Breed All About It

Dear JoP,

Our beloved dog died almost two years ago (minus a month and a half) and we're ready to get a new one. We're looking to get a western terrier. They are similar to the previous dog we had, a miniature schnauzer, although the hair will go from salt and pepper to just white. We're having trouble choosing a suitable name. We're going to get a girl, and we'd like her to have a persons name, not something like snickers. Should we name her Eileen after the girl who watched our kids as we were growing up? Thanks for your help.

-Cesar Milan

Dear Cesar,

First of all, I'm glad that you took some time to consider a new pup. This is not a decision to enter into lightly. It sounds like you've done your homework on what breed works best for you and your family. This is great news as it will make the transition easier for a new puppy if she can fit in with your family's lifestyle.

Names are hard. My family had a particularly hard time coming up with one for me. A solid two-syllable name will make it easy for the dog to recognize and train her. Eileen is a nice choice because you obviously have some sentimental attachment to the name. Personally I find it easiest to name a new pet after you have been interacting with her for awhile. Eileen might be good in theory, but your new dog might not be an "Eileen". I was about to be "Izzy", "Pickles", or "Rita" - how embarrassing! