Tips on choosing a chihuahua name

Choose a short name that rolls off the tongue easily. One or two syllable names with the emphasis on the first syllable work best. Max is better than Maximillian. Nixon is better than Former President Richard Nixon (I know a cat with this name). A two-syllable name ending in "y" or "ee" sound is popular for chihuahuas, ex: Sadey, Zoe, Fergie, Daisy, Casey, Harley, and Maybe.

Make sure the name doesn't rhyme with a command or another person's name in your household. It's hard for a dog to distinguish between "Moe" and "no", "Scottie" and "potty". If your roommate's name is Liz, then it's best not to name your dog Giz.

Spanish names are popular with chihuahuas, some are tried and true like Chico, Rico, Pancho, Bonita, Chiquita and Coco. Here are some fresher ones to consider: Isla, Maya, Tequila, Paz, Bella, Dali, Teo, and Orlando.

Don't feel pressured to come up with a name on the first day. Spend a week with your dog and see what vibe you get from him/her. An easy way to choose a name is based on physical attributes like size, color, and markings. Tiny, Pixie, Pebbles, Tinkerbelle and Neutron emphasize the chihuahua's small size. Apple is a great name for a chihuahua with a perfect apple head. A beautiful red mane can inspire the name Crimson, Ruby or Scarlett, and Blue is a fitting name for a chi with a rare gray coat. Sable and Brownie are two popular names for brown chihuahuas. A black and white chihuahua can be named Oreo, Domino, or Moo (think cows). Based on your chihuahua's disposition and personality, you can choose a name like Sunny, Angel, Cuddles, Feist, Sweet Pea, Comet, and Flash.

I love it when I meet a tiny chihuahua named Bruno, Bear, Xena, or Hannibal. If you don't have the smartest dog, don't be disheartened, name him Einstein or Pascal.

Consider keeping the original name if you're adopting an older dog. It's the only thing they have that's familiar to them. If you absolutely hate it, choose a name that sounds similar, Dido for Fido, Opie for Dopey, Zeus for Jesus...Your dog might think you have a speech impediment, but there's a chance he might respond to the new name.

The name doesn't have to be full of meaning or be descriptive. You can choose a name just because you like the way it sounds. You can name your chi after your childhood best friend, a favorite actor, the title of a song, or a line from a poem. It can be a totally made-up name. That's the beautiful thing about naming a dog, you don't have to worry if the name will be appropriate if your dog becomes a judge or president one day. Other dogs in the dog run won't make fun of Stinky's name, but other owners might. If you're comfortable with it, that's all that matters.

Try out the name for a few days and see how it sits with you and your dog. Use positive reinforcement, repeat your dog's name when you're petting it, feeding it or playing with it. If it doesn't feel right, your family hates it, and/or your dog is not responding to it, then it might be time to go to your second choice.