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Hunting Dog Names – 215+ Names for Your Puppy Pal

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Hunting dog names are perfect if you plan on taking your pup hunting with you.

But how do you know which one to pick?

hunting dog names - lab with duck
Our dog Toby with a duck toy

Out in the fields, an owner will have to call the dog’s name many times, so it’s essential to choose wisely.

When you think of a typical hunting dog, a few adjectives come to mind: loyal, disciplined, tough, and intelligent. Excellent hunting dog names reflect these characteristics.

You can also draw inspiration from nature, the ammunition and tools you use, mythology, famous hunters, and much more.

Our list of 215+ hunting dog names will provide plenty of ideas and lead you to the perfect name for your new pup!

Classic Hunting Dog Names

When looking for the perfect dog name, it’s hard to know where to start. So to kick off our list, let’s explore some traditional hunting dog names that encompass the essence of the hunting experience.

These are tried-and-true, traditional names that signify your four-legged friend is a hunting dog. They’ve been used by thousands of hunting enthusiasts just like yourself when naming a new pup.

Look and see if any are a fit for your soon-to-be hunting buddy.

  • Ace – You’ll have an ace hunting dog if you train correctly. Get a leg up by naming your dog Ace. 
  • Blaze – Like blaze orange! Or how fast your dog will be running after prey.
  • Bud – Hunters have a special bond with their dogs in the field. You become buds with your pup!
  • Buddy – A slightly longer variation of Bud.
  • Boomer – If we were to get a male hunting dog, this would be our pick for the name.
  • Camo – Camouflage clothing is worn during hunting.
  • Chase – It goes without saying: A hunting dog does a lot of chasing.
  • Dakota – This name is excellent on many levels. The plains of North and South Dakota are prime hunting spots. And it also pays tribute to the Dakota tribe.
  • Decoy – Setting up a decoy is an important tactic.
  • Dixie – The region of Dixie is considered the south and southeastern portion of the United States, where hunting is quite popular.
  • Duke – is also powerful and an excellent choice for male hunting dog names.
  • Hunter – After all, your dog is a hunter, too.
  • Huntress – This is one for the female hunters.
  • Liberty – There’s something about hunting that makes you feel free.
  • Radar – Hopefully, your dog is like a radar when you’re hunting together and monitors everything that is going on.
  • Ranger – Your dog helps you monitor the landscape and take care of business, just like a ranger.
  • Scout – Your pup will help you scout the land. This name is classic and cool.
  • Shadow – Your pup is like your shadow in the field.
  • Trapper – The goal is to trap animals, and this is a unique, rugged name.

Hunting Dog Names Inspired by Guns and Ammunition

A critical part of the hunting experience is the guns and ammunition. In addition, they provide fun ideas for gun dogs!

Below are ideas based on commonly used brands and products. However, you might find a name that resonates with you based on your preferences.

The best part about these picks is that they’ll especially resonate with other hunters, who will immediately understand their meaning.

  • Ammo – An abbreviation for ammunition and a unique name for your canine hunter.
  • Beretta – This Italian firearms company makes a cool name for a female hunting dog.
  • Bullet – And then out goes the bullet!
  • Colt – Colt has been making firearms in the United States since 1836.
  • Gauge  The gauge of a firearm is a unit of measurement used to express the barrel’s diameter. It’s also a tough, strong dog name.
  • Glock – As in the Glock pistol.
  • Gunner – A term for a person who operates a gun or cannon.
  • Hammer – The hammer is the part of a firearm that converts stored energy to fire a projectile.
  • Kimber – American small arms manufacturer.
  • Magnum – As in the Magnum gun.
  • Musket – Looking for a super unique name? Musket  the muzzle-loaded, smoothbore firearm fired from the shoulder – makes a cool moniker.
  • Nelli – Benelli, an Italian firearm manufacturer, Benelli is best known for shotguns used by military, law enforcement, and civilians all over the world.
  • Pistol – As in the short firearm.
  • Powder – The powder in a gun that propels the bullet and makes a softer hunting dog name.
  • Remington (Remmy) – Based in the United States, the Remington Arms Company is a leading manufacturer of firearms and ammunition.
  • Ruger – The Ruger company, also based in the United States, produces high-quality firearms.
  • Sauer – SIG SAUER is a German firearm company.
  • Shooter – A fantastic, expert-sounding choice.
  • Smith – Smith & Wesson is an American firearm and ammo manufacturer from Massachusetts.
  • Sniper – A rifleman who fires from a concealed place.
  • Tank – As in a tank gun.
  • Trigger – When firing a shot, you first pull the trigger.
  • Wesson – Smith & Wesson is an American firearm and ammo manufacturer from Massachusetts.
  • Winchester  The Winchester Repeating Arms Company is a prominent American maker of repeating firearms. How regal is this name?

