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Dog Names Starting With R

Dan Ivan Libunao

Last Updated: Jul 23, 2023

Who wouldn’t get excited at the thought of owning dogs?

It’s an enchanting feeling to know that a furry friend can now fill up the house with happiness.

And then you'll start having thoughts of activities that you can do with your canine pal.

But first, a name!

Dog names are extremely important during housebreaking and recalling in public places.

Without names, it’ll be difficult for you to make your dog move where you want them to go.

And that’s where I get in to help you come up with dog names!

In this blog, I’ve compiled lists of dog names starting with R.

Discover a bunch of R dog names in the following themes:

Fictional Character-Inspired R dog names
Personality-based dog names beginning with R
Male and female dog names.

After going through this list, I hope you can use one of the names in the list for your dogs.

Better yet, come up with a dog name yourself.

At the end of this blog, I’ll be giving tips on how to make a name for your dogs with sentimental values.

Now, without further ado, let’s start!

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Movie Character Dog Names

Anime Character Dog Names

Cartoon Character Dog Names

R dog names

Popular Dog Names Starting with R

Let’s start the list strong with some popular R dog names.

These names are familiar because of how common dog owners use them for their pets.

Not only that, but some of the names in the list also fall to the most common names that start with R as human names.

So chances are, you probably heard them because these are the names that you’ll frequently encounter.

If you’re unsure of what to name your pet, here are the top 10 most popular dog names starting with R.

They’re popular amongst the dog owners’ community for a reason, so feel free to use them with your dogs too!

Rocky
Rick
Rachel
Rex
Rose
Ryan
Riley
Ruth
Rosalie
Rufus
Rascal
Robert
Russell

Male Dog Names that Start with R

Do you have an arriving male dog soon?

If so, congratulations! Here’s why male dogs are a great addition to your household.

Male dogs are noticeably larger than their female counterparts.

Even during their pup stage, you can tell which gender is which because male pups grow taller and faster.

Male dogs are also more affectionate than female dogs.

Dog experts like Michele Welton, a breeder selection consultant, backs this claim.

Welton even wrote:

And yet in some breeds, it's the female who tends to be a bit “sharper” and more aggressive, while the males are described as “affectionate goofballs” or “big ol' softies.”

That’s why between the two genders of the same breed, it’s the male dogs that’ll approach their owners first.

If you are an upcoming owner of a male dog, this list is for you!

Here are male dog names that start with R.

Rhett
Roman
Ryker
Richard
Royce
Roberto
Raul
Riggs
Rigby
Ricky
Ramon
Ruben
Roger
Renzo
Rockwell
Randolph
Rudolph
Randy
Reynolds
Rudy
Raja
Roderick
Ronald
Reagan
Rey

American Eskimo Dog

Female Dog Names that Start with R

Are you expecting a female dog in your house? Great!

Female dogs are slightly more independent than male dogs.

They also can get moody and have unstable mood swings throughout the year.

What this means for you is they don’t necessarily require constant affection from their owners.

That being said, female dogs are easier to housebreak and train.

Johanna Reel from NHV Natural Pet even stated:

Many pet owners report that female dogs are easier to house train and are more attentive to their owners than male dogs, with male dogs being more aloof.

So if you’re looking for female names for your dogs, then you’re in luck!

Here is a list of female dog names that start with R.

Rosemary
Rhea
Ripley
Raquel
Rae
Rita
Roxanne
Revan
Ria
Rina
Rowena
Rexine
Ruchika
Raelani
Rica
Rochella
Rhiane
Risa
Reiko
Ruela
Rona
Ritsa

tibetan-terrier-in-snow

Unisex Dog Names starting with R

Does dogs’ sex matter when it comes to their behavior?

Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and an American Kennel Club CGC evaluator, doesn’t think so.

According to her:

There aren’t many differences in (non-mating-related) behavior that are determined by the dog’s sex.

And while CDC notes that male dogs were more likely to bite compared to female dogs, Nicole added that:

It’s not as black and white as that and a lot more comes into play—including the dog’s training and upbringing.

Since dogs of the two sexes are virtually the same, you might as well get a flexible name for both sexes.

And with that, here’s a list of unisex dog names starting with R.

Robin
Reid
Rory
Red
Reign
Roshan
Roe
Rye
Rain
Ryder
Ren

RELATED: 1000 Most Cool Dog Names

Hokkaido dog breed

Badass Dog Names that Start with R

It’s a feat to see that dogs have an innate talent in them to behave and look cool effortlessly.

