With their boundless energy and love of fun, a new Chesapeake Bay Retriever will keep you busy all day long. These dogs tend to be strong, stubborn, and fiercely loyal. They make great hunting dogs and good companions.

But when you decide to bring home a new dog, there are so many choices to make! Between getting toys and kennels, food plans and vet appointments, you’re kept pretty busy. And a choice that will affect you every day is your new pup’s name.

Tips for Picking the Right Name

When it comes to choosing a name, there’s a lot to think about. Before you start looking through lists, think about your dog. Even if you’ve just met, you probably know a lot about its personality, and you’ll want a name to fit. Is your dog protective or outgoing? Do they seem calm or energetic? Most Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are loyal but independent, athletic, and intelligent. Many love to swim, and they’re often used for hunting dogs. These can all help you narrow down the name.

Another thing to consider is how the name rolls off your tongue. Naming your dog a long, complicated name might seem right at the moment, but will you want to say it a dozen times a day? If not, maybe consider a shorter name or pick out a nickname. You also need to think about whether you prefer to give your dogs a “human-sounding” name or something that would only fit a pet.

With all these names to consider, you don’t have to pick right away. It’s better to give yourself a day or two to think rather than end up with a dog that only responds to a name you regret.

Tough Names for Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were bred to hunt, guard, and swim. These natural athletes often wow us with their strength and stubbornness. If you’ve got a Chessie that puts on a tough outer face, it can be hard to find a name that suits them. Here are some of our favorite names for strong, resilient dogs.

Friendly Names for Your Outgoing Chessie

If your Chessie is actually a big softie, you might want a name that is a little more inviting instead. These names all fall on the cute and friendly side, making them perfect for a playful pup. Some of these names, like Bubbles or Snorkel, also play into the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s famous love of water play, so if you’ve got a swimmer, we’ve got you covered.

Popular and Classic Retriever Names

When it comes to dog names, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Some owners want a unique name, but we love these dog names that will never go out of style. Wherever you go, your dog will be in good company with one of these popular names.

Warm Names for Brown, Tan, and Golden Dogs

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers come in a beautiful range of coat colors, from a pale tan to deep chocolate. Sometimes their curly coats are a little on the reddish side, while others are deeply tinged with gold or copper. If your dog has a show-stopping brown coat, why not draw on its unique color for a name? Many of these names are also inspired by nature—perfect for an outdoorsy dog.

Fun and Funny Food Names for Your Chessie

Naming a dog after food is a perennial favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. These names are fun, evocative, and often unique! A dog named Reeses or Tootsie will immediately bring a smile to everyone’s face—and maybe make their stomach growl. You can also step away from the treats a little bit and pick a name based on fruits, nuts, or other healthy foods. And don’t feel confined to foods; naming your dog after a favorite drink is just as fun!

Last Thoughts

With all of these great names out there, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one! But your dog is unique, and finding just the right name will help it shine. Whether that name is short or long, serious or silly, once you’ve picked a name, it will come to define the way you think about your Chessie. Soon, it’ll be hard to remember if you ever considered a different name.

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Featured Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock