Introduction
WWI Inspired Dog Names in Pop Culture
An American Bull Terrier named Stubby was bestowed the rank of sergeant for his bravery during World War I. He joined the 102nd Infantry Regiment (United States) and was assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division where he was considered the official mascot.
This stocky dog was found as a stray on the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut in June of 1917. One soldier, Corporal Robert Conroy, who was drilling on the campus at the time become very fond of the pug-nosed dog. Unfortunately, with the War raging, Corporal Conroy’s regiment was scheduled to ship out. The Corporal couldn’t imagine life without the stray so he smuggled him onto the ship by hiding him under his overcoat. Corporal Conroy and his buddy’s had trained the dog to salute on command so when the commanding officer found the stowaway dog, Stubby promptly saluted him and won the officer’s heart.
Upon arrival in France, Corporal Conroy, Stubby, and his fellow soldiers were stationed on the front line trenches. They would all serve a rough 18 months together. They would participate in four offensives and 17 battle. In February, Stubby and the soldiers were under 24-hr fire from the opposing forces. Stubby was injured in the front leg by a grenade thrown by a German soldier. He was promptly sent to medical to recover. After he returned to battle, the stout dog was again injured by inhaling mustard gas. After the inhalation episode, Stubby wore a small gas mask fashioned for his face. Stubby’s keen sense of hearing allowed him to warn his troops about incoming artillery and mustard gas because he would hear the whine of the shells before human ears. He was also credited with helping capture a German spy.
The stout dog was adored everywhere and brought much-needed cheer to many during extremely dire times. The lady’s of one French town were so enamored with the dog that they sewed him a war jacket with all of his medals. When the war finally ended, Stubby retired to civilian life where he marched in many parades, met three presidents, and was honored with a gold medal from the Humane Education Society.
Stubby died in his sleep in 1926. He was mounted through a taxidermy process and is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. There is also a plaque that tells about his many honorable WWI stories of valor and perseverance.
WWI Inspired Dog Name Considerations
The important role of canines on the battlefield during World War I is undeniable. Millions of animals such as dogs and horses were used to assist soldiers on the front lines in a variety of capacities. Canines commonly lived alongside soldiers in the trenches. They fought beside their comrades and served as couriers. Dogs became known as fearless fighters who were extremely loyal to their owners.
During World War I, the most common breeds used on the battlefield were German Shepherds and Dobermans. However, other medium sized breeds were also frequently utilized. Consider your dog's breed and you may find that a WWI name is just the fit.
One of the most common uses for canines during the war were as casualty dogs. Casualty dogs sought out the wounded on the battlefield. The dogs were equipped with pouches that they carried on their backs. They would venture out to the wounded, often under extreme fire, to deliver medications and supplies so a wounded warrior could treat his pain or staunch the flow of blood from his wound until his human comrades could assist him. The canine would often stay beside the wounded soldier all the way until he breathed his last breath. The dog provided comfort and companionship during the person’s last minutes of life.
Sentry dogs were indispensable during the war. They would automatically alert soldiers to any approaching enemies or strange noises. Their sense of smell and ability to hear far surpasses that of humans so the role of sentry dog was critical. Small dogs were even carried as mascots by pilots in their planes. It is believed that the fearless little dogs served a valuable purposes by lifting morale for the soldiers who were often sent into very dangerous and often fatal situations. If your dog is the affectionate type, or brings you comfort daily, consider a WWI name to honor their personality.
Male WWI Inspired Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
5 |
Ace
A common nickname for a pilot
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|
3 |
Tank
A great name for a big dog who is built like military artillery
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|
3 |
Ranger
A branch of the military
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|
2 |
Stubby
After the famous WWI Bull Terrier
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|
2 |
Bomber
A reference to the bombs used during war
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|
2 |
Sniper
Someone who shoots from a long distance
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|
2 |
Tango
Military code word
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|
1 |
Captain
An officer in the military
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|
1 |
Marine
A branch of the military
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|
1 |
Soldier
Reference to a military personnel
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|
1 |
Sarge
Short for sergeant
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|
1 |
Sailor
Refers to a Navy person
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|
1 |
General
A military officer
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|
1 |
Skipper
Reference to a Navy sailor
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|
1 |
Private
An entry level infantryman
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|
1 |
Oscar
Military code word
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|
0 |
Boots
A reference to the military boots worn by infantrymen
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|
0 |
Commander
A military leader
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|
0 |
Whisky
Military code word
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|
-1 |
Admiral
A Naval officer
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|
-1 |
Captain
A military officer
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-1 |
Lieutenant
A military officer
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-1 |
Infantryman
A foot soldier
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|
-1 |
Striker
Refers to the military striking first
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|
-1 |
Pilot
Refers to someone who flies a plane
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-1 |
Tracker
Refers to someone who tracks
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|
-1 |
Chief
A military officer
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|
-1 |
Charlie
Military code word
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|
-1 |
Grenade
Refers to an explosive device
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|
-2 |
Sergeant
A rank in the military
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Female WWI Inspired Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
1 |
Bullet
Refers to military ammunition
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1 |
Liberty
Refers to the fight for freedom
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1 |
Carbine
Refers to a rifle
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|
1 |
Ricochet
Refers to a bullet ricocheting
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1 |
Primer
An action taken with firearms
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|
1 |
Fire
Refers to firing a firearm
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|
1 |
Caliber
The size of a firearm
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|
1 |
Torpedo
Torpedoes were often used by the Navy
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|
1 |
Trooper
To be the member of a troop
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1 |
Mercy
Mercy dogs often rendered aid to soldiers on the French front lines
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|
0 |
Pistol
After a firearm
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|
-1 |
Colt
Refers to a gun
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|
-1 |
Germany
Refers to the country during World War I
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-1 |
Frenchie
The French were American allies
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-1 |
America
In honor of the United States
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|
-1 |
Cannon
Refers to big artillery
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|
-1 |
Hammer
To strike
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-1 |
Flame
Flame throwers were commonly used during WWI
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-1 |
Mauser
Refers to a German gun
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|
-1 |
Recoil
The recoil of a firearm after firing
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-1 |
Havoc
Raining havoc down on the enemy
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-1 |
Packer
Refers to the packs that military men carried
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-1 |
Messenger
Dogs were often used as messengers during the war
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-1 |
Sentinel
Refers to being a guard and keeping watch
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-1 |
Watcher
Dogs were often used to watch for incoming artillery or enemies.
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-1 |
Ratter
Dogs were often used to remove rats from the trenches
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-1 |
Smokes
Refers to the cigarettes commonly used by soldiers in the trenches
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-1 |
Prusco
A famous dog credited with saving many during World War I
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|
-2 |
Cigarette
Dogs were used to deliver smokes to the soldiers in the trenches
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Community Dogs With WWI Inspired Names
my great great grandpa has been in the war