It would be nice if your cool dog had a name that goes along with its vibe.

But to do that, the name should have a clear, cool factor in it that matches your dog’s coolness.

Common names like Max, Buddy, Daisy, or Bella won’t simply cut it.

So if you’re looking for cool-sounding names, fear not!

Here are badass dog names that start with R to help you find the right cool name for your dog.

Raven
Rush
Random
Rivers
Ransom
Radar
Ranger
Rebel
Raptor
Rogue

Elegant Dog Names Beginning with R

If your dog possesses refined and elegant traits, consider giving it a royal name.

Better yet, if you want your dog to enter the dazzling world of dog shows, you want a name that highlights your dog’s elegance.

So if you’re looking for a sophisticated name for your elegant dog, here are some elegant dog names beginning with R.

Roselia
Rolene
Rudolphus
Reinald
Raymonde
Rayleigh
Renault
Roberta
Rashana
Radcliff

papillon dog history royalty

Cute Dog Names Starting with R

Dogs are the epitome of cuteness, don’t you think?

It’s not a surprise to know that people want to adopt dogs because they want to keep an adorable pet in their homes.

So give your cute companion an adorable name from this list of cute dog names starting with R!

Rainbow
Rice
Rome
Roo
Rio
Roxy
Rusty
Raindrop
Reese
Rosy

Pit Bull

Funny Dog Names Starting with R

Intentional or not, dogs can sometimes have their goofy moments that we, owners, find amusing.

It’s these little things that our pets do which make them entertaining fur companions.

Their silly traits are also what inspires us to come up with a playful name for them.

If you are looking for names that fit their giggly personalities, here’s a list of funny dog names starting with R.

Riff Raff
Rooroo
Ratso
Rocco
Rico Suave
Rugrat
Ruckus
Rumbledore
Ramen

Best Dog Food for Weimaraner

Unique Dog Names that Start with R

Our pets are special—or at least we want to believe that they’re special.

We treat them special as if they’re our own while they make us feel special in return.

That’s why many of us don’t want to settle on a common dog name like Max’s and Belle’s.

And if you have a rare dog breed, then it’s all the reason to avoid names that an average Joe owner would use too.

No, we want a name that’s as special as them!

So if you’re looking for rare find names, here’s a list of unique dog names starting with R!

Rhysand
Rollins
Roth
Ramesh
Rishon
Roque
Ruffler
Rabauke
Ra
Rennes

French Dog Names that Start with R

There’s something about French names that makes them endearing.

French names are poetic and romantic, as much as they are fascinating names.

That’s why even non-natives of France use French names on their babies.

But can you use these names for dogs?

Yes, you can!

So if you’re looking for a French-themed name for your dogs, I got you covered!

Here’s a list of French dog names that start with R should you want to name your dog with a French name.

Reni
Remy
Riti
Ross
Raphael
Rosalie
Renaud
Rosslin
Roch
Rousseau

16. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Dog Names that Start with R

Did you know that many of the English and American names that we know have German origins?

You read it right; there are a lot of English names today that were originally adapted from the Germans.

Names like Ericka, Carl, Luke, and Monica are just the English equivalent of German names Erika, Karl, Lukas, and Monika.

And if you have a dog breed of German origin, then it’s all the reason to start using German names for them!

Here’s a list of German dog names that start with R should you want to name your dog with a German name.

Reiner
Ragnar
Rafaela
Rabin
Randy
Rasputin
Raniella
Rebekka
Regina
Reia
Razzia

Movie Characters R Names for Dogs

Are you still struggling to find an idea for your dog's name? Look no further in movies and TV shows!

If you’re an avid movie watcher, then somehow, the thought of naming your dogs after movie characters had crossed your mind.

After all, characters from these media platforms are relatable, compelling, and just darn interesting!

Here’s a list of movie characters starting with R!

R2 (R2-D2 from Star Wars)
Remus (Remus Lupin from Harry Potter)
Rubeus (Rubeus Hagrid from Harry Potter)
Rajesh (Rajesh Koothrappali from Big Bang Theory)
Riddler (Riddler from Batman)
Rocket (Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy)
Renly (Renly Baratheon from Game of Thrones)
Ragadast (Ragadast the Brown from The Lord of the Rings)
Rickon Stark (Game of Thrones)
Ramone (Ramone from Cars)

Anime Character R Names for Dogs

Japanese names are one of the most charming names in the world.

