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We love all the different names people give their dogs. So here's our fun and entirely unscientific guide to the characters of some of the most popular ones.

Despite their rather small demeanour, terriers will fill up the house with their energy and love of life. There is plenty of fun to be had with a terrier by your side, but before committing to a life together, here is what you should know about these beloved dog breeds. Terrier dog breeds are truly enthusiastic about life. They generally have a lot to say and a lot to see, but their diverse backgrounds make room for a lot of variety in their personalities and behaviour. If you think terrier breeds are a match for you, here is what to expect, in a nutshell. A terrier dog's job description Most terrier breeds have their origins in the UK and were developed to kill vermin such as rats and mice in a variety of settings from the rural to the industrial, either above or below ground. Terrier dog breed sizes With one exception (the larger Airedale), terrier breeds are small dogs with huge - and fairly strong - personalities. With different histories and working styles, some of the terriers are quite feisty and tenacious while others are softer and less challenging, but all can be accurately described as 'large dogs in a small body'! The natural instincts of terrier dog breeds Terriers' instincts have been honed to perfection by successive breeding to locate and kill vermin quickly. Terriers who don't have to stalk or chase their prey (as they are in very close proximity) are specialists in watching and killing their prey, often with a single bite. As this predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for dogs (ie it doesn't need an external reward such as a treat or praise), owners have to be aware that not only do their dogs enjoy carrying out these behaviours, they need to do them to stay healthy and happy. Often, these are also the behaviours they will resort to if they are bored, stressed, under-stimulated, excited - or just for fun. This certainly doesn't mean you should encourage your terrier be the terror of the local rodent population but it does mean that training and games should be targeted in ways that simulate hunting in order to keep them happy, healthy and fulfilled as well as improve your bond. Terrier dog breeds behaviour and personality In order to do their job successfully, a terrier breed needs certain key skills and characteristics.

Have you ever wondered what breed you'd be if you were a dog? Well now you can find out! Take our quiz to discover which dog breed matches your personality here. Everyone has a favourite breed of dog, one that they've dreamt of owning for as long as they can remember. But have you ever wondered what dog breed you would be? All dog breeds are unique and possess characteristics that make them just as individual as different people. Want to find out what dog breed you are? Take our dog breed quiz below to find out which dog breed most closely matches your personality! Simply add up your answers and find out what dog breed you are at the end. Good luck! 1. What's your favourite way to spend your free time? a) Playing Frisbee in the park with friends. b) Treating myself to a spa day. c) Chilling out at home. d) Volunteering at a local charity. e) Planning my next big adventure.

Finding the right breeder is crucial to make sure that your pup has received the best start to grow into a happy and healthy dog. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide. Adding a new puppy to your household is an exciting time, but it does come with its own little stresses. Before you get your hands on that adorable ball of fluff, there's a few things to consider, such as, am I ready to dedicate my life to a dog? And what breed best suits my lifestyle? Then, once you've answered all these questions you need to find a reputable breeder to ensure that you're buying a puppy that's in good health and is well-cared for. So, if you’re wondering where to buy a dog from and what questions to ask the breeder, we've put together this puppy buying guide to help you on your journey to getting your new four-legged friend. Buying a puppy checklist Before buying a puppy, you will need to be able to answer yes to all the questions on our buying a puppy checklist. Dog ownership can be extremely rewarding as it brings you unconditional love companionship, a healthier lifestyle and a sense of joy. But are you ready for the commitment? • Can I afford to own a dog for its life? Things to think about are food, veterinary fees, possible grooming costs, kennelling fees and insurance costs. • Are my circumstances right for a dog? This includes work hours and size of home. Will there be someone at home if I work long hours? • Can I make a lifelong commitment to a dog? The average lifespan of a dog is around 12 years and so you will need to be able to commit for this length of time. • Will I be able to exercise the dog every day? Will I be able to train, groom and generally care for the dog? • Can I answer yes to all the questions on the buying a puppy checklist, 365 days of the year? If the answer is yes then you can move onto and research the next steps. Which dog breed is right for me? The next step on our puppy buying guide is that you'll need to decide which dog breed is right for you depending on your preferred size, exercise levels, grooming needs and if they suit family life. There are many breeds out there and all will suit different sorts of people and circumstances. A Border Collie, for example, will not do well in a flat with no garden and no access to regular exercise, whereas a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua will likely not mind.

