[Brianne29]

I've wanted a Doberman for a bit over ten years. I've planned, fantasized, researched, waited for the time to be right. Since I was - I don't know, 12? - I've wanted a black and rust female named Athena, or maybe a male named Zeus.

When the time finally was right and I had a pup of my very own to name (not that I got to go through the finding a breeder and planning process, but I ended up with him unexpectedly and the time fortunately was right), I said "Well, I've always planned to name him Zeus." (I didn't, in the end, but all the same.)

Incidentally, at the exact same time, I a) found DT, and b) happened to be taking a college course in Greek mythology. It was unavoidable to notice that everybody and their mother named their Doberman after something in mythology. I'd worked in veterinary medicine for years and had kind of noticed an overrepresentation of Zeuses and Athenas in Dobermans, but I never thought much of it, I mean, I wanted to do the same. But when I started reading DT and seeing that it's everywhere, and also had a far deeper knowledge of Greek myths than I had previously, I realized that half of the dogs I didn't even know were named for that were. It. Is. Everywhere.

This is not a complaint or criticism in any way, mind you! I still secretly have a few Greek mythology names on my secret future-names wish list. But what the heck is this about? Dachshunds and GSDs and a lot of German breeds are always Heidi and Hans, okay, I get that. Boxers are always Tyson and the like. But why are Dobermans so universally named for Greek myths? Is this some bit of Doberman trivia that I don't know about? What is the deal here?!

 

[VZ-Doberman]

I named my guy Bacchus (Roman) because it somehow seemed fitting. The Greeks called this god Dionysus. Whichever name is used he was the god of wine and wine making. Somewhat of a party animal. It was also short and not easily confused with a command.

 

[melbrod]

I dunno--it's all Greek to me. Ha....ha.....ha......

 

[brw1982]

I've always assumed it was due to Magnum PI - Zeus & Apollo.

Obviously one wasn't named Athena, but still I think the popularity of that show likely encouraged Greek mythology names and it stuck. I intentionally won't name a Dobe after Greek mythology because of the overuse of a handful of those names.

 

[Asmit]

I hate Zeus's name, but he had been called it for around 2 years and so it 'stuck'. I debated changing it to "moose" many times, because it was much more suitable to him, but again, it just never stuck.

I also believe the old owners said they named him after the Magnum Pi Zeus and apollo as brw mentioned.

I do find the greek/roman names suitable for the dogs though, as I feel they are the 'greek gods' of the dog kingdom. But I agree, many are overused, and I am honestly embarrassed when I yell out 'Zeus!!!' in public.

 

[KateIndeed]

I think it's just because, to most people, Greek Gods all embody power.. and we all know dobermans are powerful, graceful, lovely creatures. It's just fitting to name them something that is equally as powerful, graceful and lovely as their appearance. I have always wanted to name my dog something Greek, also; but it'd have to be something not used often.

 

[EmilyB]

It's all about Cerberus.....

 

[punkischic]

It's all about Cerberus.....

^^ This!

Truthfully, and no offense to anyone who's named their dog Zeus, Athena, Apollo.. I find the names atrocious. I don't think it shows any creativity whatsoever.

I have my list of dog names, and the majority of them are considered "weird" by most peoples standards but at least I can take solace in the fact that they aren't names beaten to death.

 

[Cathy43]

If you take a look at some of the ads in the various doberman specific magazines, you won't see THAT many mythology names. I think a lot of pet people have a narrow view of what an appropriate name for a doberman is. And I really don't mean that in a bad way. It just is what it is.

 

[Sinister]

Juno (Roman equivalent to Hera) just got her name because it's a "J". I know we have one other Juno on the forum, maybe two..

But hell, I fell in love with the name.

The Greek are beaten to death, like everyone else has mentioned. I'll never own a dog with another "Godly" name.

 

[Murreydobe]

If you take a look at some of the ads in the various doberman specific magazines, you won't see THAT many mythology names. I think a lot of pet people have a narrow view of what an appropriate name for a doberman is. And I really don't mean that in a bad way. It just is what it is.

I think this is exactly the way it is.

 

[Nynaeve]

I am guilty of this, I have a Thor. I think he has the ultimate pet name, lol. We bought him as a pet, and knd of stumbled into the show world. I wanted a strong, masculine name for him, but since Greek gods are often used in Dobes, I went Viking instead (I grew up watching Magnum PI with my mom). Now, I would have picked something else but I still like his name.

Our other Dobes's name is the total opposite, Trinket. Her name is very original, but I can't take credit for it, her breeder named her.

 

[Maui's mom]

I had a male dobe named Apollo (my husbands idea, not mine), I try to stay away from common names. I picked Maui's name out simply because a friend of mine was going to Hawaii at the time and it was different. I believe she's the only Maui on the forums, so it is rather unique. I don't think I would go as far as naming a dog something like Apple, Orange, Moses, Jet Pilot like some of the celeb's name their children. Athena is a beautiful name, but it is kinda wearing out. Maybe Andromeda or Cassiopeia, I don't know.

 

[MsMoppett]

There's also a plethora of Egyptian names associated with Dobes that I've seen. I've known at least 4 dobes with the name Anubis or variation thereof or Pharao of some sort. Won't lie-- had the foster named Apollo. Another friend named his boy Maximus after "Maximus Decimus Meridius"

Might be a new trend-- ancient Roman generals/heroes!

 

[DobeGirl41]

My dobe girl has a Greek mythology name, but I dont think I've ever heard of another dog with her name before - her name is Phaedra. We gave her a Greek mythology name because we are Greek. It's been difficult when people ask what her name is - I usually have to repeat it 3-4 times before they hear it right. One person in our group training class thinks her name is Major - I've decided to just stop correcting him haha

 

[rise]

My boy is Sirius - which is the greek name for the dog star caninus majoris. It also means "guide" as Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. It is also a satellite radio and a harry potter character but he was named after the dog star and it fit his litter's star theme. We call him Sy. His full call name is "Sirius Lee" - gotta say that out loud

 

[Dobiewankanobi]

My boy is Sirius - which is the greek name for the dog star caninus majoris. It also means "guide" as Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. It is also a satellite radio and a harry potter character but he was named after the dog star and it fit his litter's star theme. We call him Sy. His full call name is "Sirius Lee" - gotta say that out loud

Ditto...but she's female so we call her Siri. Also same with the star theme and dog star/brightest star meaning.

 

[DobieGal15]

of course TYSON is the most common for boxers, but I have seen quite a few boxers named after greek gods..... Usually Zeus or Athena

 

[Zeblar]

We went with Norse/Germanic as apposed to Greek but its still kind of popular! Honestly I think Loki would of been more apt for Odin! We want a Dobby next time though due to his cute floppy ears and clumsiness!

 

[Rosemary]

It's all about Cerberus.....

There is actually a Cerberus in Leontine's puppy class. Not a Dobe, though. He is an oversized "Giant" Alaskan Malamute. He's expected to be almost twice standard size, once he's full grown.