The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018

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The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018
Posted on August 3, 2018 in News

Isabella Miss Worldwide Boo Boo tops Nationwide’s 2018 Wackiest Dog Names list, according to a recent company release. This is no small feat, considering the names were chosen out of Nationwide’s database of more than 700,000 insured pets.

As you might expect, there’s more to these names than meets the ear, and the owners are happy to share the backstories. (Editor’s note: Whether these pets actually come when their name is called remains unknown.)

Wanna check out the cat list?

 

By Sarah Mouton Dowdy, Associate Content Specialist DVM360 MAGAZINE
All images courtesy of Nationwide Pet Insurance.

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Wacky Pet Names Winner Miss Isabella Worldwide Boo Boo 450

1. Isabella Miss Worldwide Boo Boo

Madison Lee of San Jose, California, drew from both popular culture and the calendar to come up with this award-winning name for her then-newborn pit bull, beginning with the Twilight series. “Pit bulls are often misunderstood and believed to be aggressive and unfriendly,” Lee says, according to Nationwide’s website. “In Twilight, Bella is seen as awkward and somewhat of a misfit. I saw the similarities and knew Isabella would be part of her name.”

Next, Lee turned to the rapper Pitbull, who also goes by the name Mr. Worldwide (though she tweaked it to have a feminine salutation). Lastly, Lee was inspired by the day on which her pup was born—Halloween. Hence, the Boo Boo addition.

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Franklin Woofsevelt 4502. Franklin Woofsevelt

What do you name a puppy who’s joining a home that’s already occupied by a dog named Winston Furchill? Owner Britney Colantonio of Charlotte, North Carolina, and her boyfriend Corey turned to history and puns for inspiration. “We wanted Winston and the newest addition to be best of friends,” says Colantonio. “We looked to history and recalled the relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. It took us a while but eventually we came up with the perfect name, Franklin Woofsevelt.”

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 RuffyTheVampireSlayer 4503. Ruffy the Vampire Slayer

Ruffy the Vampire Slayer has been slaying the hearts of her owners, Abby Podratz and Robert Brooks of Baltimore, Maryland, since the day the married couple visited a local foster home and the tiny pup crawled onto Brooks’ lap and fell asleep. Television served up the inspiration they needed for a name. “I’m terrible at puns but my husband and I both love them, so we knew that her name had to be a pun,” says Podratz. “We love the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and we were thinking of dog terms and immediately we thought of her name, Ruffy the Vampire Slayer.” Ruffy is a bit of a performer herself, as she accidentally learned how to whine to the tune of “Good King Wenceslas.”

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Vladimir Poochin 4504. Vladimir Poochin

When Mia Hanson and her husband, Zach Werner, of Everett, Washington, brought home their then-8-week-old North American village dog, they knew they’d landed on the perfect fit. When soul-searching for the perfect name, Hanson drew from her childhood. She’d grown up with cats named after former dictators, and she wanted her puppy to follow suit. “Zach and I were joking about the name Vladimir Poochin because it had a nice ring to it,” Hanson says. “It’s made us laugh ever since and it suits him well.”

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Sir Lix a Lot 4505. Sir Lix a Lot

Who would’ve guessed that Sir Mix-a-Lot would serve as inspiration for multiple wacky pet names on Nationwide’s list? The unexpected is a theme that carries through Sir Lix a Lot’s story. When Rebecca Macias of Davis, California, set out to get another dog, she wanted it to be big. The local rescue group, however, had only one dog to offer—a tiny Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix. Macias ditched her former plans and brought the pint-sized pup home to her other pint-sized pup, a Chihuahua named Pink Floyd. “I love all genres of music, including old school rap,” says Macias on the website. “He’s always giving kisses and licking everyone so I knew that had to be part of his name. I thought of an old school rap artist I like, Sir Mix-a-Lot, and combined it with his love of licking and came up with Sir Lix a Lot.” Another unexpected detail? Sir Lix a lot can say, “Hello there,” as well as “I want a treat.”

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Chauncey 4506. Chauncey Von Poops a Lot

Twyla and Ryan Sirrine of Salem, Oregon, made the decision that they wanted a dog together, but it was Twyla who took the initiative to seek out a particular pup and bring it home while her husband was out of town. “We came across the name Chauncey Von Poops a Lot before we adopted him,” Twyla says, according to Nationwide’s website. “We wanted a unique name for our puppy. When we first heard the name, we loved it and knew that would be a perfect and proper name for our newest member.” With such a grandiose name, who can blame Chauncey for being a bit of a foodie who avoids eating the same food twice?