Pastoral dog breeds come in many shapes and sizes, but they all love nothing more than having a job to do. Here is what you need to know about these hard-working canines, from grooming requirements to the type of exercise they like best. Pastoral dog breeds love working with their owners and will wag their tails whenever the whole family gets involved, whether it's training, exercising or play time. Given their expertise in moving and protecting livestock, it's no wonder that pastoral dogs can easily become reliable members of the family, always happy to cooperate, but extremely keen on large amounts of exercise. Find out what makes these dogs such beloved companions and discover the diverse line-up of pastoral breeds, including the short, but sturdy Welsh Corgi as well as the larger German Shepherd. A pastoral dog's job Pastoral dogs hail from all over the world, and were originally bred to herd, move and sometimes also protect, livestock. Depending on their size and skills, pastoral breeds were entrusted with diverse jobs that involved looking after sheep, goats, cattle or even in some cases reindeer. Pastoral dog breeds sizes As a result of their diverse background, pastoral breeds come in virtually all sizes and coat types, from the smaller heelers (who move livestock by nipping at their heels) to the giant breeds who are guardians as well as herders and hence need to be larger and more powerful. The natural instincts of pastoral breeds Like all working breeds, pastoral dogs utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that humans have developed them for. Pastoral breeds are specialists in watching livestock and then working with their owner, using the stalk/chase part of their hunting behaviour to move them where they need to go. A herding dog shouldn't bite their charges and so individuals who were weak in the 'bite' part of the predatory behaviour were generally used to create these breeds. The exception is the heelers - for whom nipping at the heels of cattle was their strategy for encouraging animals more than 10 times their size to go somewhere they might not want to. As this predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for dogs owners have to be aware that not only do their dogs enjoy carrying out these behaviours, they also need an outlet for their hard-wired instincts to stay healthy and happy. This doesn't mean you need a flock of sheep in the garden, but it does mean that these are hard-working dogs who relish having a job to do that involves owner interaction, and controlled stalking, chasing and brain work. Pastoral dog breeds behaviour and personality Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether a pastoral dog is the companion for you.

Military and police dogs are amazing in all sense of the word. These pups with super-powered noses assist in a huge range of duties for law enforcement including everything from drugs detection to general protection work. Learn all you need to know about the types of police dogs and the duties they carry out with Purina. There are some breeds of dog which are never happier than when they have a job to do. Previously, working dog breed types were used for hunting - and many still are - but as the land developed and areas became more urbanised, these breeds had to find careers elsewhere. Many of these breeds are now finding success in the police and military, thanks to their super-powered noses and strong work ethic. Today, military and police dogs are seen all over the world and they undertake numerous tasks including general purpose support work, search and rescue and detection. The work these dogs do is paramount in assisting the forces and they can even help to uncover evidence which may have been missed by the human eye, can quickly apprehend suspects and even help track down missing people. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the types of police dogs and the work they do. General purpose police dog types Almost every force will employ a number of general-purpose police dogs. Their main task is to deter suspects from running and if they do, to apprehend them and assist the officer in making the arrest. That's not all though - these police dog types can be used for anything from guarding, protection and tracking, and they're great at locating drugs, evidence and even human remains. The most common general-purpose types of police dogs you'll encounter are:

If you're not sure what dog is right for you, a few breeds are notoriously popular for being just right for households. Somewhere between the tiny pups and the gentle giants of the canine world sit the most beloved medium-sized dogs. Discover them here. Small dogs are cute but they can be quite feisty at times. Large dogs are protective but can be a handful and may just drive you crazy with their love for fetching games. Sometimes the best of both worlds is somewhere in the middle. These are the popular medium-sized dog breeds. They're not too big, and not too small - they're just right! The breeds on this list are all a similar size, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Here are some of the most lovable and friendly medium dog breeds. Medium-sized dog breeds Basset Hound - relaxed Laid back, gentle and ready to become fast friends with every member of the family, including children, the Basset Hound comes with all the joys of having a dog. Their long ears and mournful eyes make them instantly recognisable, but they're also well-known for their copious drooling so keep this in mind if you're squeamish about the sofa and the carpets. The Basset Hound is a loyal companion, but expect to see their stubborn side as well from time to time, especially if they happen to sniff an interesting scent. They'll decide for themselves if it needs to be investigated further so it's best to keep them on a leash when going on walks.

