Introduction
Runt Dog Names in Pop Culture
We couldn’t resist this gigantic, bright, famous dog that everyone recognizes and loves. In Clifford the Big Red Dog’s story, he starts his journey as a runt. Sometimes we might forget that because he is so massive. He’s a huge, lovable success in the realms of children’s literature and even animated TV series, but when this itty-bitty hound came on the scene in 1963, he wasn’t the pick of the litter.
Author and illustrator Norman Bridwell confesses that the larger-than-life canine was originally named “Tiny.” But that just didn’t stick; his wife was actually the one to deem it as too boring and predictable of a moniker. Here we are discussing names for dogs, and we find out that Clifford’s didn’t come easy. Bridwell took the name from his wife’s childhood imaginary friend, in fact. How fitting! He’s fantastical and has inspired imaginations for several generations now.
The story goes that Clifford’s owner and best friend, Emily Elizabeth (named after Bridwell’s own daughter), adopted Clifford as her furry pal even though he was the smallest of his family. No one expected great size or great anything from this red pup. He would only remain oddly little and sick. But Emily Elizabeth loved and loved him so much that he grew and grew until he was over 25 feet tall. That’s a lot of love! And that’s a lot of dog!
If you look into the author’s past, you’ll find that Bridwell really identified with Clifford. He was a runt in his own right, the way we all feel sometimes. He wasn’t gifted in sports or very talented in shop class. His teachers even told him he was no good at art. However, he, of course, went on to sketch and bring to life one of the most iconic doggos of all time. Snoopy gets a lot of hype every year around the holidays, with his big old traditional balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But we’ll give you one guess who the other beloved balloon depicts. That’s right. For some, it’s not officially time to celebrate until they see Clifford high in the sky.
Clifford’s story is a timeless one. He starts out as a runt; he’s different and underestimated. He exceeds expectations tremendously, but he’s still unique, of course. He’s part of a loving family, though, one that would move their life from the city to the country just to make him feel at home. And he’s got the friendship of Emily Elizabeth to sustain him through all of his mistakes and any insecurities or obstacles he faces.
Runt Dog Name Considerations
Choosing a runt's name comes with a responsibility. It almost seems like nature itself is somewhat against this little, tender creature, so you’ve got to find the title that expresses how much they’re loved and cherished. Spend some time chatting with your friends and family about small things in general. Consider how powerful tiny objects can be. Just because something is microscopic even, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a very significant purpose. You might land a name simply by discussing this topic. For example, without reading the list below, you might mention “Atom,” “Button,” and “Penny.”
Some people enjoy being ironic, so here’s your chance if that's you. You’ve got a runt on your hands, so what better way to draw a laugh than by naming them “Hercules,” “Maximus,” or “Rocky?” On the other hand, you may prefer something as dainty as they are like “Cheerio,” “Teacup,” or “Pixie.” If you’re outdoorsy and your little baby loves the outdoors, too, try “Dandelion,” “Tadpole,” “Boots,” or “Sandy.” We hope the following name guide gets your little wheels a' turning. Try a few of these names on. Even though your doggo is a bitty boo, one of these monikers is sure to fit!
Male Runt Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
1 |
Zeus
The title of the god of gods
|
|
1 |
Pez
Like the small candies
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|
0 |
Rocky
Because your little guy is a fighter
|
|
0 |
Bambi
Short for bambino (child)
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|
-1 |
Puck
Tiny and magical like Puck the fairy
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|
-2 |
Tyson
A strong moniker for your trooper
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|
-2 |
Apollo
The title of a god; an ironic, large and looming name
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-2 |
Tiny
Appropriate for the size of your pup
|
|
-3 |
Roman
A warrior name for your little fighter
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-3 |
Hercules
The title of a god; a large and strong name
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|
-3 |
Maximus
An ironic, gigantic title
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|
-3 |
Peanut
Perfect for a tiny, brown fur child
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-3 |
Moose
Another ironic title, as a moose is quite large
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-3 |
Cubby
Little like a newborn cub
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-3 |
Fievel
For An American Tale: Fievel Goes West
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-3 |
Morsel
He’s a delectable little morsel of love
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|
-4 |
Little
Like the famous Stuart Little
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-4 |
Tootles
Like the littlest lost boy from Peter Pan
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-4 |
Tadpole
A cute, outdoorsy name for your little baby dog
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-4 |
Cheerio
Because he’s small, cute, and “cheery” like a Cheerio
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|
-5 |
Bullet
He’s small but possesses a powerful personality
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-5 |
Boots
He’s so small, he can fit in your boots
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|
-5 |
Kernel
Small piece of corn; a play on “Colonel”
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-6 |
Joey
Like the infant kangaroo
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-7 |
Squirt
For one who is seemingly insignificant
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-7 |
Babe
A nickname for “Baby”
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-7 |
Wilbur
After the famous runt who became “Some Pig!”
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-7 |
Alvin
Teeny like a chipmunk
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-7 |
Biscuit
A small, wonderful treat like your pup
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-7 |
Atom
Super tiny; a play on “Adam”
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Female Runt Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
3 |
Pixie
A small, fantastic sprite or fairy
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|
2 |
Mini
For your miniature baby
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|
2 |
Confetti
Those tiny wonders that mean celebration and party
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|
2 |
Bitsy
For your cute little bit
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|
2 |
Tink
Short for Tinkerbell
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|
2 |
Locket
A small jewel that holds your heart
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|
1 |
Button
Cute as a button and small as one, too
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|
1 |
Teacup
A dainty, small cup; your fur baby could probably fit in it
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|
0 |
Teeny
Reflective of her small stature
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|
0 |
Pearl
A small natural treasure
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|
-1 |
Sandy
Tiny as grains of sand
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|
-1 |
Nano
One billionth of adorable
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|
-1 |
Ann
The runt’s name in Where the Red Fern Grows
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|
-1 |
Dottie
Short for an itty-bitty dot
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|
-1 |
Brenna
Meaning “little tears” and “raven-haired”
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|
-1 |
Pebbles
Tiny rocks
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|
-1 |
Dumpling
Dumplings are small and chunky, filled with goodness
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|
-1 |
Nickole
A play on “nickel,” a small silver coin
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|
-2 |
Penny
Small as the copper coin
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|
-2 |
Dandelion
That tiny golden flower that signifies spring
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-2 |
Tulla
Meaning “a little hill”
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|
-2 |
Tippy
The tips of things are usually tiny
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|
-2 |
Chicky
Make a nod to those adorable baby chickens
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|
-3 |
Darla
From the Little Rascals
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|
-3 |
Clove
The size of a garlic clove is pretty little
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|
-3 |
Raisin
A small, chewy food; great for a dog with a dark coat
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|
-3 |
Ruby
A small, beautiful jewel
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|
-3 |
Carlotta
Pretty and petite
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|
-3 |
Demi
For her half-size
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|
-3 |
Robin
A common songbird
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