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Madame Squishy Van Wrinkleface 4507. Madame Squishy Van Wrinkleface

Cassandra George of Cumming, Georgia, was eight months pregnant when she and her husband, Michael, unexpectedly lost their beloved dog. After reaching out to a rescue group in Atlanta, the Cummings were able to welcome a new member to their growing family—a 2-year-old English bulldog with a decidedly squishy face. When it came to a name, the couple wanted it to be both English and fun. “I think pet names should reflect your pet’s personality,” Cassandra says. “It’s OK to have fun with the name and love it, but your pet will definitely tell you their name in some way.” The first words that came to the Cummings’ minds when looking at their new dog was “squishy face,” and with a few proper tweaks and additions, they landed on a name that ticked all of their boxes: Madame Squishy Van Wrinkleface.

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 LordStanley 4508. Lord Stanley the Pup

Sometimes, the first name just doesn’t stick, which was the case with Lisa McDowell of Wyandotte, Michigan, and her Brittany spaniel. “In the photos I saw of him, he had a mark on the side of his face in the shape of a duck, so I decided to name him Ducky,” says McDowell, even though her original plan was to name him something that would bring to mind her favorite sport: hockey. But after watching him play in the yard, she felt Ducky wasn’t right. The way he played with his littermates reminded her of a hockey player, so McDowell put on her thinking cap again. “He’s so spoiled, and being an only dog, he’s the king of the house,” says McDowell. “I went back to the idea of naming him after the Stanley Cup and the man who donated the cup, Lord Stanley. Eventually, Lord Stanley the Pup was derived and it’s fit ever since!”

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Little Bunny Foo FOo 4509. Little Bunny Foo Foo

Lisa and Stewart Colovin of Kansas City, Missouri, may have traveled to Texas to get their pharaoh hound, but they had to travel back in time to get the name (well, sort of). “When she was born, her ears shot straight up,” says Lisa. “One night I woke up out of a sound sleep and her name came to me—Little Bunny Foo Foo. It’s the name of an old children’s song I know. We had the name picked out before we had her, but once we picked her up, we saw how accurate the name fit.” Little Bunny Foo Foo is as gentle as her name and enjoys playing mom to two kitties, Cow and Chicken.

The top 10 wacky dog names of 2018 Sylvestor Stud Puddin Pop 45010. Sylvester Stud Puddin’ Pop

Name inspiration didn’t come as easily for Danielle Morgan of Commerce Township, Michigan. Knowing she wanted to incorporate “Stud” in some way, Morgan first named her pug Stud Muffin. This eventually morphed into Sylvester Stud, which wasn’t quite right either. “I was looking at him one day and thought he looked like the popsicle treats Pudding Pops,” Danielle says. “He loves to eat, and I knew that had to be a part of his name. I put everything together and came up with Sylvester Stud Puddin’ Pop.” Morgan calls Sylvester her “partner in crime,” as he’s used his devastatingly good looks to get her out of a speeding ticket.

          
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You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your cat is thin.

What to do next: While thin cats are generally at lower risk for serious health issues compared to overweight cats, being underweight can lead to decreased muscle mass, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system. Unless there is an underlying reason for your cat’s thinness, the situation can often be improved with simple lifestyle adjustments, such as:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Stimulating the appetite by warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing your cat monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home
  • Staying alert to other health changes (especially continued weight loss and appetite loss)

Your cat's BCS provides valuable insights into their overall health and helps us spot potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn’t an immediate cause for concern, it’s a sign that small adjustments to their feeding and care routine could have a positive impact on their health.

Questions? We can help. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your cat is borderline overweight.

What to do next: Simple daily actions can help prevent your cat from becoming overweight. Even a few extra ounces or pounds can significantly impact their health, increasing the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease.

Restore your cat's future health by:

  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Reducing stress by minimizing household changes and maintaining a routine
  • Decreasing boredom with interactive toys, social interaction, and cat furniture
  • Separating pets during meal time (Consider a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home

Your cat's BCS is like a warning light for their future health. Taking proactive steps to address your cat’s weight can minimize future complications and help ensure they stay fit, agile, and healthy.

Curious about other ways to improve your cat’s BCS and overall well-being? Get in touch. Let’s work together to score a win for their health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, your dog's score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your dog a scratch behind the ears to celebrate your success! Your commitment to their preventive health—regular vet visits, balanced nutrition, and consistent exercise—is truly paying off. But don’t relax just yet—maintaining a healthy BCS takes ongoing effort throughout your dog's life, including:

  • Feeding portioned meals
  • Avoiding high-calorie treats, diets, and people food
  • Staying active with regular exercise
  • Re-checking your pet’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine care (exams, screening tests) to ensure early detection of health changes

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your dog's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7-8 indicates that your cat is overweight.

What to do next: Weight issues are a common cause of many feline health problems, some of which can shorten a cat's life. Fortunately, with your dedication and our support, your cat can achieve better health, mobility, and an ideal body weight.

Rather than asking your cat to participate in daily exercise, feline weight loss emphasizes targeted nutrition and stress reduction to help them shed those unwanted pounds. This entails:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress by maintaining a stable routine
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions such as interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding
  • Promoting movement with motion-activated food toys and puzzles
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Overweight cats not only face long-term health risks but can also suffer from discomfort and emotional stress. Intentional, veterinary-supervised changes can help ensure your cat’s fitness, comfort, and overall well-being for years to come. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your dog is thin.