Bow Hunting Dog Names

Bowhunting is another form of hunting. If you’re a bowhunter, you may not be hunting with your dog, but it can be fun to name your pup after your hobby!

These names encapsulate this unique activity and draw inspiration from the tools, popular brands, famous bow hunters in pop culture, and more.

  • Arrow – Some forgo guns and use arrows for hunting instead.
  • Bear – Compound bow brand and father of bowhunting Fred Bear.
  • Bow (Bowe) – Your primary hunting tool
  • Bull (Bullseye) – A great shot
  • Cam – Part of a compound bow
  • Fletch – Short for fletching, the feathers or vanes of an arrow
  • Hawkeye – Marvel archer
  • Hoyt – Hoyt Archery brand
  • Legolas – Elf with a bow from Lord of the Rings
  • Link – Bow-wielding hero of Zelda video games
  • Matthews – Bow brand
  • Robin – Robin Hood
Labrador retriever running with a bird in its mouth

Animal-Inspired Hunting Dog Names

The names of animals – either hunters or commonly hunted – also make excellent hunting dog names.

Animals are an integral part of the hunting experience, so it only makes sense that they can be an inspiration for naming your dog.

Strong and distinct, these names reflect the spirit of hunting.

  • Bear – Bears are often hunted and are also hunters themselves. This is quite the popular dog name and frequently makes our top 20 list.
  • Buck – A buck is a male deer which are commonly hunted.
  • Drake – Duck hunting is quite popular. By picking drake, the name of a male mallard, you recognize the animal without being literal.
  • Fawn – Deer are a popular hunting target, and Fawn makes a perfect name for a female dog.
  • Finch – This animal name is a little different. The finch isn’t hunted or a hunter, but we love this cute, lovely name for a hunting dog.
  • Fox – We love this name. Foxes are quick and lively – great qualities in a hunting dog.
  • Grizzly – As in a Grizzly Bear, the massive bear that hunts its prey.
  • Hawk – The hawk is an agile, strong hunter.
  • Lynx – The lynx, a medium-sized wild cat, is a natural hunter. Like your dog, hopefully.
  • Tiger – Tiger is a brutal, strong animal.
  • Wolf – A wolf is also a wild canine hunter.

Other Ideas For Hunting Dog Names

Let’s look at other names options that are tough and tenacious, just like your dog.

Here are dozens of more ideas that work perfectly for pups who love to hunt.

  • Beast – Tough? Check. Fun? Check check.
  • Blitz – This military term also serves as a cool hunting dog name.
  • Bolt – A good hunting dog is quite speedy, which makes this a fitting name.
  • Brutus – Tough and funny.
  • Cabela – This retail store is a mecca for hunters.
  • Dash – Hunting dogs are super fast, after all.
  • Diesel – Diesel has just the right edge of toughness and rebellion.
  • Gander – As in Gander Outdoors.
  • General – If your dog is intelligent and commanding, this is a great name.
  • Jag – This name is tough and to the point.
  • Justice – Righteous and strong, justice is a great way to describe a hunting dog.
  • King – This regal name is fabulous for hunting dogs.
  • Legend – This name is unique, fun, and confident.
  • Mack – Mack is a tenacious and tough name.
  • Maverick – A maverick is someone who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates.
  • Max – This name is quite a popular choice for male pups.
  • Outlaw – If you want a rebellious name, Outlaw is a daring choice.
  • Porter – A hip, cool hunting dog name.
  • Rex – If you’re looking for a classic dog name, Rex is the way to go.
  • Shiloh – This name is the quintessential classic dog name.
  • Spike – Cute and tough at the same time, Spike is a lovable hunting dog name.
  • Rambo – Another iconic, tough Sylvester Stallone character.
  • Rebel – Great for kick-butt, daring pups.
  • Rocky – As in Rocky Balboa, the tough boxer played by Sylvester Stallone. Rocky is another name on our top 20 most popular choices.
  • Rogue – A rebellious, fun option for female hunting dog names.
  • Ryder – A strong and stylish moniker.
  • Sarge  I love this powerful, commanding name.
  • Scheels – This retail chain has plenty of great gear for hunters.
  • Scooter – This sounds like a hunting dog name, doesn’t it?
  • Spartan – Sparta was a warrior society in ancient Greece that defeated Athens in the Peloponnesian War.
  • Walker – Like Walker Texas Ranger!
  • Wolverine – If you’re a sci-fi geek who also likes to hunt, Wolverine perfectly combines the two worlds.
hunter with a rifle and a dog

