. Some names seem universal and could even be considered Americanized like Millie while others are old school German such as Wolfgang. Finding the right name for your puppy may be overwhelming but should never be stressful.
German Dog Names in Pop Culture
A good German name is Agnes and we are introduced to a rather classy Shih Tzu named Miss Agnes in the comedy Best In Show released in 2000. This movie was classified as a “mock-umentary” by film critics and fans. Throughout the course of this movie five dog show entrants are followed by the cameras, and their owners and handlers are interviewed throughout the movie. Viewers are able to see a glimpse of the rather interesting interactions and idiosyncrasies of the various owners and handlers highlighted as they prepare prior to traveling to the dog show as well as going on the road with them as they drive or fly to the show. The movie also showcases these five entrants during the show and then catches up with them six months after the show. One of the most noticeable comedic aspects of the movie is showcasing the similarities between the characteristics and personalities of the dogs and their owners. The most interesting part of this movie is that much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors. These actors truly hit the nail on the head and made their characters relatable. While it was all done in fun, many dog show enthusiasts found the movie to be a scary parallel to the real deal!
One of the five entrants showcased was Miss Agnes the Shih Tzu. Miss Agnes is first seen lounging on the lap of one of her owners. Her eccentric owners are a campy gay couple named Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof. These two are very prideful of their prize winning Shih Tzu and are so confident that Miss Agnes will beat everyone at the show and bring home Best in Show, the top prize. This couple also enjoys talking about their love of old movies and how they spoil Miss Agnes. Scott and Stefan also find great joy in making fun of fellow competitor Christy Cummings. These guys are friendly towards the other competitors, especially Gerry and Cookie Fleck. While Miss Agnes does not ultimately win Best in Show, Scott and Stefan are still absolutely smitten with her and love the breed that much more. Six months after the show, this dynamic duo is in the process of creating a calendar that features Shih Tzu in costume honoring old movies such as Casablanca and Gone with the Wind. These two are convinced there are other people out there with the same passion for the Shih Tzu and old movies, making their calendar their best idea yet.
German Dog Name Considerations
Who does not love all things German? Well, maybe not some German foods. You may have a heritage steeped in German culture or you may have visited Germany and fell in love with the country. Whatever your reasoning for wanting to honor Germany by naming your new puppy a German name, there are plenty to choose from that are fun and interesting. When giving a German dog breed a name that honors their native land do not be surprised to find that you may have chosen a popular name. For example, many Dachshunds are named Heinz, Hans or Gretel. There are a number of Doberman Pinschers named Axel or Otto. If you are a music lover, there is always Beethoven, Ludwig or even Mozart. While most German names do not evoke images of a specific size of dog, there are a few names that would seem a little odd if a bigger dog carried that name, such as Schnitzel. When deciding on a name for your new puppy, involve the entire family and explore all your options. If you are set on a German name then look at landmarks, cities or even bodies of water for potential names. You may even find inspiration in an old family name or a family member that migrated from Germany.
Male German Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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Albert
Noble or bright
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Dieter
Ruler of the people
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Heinz
Home of the king
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Axel
Father of all things peaceful
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Dunkel
A dark, flavorful lager
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Barchen
Little bear
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Hans
He is gracious
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0 |
Rhine
The Rhine River winds through Germany
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Gunther
Bold warrior
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Kaiser
Emperor or ruler
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Walter
Army ruler
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Alvin
Friend to everyone
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Emerich
Ruler of the home
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Beethoven
Famous German composer
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Kramer
Shopkeeper in Germany
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Otto
Prosperous and wealthy
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Frankfurt
City in Germany
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Wolfgang
Rising wolf
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Pilsner
A light lager produced in Pilsen
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Ugo
Complete in mind, body and spirit
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Franz
Short for Francis
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Bruno
Brown haired
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Durin
A mythical dwarf
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Hansel
From the fairy tale where a witch captures a brother and sister
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Alaric
Noble rule
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Schnapps
Alcoholic beverage
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Mozart
German composer
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Panser
German tank used in WWII
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Otis
The son of Otto
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-1 |
Dolf
A shortened form of Adolph
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Female German Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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Gretel
The sister in the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel
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Heidi
Kind and noble woman
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Rapunzel
From Friedrich Schulz’s book Rapunzel
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Ida
Industrious person
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Lola
Lady of sorrow
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Schnitzel
Popular German dish
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0 |
Ada
Nobility or noble one
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Anka
Purse or satchel
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0 |
Britta
Strong woman or strength
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Elsa
Pledged to God
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Fritzi
Peaceful ruler
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Hilda
Battle woman
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Greta
Precious stone
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Wilma
A bold protector
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Gretchen
Pure, pearl
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Liesel
Pledged to the Lord
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Annika
Graceful or elegant
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Winola
Charming friend
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Spatzle
Popular German dumpling dish
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Emma
One who truly cares
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0 |
Zelda
Fighting maiden
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Astrid
Beautiful is the Lord
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Zita
Little flower or rose
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Adelaide
Serene and noble
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Maud
Strong in battle
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Ebba
Strong as a wild boar
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Petra
Rock or stone
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Mischa
She is like the Lord
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Agnes
Holy or pure
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0 |
Millie
Gentle but strong
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