The Boykin Spaniel is an exceptional dog breed that has captured the attention of prospective dog owners. They are known for their friendly and affectionate appearance and their fierce personality.
A dilemma most dog owners face is choosing names for their dogs. In this article, we will discuss some ways to choose a dog name, along with some unique Boykin Spaniel name suggestions.
Boykin Spaniel Dog Overview
Before we delve into the suggestions, it’s imperative to first understand the inherent traits of Boykin Spaniels. These mid-sized dogs were first bred by South Carolina hunters in the Wateree River Swamp for hunting wild turkeys and ducks.
These little brown dogs have recently been recognized as one of the newest dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club.
Boykin Spaniel dogs are already predisposed to challenging situations and adapt well to new environments. These dogs are fierce and strong; potential dog owners need to match their energy to maintain a healthy relationship.
An adult Boykin Spaniel dog can weigh anywhere between 25 to 40 pounds and stands between 14 to 18 inches. Although these dogs can be difficult initially, they emerge as one of the most loyal and delightful furry companions.
How Do I Choose My Dog’s Name?
There are many avenues for finding Boykin Spaniel dog names, but the right one for you will be based on personal preference. Surprisingly, dog names speak volumes about their pet parents, so it’s imperative to select a name that amalgamates your dog’s traits with your personal tastes.
Listed below are some tips to remember while choosing a name for your Boykin Spaniel.
Tip 1: Choose a Dog Name That Ends With a Vowel
There is a certain art and science attributed to choosing a dog’s name. According to Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer, names with vowels change tone when you address your dog.
Since dogs identify different frequencies at a much higher level than we do, it’s only practical to choose a vowel that instantly captures their attention.
They are not verbal beings, so they can confuse their names with other verbal sounds. You will have to choose a name distinct from other common words. Dr. Judy Morgan, a veterinarian, suggests that your dog’s name should not rhyme with words like “stay” or “no.”
Keeping the name crisp and short is key to finding the perfect Boykin Spaniel name.
Tip 2: Stick to Two Syllables
While it can be tempting to experiment with funny dog name combinations, Dr. Morgan advises that short names usually fare better than obnoxiously longer ones. Long names should be avoided as you end up shortening them later to get your dog’s attention.
Two-syllable names allow you to pronounce your dog’s name quickly and get an immediate response from them. Dr. Morgan explains that the first syllable usually serves as a warm-up for the second syllable that ends in a vowel.
The first syllable alerts your dog, while the second gives them time to respond to the cue. The first syllable acts as a primer for the second.
Tip 3: Use Sharp-Sounding Consonants
Most trainers and animal behaviorists recommend using sharp-sounding consonants in a name (like D, K, P). Boykin Spaniels may be attracted to certain names more than others because of the way it sounds to them.
Dogs distinguish frequencies at a higher level than humans, so how we perceive a name can differ from how they comprehend it. According to Patricia McConnell, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, these consonants produce a more “broadband” sound that instantly grabs the attention of your dog.
The scientific aspect of sharp-sounding consonants:
Sharp-sounding consonants are particularly geared towards stimulating the dog’s acoustic receptor neurons in the brain. In turn, dogs are more drawn to these sharp-cut sounds and respond quickly.
Tip 4: Avoid Names With Negative Connotations
Many dog owners think it is funny to choose names with negative connotations. Contrary to popular belief, this is a bad idea.
Avoid names that may sound offensive or embarrassing to others. This includes slang terms, crude words, insults, and racial or cultural slurs that will only make others around you uncomfortable.
Moreover, these names imply a general sense of disrespect for your dog–no matter how humorous you think it is. When you visit your vet, how will they address your dog? Nicole Ellis affirms that not everyone is going to be comfortable with addressing your dog by that name.
Tip 5: Consider Your Dog’s Personality
Next, you can consider naming your dog based on its appearance and personality. For example, Boykin Spaniels are usually brown and have fierce but warm personalities. You can try naming your dog ‘Bonbon’ or ‘Teddy’.
It doesn’t make sense to name your Bulldog ‘Buttercup’ and miniature poodle ‘Hunter’ because it completely clashes with their appearance and personality.
Tip 6: Differentiate Your Dog’s Name
It is always recommended to avoid names that sound similar to the calling cues of your Boykin Spaniel dog. It’s important to pick a name different from the associated verbal cues. These verbal cues will allow you to control your dog more efficiently without creating a mess.
Some of them are listed below:
- The verbal cue “down” is often confused with names like Crown, Brown, Round
- The verbal cue “stay” is mixed with Kay, May, Ray, Day
- The verbal cue “come” is mixed with Crumb, Plum, and Drum
Hence, if you are creating certain commands for operating behaviors, it’s always best to avoid names that rhyme with the same sounds.
Tip 7: Avoid Changing Their Names
Once you pick your Boykin Spaniel’s dog name, you shouldn’t change it. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, like if you’re adopting a dog from a shelter.
Ellis explains that one or two changes won’t be the end of the world. However, you have to positively reinforce the name once you have a new one. Try choosing a name that sounds similar to the previous one. For example, if their name was “Bailey,” you can change it to “Hailey.”
Boykin Spaniel Names for Male and Female Dogs
Let’s look at some names for your furry friend.
For Male Dogs
Now that you are familiar with the general rules of name-giving, listed below are some names for male dogs.
- Hunter
- Cooper
- Jackson
- Charlie
- Finn
- Teddy
- Jasper
- Brady
- Chase
- Dash
These names are perfect for your Spaniel-bred male dog.
For Female Dogs
There are a plethora of names to choose from for female dogs. Some of them are listed below.
- Harley
- Gracie
- Abby
- Adele
- Hope
- Ginger
- Georgia
- Josy
- Lucy
- Sophie
- Scarlett
These names are perfect for mid-sized female dogs with warm and congenial personalities.
Conclusion
Finding the right name for your dog involves a rigorous process of trial and error. The best way to make the right choice is to gauge how it rolls off your tongue and how your dog responds to it.