If you're looking to bring a new puppy into your life, you may be wondering about the potential financial implications that come with it. Find out everything you need to know with our handy guide. Deciding to get a new puppy is incredibly exciting, but often, people don't spend enough time thinking about the financial obligations that go with it. While you may believe that it's simply a case of having enough money to purchase your furrever friend, your puppy's first year brings a wealth of costs that you need to account for too. If you're thinking of opening up your home to a new puppy, you may be wondering how much does a puppy cost? Keep reading to find out how much are puppy vaccinations and what other expenses you should expect in your pup's first year. How much is a puppy? The first question on your journey to puppy ownership will likely be how much does a puppy cost? The first factor that will influence this is the breed, as more in-demand breeds like Labradors and Bulldogs will always carry a higher price tag. It will also depend on the puppy's heritage, if they're from a registered breeder, as this may increasethe price. Another question to consider when asking how much is a puppy is that if you're buying from a reputable breeder, the costs will likely be higher. This is due to the fact that the sale of a puppy needs to cover running their business as well as providing high quality care. There are many costs a breeder will have to cover such as screening tests for the parents (if they're a breed prone to illnesses), possibly stud services, de-worming and vaccination costs, registration fees and so much more. One thing to be aware of is to watch out for low prices, these can indicate a puppy mill or farm or reflect poor quality of care. If you're not prepared to shell out hundreds or sometimes thousands on a puppy, you could consider adopting a puppy instead. You'll still have to pay a fee which will cover their time at the centre, but this will usually be considerably less than buying a puppy from a breeder. Additionally, your adoption fee will also probably cover microchipping, vaccinations and neutering (providing they're old enough). How much are puppy vaccinations? Once you've got your puppy, the next step is vaccinations. These are essential as they'll protect your puppy against diseases or illnesses. The puppy vaccinations cost will depend on your veterinarian, but these will usually range between $160- $200 for all 3 rounds. They'll need these first vaccinations when they're 6 - 8 weeks old, with the second following 1 - 2 weeks later. When buying from a reputable breeder or rescue centre, these vaccinations will usually already have been done before you pick them up. After that, you'll need to take your pup for an annual booster. If your puppy hasn't yet had their injections, some veterinarians will offer a 'puppy club scheme' which will cover puppy vaccination costs and may also include microchipping and help with neutering.

Take a deep dive into the hound dog breeds world and discover the behaviour and personality that makes them such beloved family members. From giants to dainty dogs, this group has got them all. From the majestic Afghan Hound to the miniature stance of the Beagle, hound dog breeds have stolen our hearts for generations. If you're thinking of bringing one home, there are a few things you need to know. With profiles that include various sizes, personalities and instincts, here are the hound breeds in a nutshell. A hound dog's job The hound dog breeds group consists of dogs who were developed to help humans with hunting either on horseback (generally the longer-legged hounds dogs) or on foot (the shorter-legged hounds). They do this in two very distinct ways - either using their keen eyesight or else by following a scent. Some of these hounds are pack hound who work in a group while others work individually. Scent hounds Scent Hounds, as their name suggests, love to follow scent trails even over long distances. They love searching for things as part of their playtime, and with their impressive stamina they're the perfect companion for long walks. Scent hound breeds are also keen to go searching for objects hidden around the home and garden at the end of scent trails, which means lots of fun and games for you both. They enjoy carrying soft toys, but may not respond particularly quickly to training or even be that interested! They normally have pendulous ears and a smooth or wiry coat. Sighthounds Sighthounds are playful, high speed sprinters who love to chase and, as their name suggests, hunt by sight rather than through their noses! If you have a sighthound, allowing them to exercise their natural instincts is an important part of their unique care. Sighthounds love to run, occasionally setting off on very fast sprints that leave you behind! Physically, your sighthound has an athletic, slender and streamlined shape with proportionally long legs and a long, narrow face with close-set, forward-pointing eyes. Although generally quite placid and relaxed indoors, your sighthound is constantly looking out for moving targets to chase outdoors - it's all part of the fun for such a fast-moving dog! Unlike Gundogs, hound breeds don't retrieve fallen game to their handlers and work far more independently. They were very much the preserve of landowners and nobility (and sometimes poachers!) with most coming from Europe (especially France) although some hail from the Americas or the Far East.