Hunting Dog Names Based on Nature

You’ll spend a lot of time in nature if you like hunting. So why not recognize the great outdoors with these nature-inspired names?

They’re simultaneously strong and beautiful all at the same time.

Check them out and see what you think for your four-legged friend.

  • Aspen – A tree native to cold regions with cool summers.
  • Aurora – As in Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
  • Brook – A small stream (and a gorgeous dog name).
  • Cedar – The name of a coniferous tree.
  • Dawn – Hunting often starts at the crack of dawn!
  • Forest Land filled with trees and a great hunting dog name.
  • Maple – After the beautiful, colorful tree.
  • Meadow – Hunting usually takes place in fields and meadows. How pretty is this name?
  • Prairie – An open area of grassland where hunting often takes place.
  • Rain – Rain is a gorgeous all-natural name.
  • River – Your hunting trip just might be near a river.
  • Sunny – How cute is this dog name? It’s cheerful and bright.
  • Sky – You’ll be under the beautiful sky for hours upon hours on your hunting trip!
  • Stormy – Hopefully, your hunting trips are storm-free. But, we do love this strong name for hunting dogs.
  • Thunder – This name is powerful and tough, perfect for a hunting dog.
  • Tundra – A cold arctic region.
  • Willow – Willow trees and shrubs are common in nature. This is a beautiful, natural name.

Names Inspired by Mythology

Hunting has been around since the beginning of humanity. As such, it’s no surprise that there are many hunters and warriors in ancient mythology.

These ideas make for cool and cultured dog names that reflect the centuries-old hunting tradition.

  • Artemis – In Greek mythology, Artemis was the goddess of the hunt. So, how perfect is this name?
  • Athena – Athena was the gal who was good at everything, including war strategy. She was known for her wisdom, strength, and athleticism.
  • Apollo – The god Apollo rocked at everything, too. One of his biggest strengths was archery.
  • Hercules – Half-god, half-man, Hercules is recognized for his great strength. This makes a tough, unique hunting dog name!
  • Odin – Odin, the name of Thor’s father, is the leader of the Wild Hunt.
  • Olympia – Around 1,000 b.c., Greeks prepared an athletic festival to honor Zeus. It took place in Olympia, and thus the Olympics were born. 
  • Orion – Orion was a giant huntsman whom Zeus placed among the stars as the constellation of Orion.
  • Nyx – The Greek goddess of night, Nyx is a shadowy figure with greek beauty.
  • Xena – As in the warrior princess.
  • Zeus – Speaking of Zeus, his name makes a pretty sweet hunting dog name, too.

We’ve got plenty more mythology dog names if you like this vibe.

Famous Hunters and Shooters

Let’s take a look at real-life people known for their hunting prowess. They could make cool hunting dog names!

Fun and unique, it’s all but a guarantee you won’t find other dogs on the hunting field with one of these names.

  • Aldo – Aldo Leopold was an American ecologist and environmentalist who was also a hunter.
  • Annie (Oakley) – An American sharpshooter, Annie Oakley wowed exhibition crowds from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
  • Davy (Crockett) – This 19th-century folk hero was the “king of the wild frontier.”
  • Crockett – An alternate to above.
  • Boone – Daniel Boone is another American pioneer known for his hunting skills.
  • Cody – William Buffalo Bill Cody was a famous bison hunter from the wild west.
  • Jesse – Jesse James was a famous outlaw who knew his way around a gun.
  • Roosevelt – Theodore Roosevelt was an American President and famous hunter who protected the land.
  • Saxton – Saxton Pope was a famous bowhunter who hunted grizzlies in Yellowstone.
  • Winston – Winston Churchill was English Prim Minister who loved hunting.
  • Wyatt – Perhaps the most famous sheriff in the old west, Wyatt Earp was the town marshal in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, who took part in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Fishing Dog Names

If you’re a fan of fishing, you may find these fishing dog names an excellent choice.

