Introduction
You’ve got a new puppy and everyone in the family wants to vote on the name. You have some names on the ballot but haven’t elected a winner yet. You want something to do with America or with the capitol of the United States. Your choices are wide and varied. If you want to express your patriotism or your love for Washington, DC, or to state your politics loud and clear, what better way than to name your new pup one of the following Washington-related names? Whether Republican or Democrat, one of these monikers is sure to top the list.
Washington Dog Names in Pop Culture
Dogs have a long and illustrious history in Washington. Going back before America was even an established country, dogs played a crucial role in our development. As early as George Washington, dogs were involved in our history. One such dog’s name was Sweet Lips. She was a hound that belonged to a young Washington and accompanied him when he was appointed as representative from Virginia to the new Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Not wanting to part from his family and dogs entirely he chose to take Sweet Lips along on his journey.
Sweet Lips caught the attention of one of Philadelphia’s pillars of society when Washington was out walking with the dog. Elizabeth Powell, married to Mayor Samuel Powell, spotted the pair strolling on Walnut Street one day. She stopped to talk about the dog with Washington and was highly impressed with both the hound and the man. When she extended him an invitation to dinner with her and her husband the mayor, Washington accepted and went on to make a significant impression on Samuel Powell. He recognized leadership qualities in Washington and began to introduce him to other Philadelphia dignitaries. These men were also impressed with Washington’s intelligence and his strength – and with his beautiful dog as well. Washington went on to gift many of them with one of the pups he bred at home.
Washington’s passion for canines even played a part in achieving victory over the British. In the midst of a heated battle at Germantown that Washington’s troops were losing, a small dog was found wearing a collar that led them to believe it belonged to the opposing general William Howe; Washington rescued the dog, fed it, bathed it, and declared a cease-fire and returned the pup along with a note to General Howe. It read: “General Washington's compliments to General Howe. General Washington does himself the pleasure to return to him a dog, which accidentally fell into his hands, and, by the inscription on the collar, appears to belong to General Howe."
Howe labeled the gesture "an honorable act of a gentleman," and seemed to decrease his passion for victory. When he was ordered to "show little compassion to the rebels," Howe resigned and his less skilled replacement eventually lost the war with the colonies. Washington returned to Mount Vernon and developed a new breed, the American Foxhound, a popular breed yet today.
Washington Dog Name Considerations
Washington, DC loves all dog breeds so if you’re leaning towards a political name there’s one that’s perfect for any canine. Tall or tiny, fat or sleek, any dog can suit a Washington name. Imagine an English Bulldog named Trump or a show-stopping Afghan hound named Melania. These names are instantly recognizable to people and will bring a smile to many faces.
Consider your dog’s personality. Is he a mouthy little guy who yaps a lot? Or maybe you’ve got a big, burly dog with a loud bark. Is your dog cautious and conservative or one of those pups who loves to dive right in to the activity? Perhaps yours is stately and elegant or quiet and reserved. All qualities to consider when naming your pup.
Color, too, might be a consideration. A shaggy white dog might be named after Bernie Sanders while a well-groomed dark coat could remind you of John Kennedy. No matter which politician you would like to celebrate there’s a dog that is the perfect representative.
Of course all of Washington isn’t politics. There are museums, restaurants, nature, and history as well. Take inspiration for your new dogs name from anything Washington related and you’ll have a real winner on the ballot.
Male Washington Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
7 |
Barney
After a Scottish Terrier owned by George W. Bush
|
|
7 |
Adams
For John Adams or John Quincy Adams
|
|
6 |
Hoover
Named after Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States
|
|
6 |
Ambassador
In honor of our country’s diplomatic representatives
|
|
6 |
Veto
President Garfield had a dog with this name.
|
|
5 |
Logan
A northwest end neighborhood in DC
|
|
5 |
Blanco
The name of a white Collie owned by Lyndon B. Johnson
|
|
4 |
Lincoln
After the 16th president
|
|
4 |
DuPont
After Fort DuPont Park
|
|
4 |
Tyler
After John Tyler, the 10th US president
|
|
4 |
Grover
In honor of Grover Cleveland
|
|
4 |
Washington
After either the city itself or the 1st president of the United States
|
|
4 |
Arlington
In remembrance of Arlington National Cemetery
|
|
4 |
Black Jack
Dog owned by President Theodore Roosevelt
|
|
2 |
Bernie
In honor of Bernie Sanders
|
|
1 |
Pierre
After the designer of the District of Columbia, Pierre L’Enfant
|
|
1 |
Freedom
A statement for the United States
|
|
1 |
Veep
A nickname for vice-president
|
|
1 |
Grits
Jimmy Carter named his mixed breed Grits
|
|
0 |
Commander
For the Commander in Chief
|
|
0 |
Kennedy
In remembrance of John F. Kennedy
|
|
-1 |
Wizard
Named for the Washington baseball team
|
|
-1 |
Martin
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr, civil rights leader
|
|
-1 |
Patriot
In honor of our founding fathers
|
|
-1 |
MacArthur
After the famous General Douglas MacArthur
|
|
-1 |
Reagan
Named after President Ronald Reagan
|
|
-1 |
Bo
President Barrack Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog
|
|
-2 |
Patton
A much-respected general in Washington
|
|
-3 |
Mr. Smith
After the famous Jimmy Stewart movie
|
|
-3 |
Franklin
In memoriam for Franklin D. Roosevelt
|
Female Washington Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
7 |
Miss Beasley
A dog owned by President George W. Bush
|
|
6 |
Eleanor
In honor of Eleanor Roosevelt
|
|
6 |
Amelia
After Amelia Bloomer, a woman’s rights activist from the 19th century
|
|
6 |
Ladybird
A salute to the wife of Lyndon B. Johnson
|
|
5 |
Mamie
In remembrance of Mamie Eisenhower
|
|
4 |
Sweet Lips
A favorite dog of George Washington’s
|
|
3 |
Dolley
In honor of Dolly Madison
|
|
3 |
Taylor
A representative of Zachary Taylor
|
|
3 |
Condi
Nickname for Condoleeza Rice, a former Secretary of State
|
|
3 |
Harriet
n honor of Harriet Tubman, leader of the Underground Railroad
|
|
2 |
Mrs. Bush
In honor of Barbara and Laura Bush
|
|
2 |
Madison
For President James Madison
|
|
2 |
Rosa
In memory of Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist
|
|
2 |
Abigail
A memorial for Abigail Van Buren
|
|
2 |
Bessie
In honor of Bessie Truman
|
|
1 |
Melania
After first lady Melania Trump
|
|
1 |
Michelle
In honor of 1st lady Michelle Obama
|
|
1 |
Sonia
US Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor
|
|
0 |
Millie
English Springer Spaniel belonging to Barbara Bush
|
|
0 |
Maya
Author, poet, civil rights activist, and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
|
|
-1 |
Martha
After our 1st first lady
|
|
-1 |
Jackie O
Named after 1st lady Jacquelyn Kennedy
|
|
-1 |
Elizabeth
For Elizabeth Cady Stanton, abolitionist and president of the Women’s Suffrage League for twenty years
|
|
-1 |
Ruth
Named for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, justice of the United States Supreme Court
|
|
-1 |
Nancy
In memory of Nancy Reagan, first lady of the United States
|
|
-1 |
Cherry
In honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival held each year in Washington
|
|
-2 |
Hillary
In honor of Hillary Clinton
|
|
-2 |
River
Named after the Potomac River
|
|
-3 |
Liberty
A Golden Retriever owned by Gerald Ford
|
|
-3 |
Murphy
After the TV show Murphy Brown set in DC
|