Gundog breeds are some of the most loving dogs you can wish for. They like to keep busy and are extremely friendly with all the family members, cats included. Here is what it's like having them as companions. Gundog breeds are often described as the perfect family dog. They love children, cats and will get excited about seeing other dogs too. Originally bred to help their owners hunt game, these days they are a reliable and loving companion that will easily look for trouble if they are bored or lack enough exercise. If you're considering adding a gundog to the family, here are some of the things you need to know. A gundog's job description Being largely the preserve of the aristocratic shooting set, gundog breeds mostly come from around the UK and Europe, with a few US additions. As their name suggests, these dogs were bred to help those hunting game with guns - and do so in a variety of different ways. Retrievers These are the breeds who retrieve fallen game (usually birds, and often at long distances) and bring them back to their owner Spaniels These are the expert hunters of the gundog world and they will find game and flush it out for the guns. Modern working spaniels will retrieve to hand too. Pointers and Setters These are the dogs who locate game, usually at a longer distance than spaniels, and so will alert their owner to their presence by freezing so as not to alert them until the guns can get closer. Hunt, point, retrieve dogs These are multi-skilled dogs who can hunt, point and also retrieve. These different jobs within the group means that there are a variety of different behaviours and personalities within gundogs, but they all have the same need for a lot of exercise in all weathers and plenty of stimulation. The natural instincts of gundogs Like all working breeds, they utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that humans developed them to do. Gundog breeds are specialists in watching game and working with their owners to stalk or grab. A retriever shouldn't damage fallen game however and so individuals who were weak in the harder 'kill bite' part of the predatory behaviour were used to create these soft-mouthed breeds. Owners should be aware that this predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for dogs, as hunting for food was originally part of a dog's survival instinct.

Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make - and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you're choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle. It's important to carefully consider what dog you would like before taking one home. It can be very easy to be swayed by big brown puppy dog eyes or a fluffy ball of energy, but remember that a dog is a long-term relationship, so it's best for you and your pet that you're compatible. Your dog will be a part of your life for a long time to come, so it's important to research ahead to know what to expect. Getting a dog: key considerations Lifestyle. A dog should suit not only your lifestyle, but your surroundings too. For example, if you live in a smaller home with little outside space, then a little dog may suit you better. Breed. With over 200 dog breeds to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect match. Use our dog breed selectortool for more information on what to expect from different breeds, so you can choose the perfect pup for you and your family. Age. As well as breed, age is another important thing to consider when getting a dog. As puppies require a lot of work to train, you may want to ask yourself “would I be better off adopting an adult dog?” if you do not have enough time to dedicate to keeping a cheeky puppy in check! Choosing a dog: top questions Pedigree, crossbreed or mixed breed? Did you know that there are more than 200 breeds of dog recognised in the UK alone? If you add in all those adorable crossbreeds and mixed breeds, there are hundreds more types to choose from. As a first time dog owner, perhaps the first thing you should consider is if you'd like a pedigree, crossbreed or mixed breed dog. The advantage of choosing a pedigree dog (also known as a pure breed) is that you have a certain amount of predictability. You can be fairly certain that your four-legged friend will be a certain size, with a certain coat length and texture, character, energy level, and you'll also have a bit of warning about some potential health conditions that can affect certain breeds. There's a certain amount of predictability with crossbreeds too. Crossbreeds have parents from two different pure breeds, but it can be trickier to be sure which breed, if either, will determine your dog's looks and personality. For example, a Border Collie-Labrador cross could be laid back, brimming with energy, or neither! The fun really starts with mixed breeds (otherwise known as mongrels). They come from a largely non-pedigree background, and although you can sometimes see glimpses of recognisable breeds in them, it often comes down to guesswork. One of the many good things about mixed breeds is that they can often be healthier, as they usually have a larger gene pool meaning that hereditary problems are less of an issue. For more information on what breed of dog may suit you best, try our breed selector tool. "They don’t call them ‘puppy-dog eyes’ for nothing - there’s something about puppies that makes them absolutely irresistible!" Puppy or adult? They don't call them 'puppy-dog eyes' for nothing - there's something about puppies that makes them absolutely irresistible! They might be cute as a button, but that doesn't automatically mean a puppy is the right choice for you and your home. If you're thinking of getting a puppy, you'll find that they're naturally curious and keen to learn, so having time to train them is an absolute must. With your love, care and training you can turn their enthusiastic blank canvas into a masterpiece! Training is great fun but hard work - you'll need to teach them everything from toilet training to walking on the lead. If you have the time and the patience, you'll find their transformation hugely rewarding and all the effort you put in will help build a great bond between you and your puppy. Another option is to rehome a 'teenage' or adult dog. If you're a first time dog owner you may find an older dog to be a better fit for your lifestyle. Most adult dogs will come to you with some training and socialisation. That doesn't mean the job's done however - there'll still be plenty for you to do, and there's no reason why you can't build a bond that's as strong as with any puppy. The old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" isn't true, as every dog can continue to learn and adapt throughout their life. Sadly, some adult dogs up for rehoming haven't always been blessed with a previous loving home, so they may come to you with a bit of 'emotional baggage'. These dogs need extra love, time and patience, but what you give to them will be hugely rewarding for both you and your dog, and result in a lifelong friendship. Working together on training will really help build your special bond, and grow trust between the two of you. Staff and volunteers at reputable rehoming centres will be able to give you advice on choosing the right dog to find your perfect partner. Dog or bitch? Another thing you need to think about when getting a dog is whether you want a male or female. Opinion varies enormously, and ultimately the decision really comes down to personal preference. Some owners say that bitches are easier to train and tend to be more loving, while others argue that females are more independent and aloof. Males are often said to be more assertive, but neutering can make them a little easier to handle if they start out a bit too bold and over-confident (although this varies with the age of neutering and from one dog to another). There's no simple answer, and you'll need to remember that a lot of your dog's character and behaviour will simply come down to individual personality and the amount of time that you dedicate to training and socialising with them. Unneutered dogs of both sexes can sometimes be a handful. Males can wander off in search of females, and unspayed bitches can be difficult to manage during their season and they can sometimes suffer from phantom pregnancies. If you're looking to breed, these are manageable hurdles to overcome. Unplanned pregnancies, on the other hand, can cause unnecessary problems for you and your dog, such as complications during her birth and finding homes for the puppies. The cost of neutering a female tends to be more than for neutering a male, and more still if she's already pregnant. For more information on how neutering effects both males and females, take a look at our neutering FAQs page. What to look for when choosing a puppy? By six weeks old your puppy should be interested in you and their environment, keen to sniff your hands and explore the world around them. They should be playful and almost certainly up to mischief! Here are a few things to look out for • Bear in mind that the smallest puppies in the litter can have health problems, and that nervous, withdrawn or overly excitable puppies may need more training and socialisation. • Your puppy should be plump, but not fat, and be free of any lumps or bumps. • The perfect puppy should also have clean and bright eyes, clean ears and a clean bottom. • Coats should be soft and clean with no bald or sore patches and the puppy shouldn't be scratching. • Place your potential pup on the floor. They should be interested in their surroundings straight away. Clap your hands, or make a high-pitched squeak and notice how they respond. • Deafness can be a problem in some breeds, like Dalmatians and other white breeds, so make sure your puppy reacts when exposed to obvious sudden noises. When to pick up the new puppy? As a general rule of thumb you should plan to pick up your pup from around eight weeks old (or a little later with certain breeds). Earlier re-homing isn't recommended and it may be a sign that the breeder isn't following high breeding standards. It's worth noting that some insurance policies don't cover dogs that leave the breeder before eight weeks of age. Sometimes a breeder will ask you to wait until 12 weeks to pick up your puppy. If that's the case, check that it's going to be a busy household where your new pup can be well socialised during those all-important weeks. The time you take your pup home will also influence what vaccinations they will have received - so check with the breeder, who should provide documentation of vaccinations (along with worming and other treatments). If after choosing a puppy you are asked to collect them much later than the usual 8-12 week period, there may be a reason why the breeder has held them back - so ask why. Finally, make sure you're familiar with what food your pup's been fed on and the breeder's feeding regime. It helps your puppy settle in if you can continue this at home, at least initially. Breeder or re-homing organisations? If your heart's set on a pedigree, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. You can find this list via Dogs NZ. If you are looking for a pedigree dog, we recommend choosing a registered breeder asyou will be able to find out a lot about your dog- where it has come from, how it is likely to behave, what its temperament should be and other genetic characteristics. It can be incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter and offer them a second chance in life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving forever home. Each dog has its own story and many have lost their first home through no fault of their own, and would love to become a part of yours. Reputable centres will be very careful about matching the right people with the right dogs - they certainly don't want them being rejected again nor do they want you to take on a dog that's not suitable for you. Staff carefully assess the dogs they take in, and will spend time getting to know you, your family and your lifestyle before they match you with any of their dogs. They'll also be happy to give you advice and answer any questions you might have. Not surprisingly, there are more adults dogs looking for new homes than puppies, and when there are pups looking for adoption, they often get adopted pretty quickly. If you're wanting to rescue a puppy, you may have to take your time contacting several shelters and rescue centres or have to travel further afield to find one that's right for you. The largest shelter organisation in New Zealand is SPCA NZ, with 35 shelters across the country. Whether you buy from a breeder or rehome a rescue dog, you can look forward to a fulfilling future of adventures with your new friend!