They look great in print and are fun to say, so what’s there reis to hate about Japanese names?

And do you know where you can find some great Japanese name ideas? Why, of course, in anime!

That’s right! Anime houses the best names from some of the industry’s unforgettable characters.

So if you’re looking for a great Japanese name, here’s a list of Anime character names starting with R.

Raichu (Raichu from Pokemon)
Ryouko (Tamiya Ryouko from Parasyte)
Raizo (Raizo of the Mist from One Piece)
Rohan (Kishibe Rohan from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Rem (Rem from Death Note)
Renji (Youmo Renji from Tokyo Ghoul)
Rintarou (Okabe Rintarou from Steins; Gate)
Rias (Gremory Rias from High School DxD)
Rei (Ayanami Rei from Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Ryota (Kise Ryota from Koroko no Basuke)

RELATED: Top 10 Best Anime with Dogs

Cartoon Character R Names for Dogs

Lastly, you can also get some dog name inspirations from popular cartoon characters.

Cartoon shows are a large part of our life because they carry nostalgic pieces of our childhood.

And now, you can impart these sentiments to your dog by naming it after these show’s characters.

Here’s a list of Cartoon Character names starting with R.

Rapunzel (Tangled)
Rafiki (Lion King)
Raksha (Jungle Book)
Ripslinger (Planes)
Roquefort (The Aristocrats)
Roz (Monsters Inc.)
Roper (Planes)
Rhino (Bolt)
Rust-eeze (Cars)
Red (Cars)

Dog Breeds that Start with R

Are you curious to know what purebred dogs have names that start with R?

American Kennel Club lists ten dog breeds that start with that letter.

Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rat Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Romanian Carpathian Shepherd
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd
Rottweiler
Russell Terrier
Russian Toy
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

dog names starting with r

Tips on Making Meaningful Dog Names

Want to come up with the dog name yourself? That’s great!

But since you’re thinking of a perfect dog name, you may as well make it sentimental.

After all, a meaningful and creative name is better than a random arrangement of letters.

Meaningful names give depth to your dog’s character traits, but do you craft one for your beloved pet?

Here are five tips to help you create your worthwhile name for them!

Keep it Short

Short names are better than longer ones.

Dogs will get used to its name faster and better when it is shorter.

Stick with a name with one or two syllables.

Name it After a Person

Do you have a person that you admire?

A person that meant a lot to you?

Or perhaps a certain someone who helped shape the person that you are today?

You can consider them and name your dogs after them!

In this way, its name becomes more meaningful because of its sentimental value.

Find a Distinct Physical Feature

Every dog has a physical trait on their body that’s unique only to it.

Floppy ears, fur coat colors, and curly tails; the list goes on!

Find a distinct and noticeable physical feature on their body and describe it.

These descriptions about them are good enough as names or can help you search for a better name for them.

Take Note of Your Dog’s Noticeable Behaviors

Dog behaviors are also another way to make meaningful names for your pet.

Some dogs would have noticeable behaviors that can vary from being repetitive or just outright strange.

Capture a noticeable behavior now and use it as a great dog name inspiration.

Draw Inspirations from Its Personality

Take advantage of your dog’s personality and draw inspiration from them.

Whether your dog is confident, timid, independent, or affectionate, get some inspiration from it and think of a name that suits them.

Make the Process Enjoyable

If you want to enjoy calling your dog’s name out, you need to have the same energy when you first create it.

Naming dogs doesn’t have to be a boring process. Spice it up by having fun with the names.

Inject puns, craft word plays, or experiment with goofy-sounding names.

Feel free to explore your creative ideas with your dog's name.

Final Takeaways: Dog Names Starting with R

Coming from your dog’s perspective, its name is like a badge of honor that they proudly wear every day.

The name also serves as proof of your affection for your dog.

You’ll know when an owner cares deeply for their pets if they can expend time and effort into carefully thinking of a name for their dogs.

Depending on how effective the names are, a dog may or may not quickly get used to its name on its first try.

But give it time plus consistent love, and your dog will recognize its name better than you imagine.

Hold up!

If dog names starting with R are not what you’re looking for, you may want to browse and scan other dog names starting with other letters instead!