How to name an Italian Greyhound: the short answer
A good name for an Italian Greyhound is short, ringing and does not sound like a command. It is pleasant to say, and the dog learns to answer to it quickly. Here are the rules that work:
- one or two syllables, preferably ending in a vowel;
- it should not sound like a command: “Kit” is close to “sit”, “Joe” to “no”;
- it should suit both a puppy and an adult: “Fuzzy” will not suit a grown sighthound;
- say it often in pleasant moments: when feeding, playing or stroking.
The rest is a matter of taste. Lists follow below.
How to choose a name for an Italian Greyhound
A few practical tips:
- Say the name aloud a few times, as you will call it across a field. Does it ring?
- Check for similar-sounding words in the family or the street (names, commands, other dogs).
- Think ahead. A funny puppy name should still suit an adult dog.
- Think of an affectionate short form: the full name and a nickname (Bianca, Bianchi; Alcmene, Alka).
- If the puppy has a pedigree, its registered name may begin with the litter letter. The pet name can be anything.
- Give yourself a few days: often the name comes by itself as you learn the dog’s character.
Names for girl Italian Greyhounds
Gentle: Bella, Mila, Leah, Mia, Nika, Nina, Lily, Nora, Sophie, Taya, Abby, Faye, Lulu, Lucy, Evie.
Italian: Bianca, Giulia, Lucia, Maria, Francesca, Serafina, Bruna, Elena, Paola, Rosa, Silvia, Tina, Viola, Esther, Angela.
Ringing: Shanti, Beadie, Spark, Star, Luna, Phoebe, Cora, Aura, Diva, Grazia, Lada, Tessa.
Grey and fawn: Ash, Haze, Cloud, Powder, Sahara, Vanilla, Caramel, Blossom, Lily, Peony.
Black: Nightie, Shadow, Cherry, Soot, Panther, Velvet, Ink.
Historic: Zemira, Duchess, Diana, Alcmene, Phillis, Thisbe, Biche, Victoria, Anna, Catherine.
Names for boy Italian Greyhounds
Gentle: Leo, Max, Timo, Toby, Ricky, Yuki, Frankie, Lord, Rufus, Mika, Tim, Oscar.
Italian: Marco, Luca, Piero, Tino, Bruno, Giovanni, Antonio, Dario, Enzo, Fabio, Lorenzo, Niccolò, Rocco, Salvatore, Toscanini.
Ringing: Thunder, Storm, Flash, Argo, Whirl, Grand, Ruby, Ray, Rocco, Zeus.
Grey and fawn: Smoke, Fog, Grey, Ash, Sand, Autumn, Chestnut, Honey, Typhoon.
Black: Coal, Raven, Noir, Ebony, Black, Zorro, Marquis, Count.
Historic: Tom Anderson, Frederick, Fritz, Duke, Sir, King, Prince, Caesar, Titus, Augustus.
“Shrimp” names
Italian Greyhounds love to curl into a “shrimp” pose. If that theme appeals:
- Shrimp, Shrimpy, Krevet, Krev, Kri;
- Gamberi (Italian for shrimps), Gambero;
- Whisker, Whiskers;
- Squiggle, Comma, Pretzel, Curl;
- Propeller (for the “flying” ears), Radar.
More on where this pose and our name come from in our article on why an Italian Greyhound is a shrimp.
Names by character and looks
If you already know your dog:
- Loves warmth: Blanket, Stove, Hot-water-bottle, Toasty, Purr, Coffee.
- Loves running: Rocket, Arrow, Wind, Lightning, Whirl, Cheetah, Sprinter.
- Loves food: Doughnut, Biscuit, Bun, Toffee, Pie, Marmalade.
- Calm: Quiet, Sweetie, Drowse, Sleepy, Nightie.
- Curious: Nosey, Tracker, Sniffer, Curious.
Litter letters and papers
A puppy from an RKF kennel usually has an official name in its papers, which may begin with a particular letter (the litter letter). The pet name can be anything: you are free to call the dog something other than what is written on the pedigree. More about papers in our article on choosing a puppy.
Teaching a name
The name is the first thing a puppy learns. A simple scheme:
- Say the puppy’s name at a pleasant moment: before a meal, during play.
- If it looks at you, praise it and give a treat.
- Repeat many times a day, without shouting or anxiety.
- Do not use the name for a telling-off, or the dog will fear it.
An Italian Greyhound is sensitive, so a gentle tone works better than a shout. More in our article on training.
Frequently asked questions about names
- Which names are popular for Italian Greyhounds? There is no single list: choose what you like. Gentle and Italian names are common.
- Can I change the name? Yes, especially for an adult dog, but it takes time for the dog to get used to it.
- Should the name be short? One or two syllables are best.
- What if the registered name is long? You can call it by a short name: the pet name need not match the document.
- How not to get it wrong? Say the name aloud, check it does not sound like a command, and wait a few days.
What to remember
- A short name of one or two syllables ending in a vowel works best.
- Avoid names that sound like commands (“Kit”, “Joe”).
- The name should suit both a puppy and an adult dog.
- Teach the name in pleasant moments.
Sources
References for checking facts and reading further.
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