If it's dog names you're after, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. We've rounded up so many wonderful ideas that you'll surely find that unique, cool dog name in no time. Have a look. Looking for the best dog name ever? We put together a list of the ultimate dog names that will have you saying "this is the one". Find that unforgettable girl dog name you are after or the boy dog name that perfectly matches the awesome new pup in the house. There are plenty of amazing dog names to choose from below, so let's get to it! Male Dog Names Rocky Made famous by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is a dog name reserved for the strong-willed male pup, regardless of size. Rocky might be a Shih Tzu or a Great Dane - after all, it's not size but sheer determination that counts. So if you already recognise a go-getter in your pup then this famous metaphor for the underdog is also that perfect male dog name you're looking for. Bear Bear is another great male dog name that works for pups big and small. The larger dog breeds will enjoy a moniker that shows off their strength and independence, while small dogs can pull it off as a funny pun on their itsy-bitsy size. Iggy Iggy is such an endearing male dog name that you won't need anything else to convince you this is the one for your dog. But it turns out that the meaning behind the name is what makes many dog owners choose it for the new canine friends in their life. In Latin, Iggy means "the Fiery One", which matches any pup's adventurous side. Rebel If you've got a rule-breaker on your hands, there is hardly a better choice than Rebel. Short and easy to say over and over again even when your tough pup just does as they please, this is one of the cooler boy dog names out there. Hulk The Hulk might be the huge rage machine in the comics' universe, bulldozing everything in its way, but it can perfectly lend his name to a pup determined to do just that, even if on a considerably smaller scale. If you notice your new dog wrestling with their toys, constantly fighting blankets, curtains and table cloths, Hulk might be the boy dog name you are looking for. Female Dog Names Princess A list of female dog names has to include the moniker "Princess". For the elegant, girly dogs that start to strut around the house from the first moment they walk through the door there is just no better way to address them than by using royal terminology. If you're not careful, your new pup will definitely rule your home. Goldie A name inspired by this precious metal is perfect for your treasured addition to the family. If your dog's colour is a match too, then Goldie is truly a no-brainer girl dog name. Luna Luna, which means "Moon" in Latin, is one of the most popular female dog names. And rightly so. You can rarely go wrong with a name that has celestial meaning for a pup with cuteness levels out of this world. Zuzu For a girl dog name that is sweet, try Zuzu which actually means "Sweet" in Yiddish. Plus, it will make you smile every time you say it, so it's got to be at the top of your female dog name list. Just say it out loud a few times and you'll know what we mean.