Many hunters also enjoy the sport of fishing. After all, both provide lots of time in nature and the thrill of catching an animal.

One of these fishing dog names can pay tribute to your other passion or try out a nautical dog name.

  • Anchor
  • Angler
  • Bass
  • Berkley – fishing line
  • Brook – a small stream
  • Captain
  • Cisco – fishing brand
  • Croix – pronounced Croy for St. Croix river/rods
  • Finn – part of a fish
  • Gill – fish openings for breathing
  • Hook
  • Jig
  • Keeper – a good one!
  • Kota – Minn Kota motors
  • Lindy – tackle brand
  • Lunker – huge fish
  • Lure
  • Marina
  • Minnow
  • Oakley – sunglasses brand
  • Pike – species of carnivorous fish
  • Ranger – popular boat
  • Rigger – setting up sails/assembling tackle
  • Rip – fast pull on the rod
  • Sandy
  • Skipper / Skip
  • Spinner – fishing lure with a rotating blade
  • Sunny
  • Trout

Other Strong and Stoic Hunting Dog Names

  • Alaska
  • Alpha
  • Atlas
  • Arya
  • Avalanche
  • Bear
  • Blade
  • Blaze
  • Blizzard
  • Butch
  • Calgary
  • Captain
  • Colt
  • Crash
  • Dallas
  • Danger
  • Digger
  • Duke
  • Echo
  • Ember
  • Falcon
  • General
  • Ghost
  • Goliath
  • Hammer
  • Harley
  • Harper
  • Hawkeye
  • Huck
  • Hulk
  • Indiana
  • Jagger
  • Jet
  • Jinx
  • Kane
  • Major
  • Montana
  • Nikita
  • Radar
  • Raven
  • Rocky
  • Saber
  • Sable
  • Shadow
  • Sheriff
  • Stallone
  • Stormy
  • Tank
  • Thor
  • Trooper
  • Vinnie
  • Virginia

More Dog Name Ideas

If these dog names do not inspire you, try our online generator and discover more options. You can sort by your favorite styles and themes to find the perfect name for your pup.

Or check out these popular categories that are perfect for hunting dogs:

Also, you might find these articles helpful:

Advice for Picking Hunting Dog Names

Although you don’t have to shy away from cutesy dog names, prepare for some teasing out in the field if you have to call a name like “Princess” for hours on end.

As a kid, we got a dog – a female chocolate Labrador Retriever – with my dad’s intent to use her for hunting. My brother and I wanted to call her Lady, but my dad quickly kiboshed that idea.

That was probably a wise idea considering his wise-cracking hunting buddies.

Here are other helpful tips when it comes to selecting a name for your dog:

  • Is it easy to say? Some names are great in theory but tough to pronounce in everyday life. So before you lock in on a name, make sure it rolls off the tongue.
  • Say it out loud. Can you imagine loudly calling for your dog with this name? If not, then it’s not the right name, and you should move on.
  • Does it fit your dog? Check to see if the name matches your dog’s personality and appearance. This is important for both you and your pup.
  • And finally, trust your gut. When you find the right name, you’ll know it!

5 Easy Steps to Teach a Dog Their Name

Once you have a name, how do you teach it to your dog? We have an awesome guide that makes it easy.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting

Having a dog is a fantastic experience, and the relationship between an owner and his dog deepens when you bond over an activity like hunting. You’re in store for happy times and many memories.

Consider these names to help you in your search and play around with our easy-to-use dog naming tool. We hope you find what you’re looking for.

Happy hunting!

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10 Comments

  1. Bob

    If you got 2 dogs you can name one Smith and the other Wesson then you’ll have Smith&Wesson

  2. Rhett

    Another good name is Nellie short for Benelli

  3. Shamus

    My parents had two Brittany Spaniels whose names were Mac & Tosh..

  4. Judd hughes

    I named my 4 beagles Remington, savage, Winchester, and stoeger how do y’all like these names

  5. Megan Swagerty

    We have a Boomer.

  6. Roz

    I have 4 German Shepherds, Ruger, Benelli, Savage, and Kimber.

  7. Chris W

    Panzer- German for tank

  8. Himanshu Rathore

    Browning and Bruno are also good names

  9. KJ

    we named our Silver Lab Benelli and call him Benny :) but usually if hes being bad I call him Benelli lol

  10. Andrea Miller

    Our wirehaired pointing griffon named Rambler.

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