What to do next: Although a lean body condition is healthier than being overweight, thinness can indicate muscle loss, health changes, or a lack of appropriate nutrition. Here are a few ways to help your dog reach their optimal weight and health:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your vet (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs)
  • Gradually transition your dog to a calorie-dense diet
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitor them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn't a serious concern, it suggests that your dog may benefit from adjustments to their diet and exercise routine. Please continue to monitor your dog for any other health changes—including difficulty gaining weight—as these could indicate the need for further evaluation. Let’s work together to help your dog achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your dog is obese (weighing 20% or more above their ideal weight).

What to do next: Dogs with obesity are in significant danger of many life-altering health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and cancer. Reducing your dog's weight and improving their body condition is critical to restoring their comfort, mobility, health, and longevity.

Take action today to protect your dog's  health by:

  • Following any veterinarian’s recommendations (these are personalized to your dog's unique needs)
  • Using a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Removing uneaten food after 20 minutes
  • Limiting treats to low-calorie fruits or vegetables
  • Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes (leash walks are a great way to start)
  • Weigh them  monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. In your dog's case, it’s a signal for immediate action.

By following the steps above and your veterinarian’s recommendations, getting your dog back to a healthy weight is possible, but it will take time and effort. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for Sydney’s health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your cat is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your cat's veterinarian may suggest blood work or other tests.

In addition to following any plan outlined by your cat's veterinarian, the following steps may help them achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Feeding pets separately
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing them  monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Watching for other concerning signs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in litter box habits, as these may require prompt veterinary care.

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, we’ll work together to help your cat safely achieve their optimal weight and vitality.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your dog is borderline overweight.

What to do next: With just a few pounds separating your dog from being overweight, a BCS of 6 is a clear call to action! Excess weight can increase their risk for serious health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer, and studies have shown that it can shorten their lifespan.

Here are a few ways to help Gigi reach their ideal weight:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your veterinarian (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs!)
  • Use a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Don’t leave food out all day
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 6 isn't dangerous, it does raise their risk for many life-altering conditions and signals a need for change.

Let’s work together to help your dog achieve a better BCS and overall wellness, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7 to 8 indicates that your dog is overweight.

What to do next: Your dog's weight is putting them at an increased risk for many serious conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Overweight dogs are also clinically shown to have a shorter lifespan and a reduced quality of life.

Thankfully, it’s not too late to get back on track! Here are some simple steps to help your dog achieve a better BCS and a healthier life:

Here are a few ways to help them reach their ideal weight:

  • Reduce meal portions by 10% to 20%
  • Use a measuring cup for accuracy
  • Switch to a weight management diet
  • Swap treats for low-calorie fruits and veggies
  • Increase daily walks and playtime
  • Use a food-dispensing toy instead of a bowl to encourage movement
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and quality of life. The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months ahead can help them slim down, restore their well-being, and allow you both to make the most of every moment together.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for your dog's health and happiness.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed their body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your cat is obese (20% or more over their ideal body weight).

What to do next: Cats with obesity are in a health crisis. Excess weight strains their joints, leading to painful and decreased mobility. In addition, abundant fat tissue increases their risk for life-altering diseases like diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Let their BCS be a turning point in their health.

With simple lifestyle changes and guided support from our team, we can restore your cat's quality of life and help them lose those unnecessary pounds.

We’ll focus on nutrition and stress reduction to create positive results. This includes:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress in your cat’s environment
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions (interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding)
  • Encouraging healthy movement and exploration (motion-activated toys, food puzzles, ramps to perches, scratching posts, cat tunnels)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Your cat’s body condition is a key factor in their health and longevity. Together, we can score a victory by helping them lose weight and reclaim their health, happiness, and mobility.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1–9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, this score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your cat a head bump or a scratch to celebrate your success! Your dedication to their overall health—through regular vet visits, balanced and portion-controlled nutrition, a low-stress environment, and plenty of physical and mental activity—is truly paying off.

But don’t relax just yet—maintaining your cat’s healthy BCS will take ongoing effort throughout their lifetime. Keep up the good work by:

  • Minimizing stress
  • Creating a mentally and physically stimulating environment
  • Satisfying your cat’s social needs with one-on-one time
  • Encouraging movement with interactive toys, perches, and furniture
  • Feeding measured portions of a veterinarian-recommended, high quality, palatable diet
  • Checking your cat’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine veterinary care

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS gives us valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your cat's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your dog is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your dog's veterinarian may suggest  blood work or other tests.

If no issues are found, the following steps may help your dog achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Gradually transitioning them to a calorie-dense diet
  • Feeding more frequent meals
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Providing regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitoring them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health and can serve as an early warning that something may be wrong. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, please know that your pet's well-being is our top priority. Let’s work together to help your pet pal achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.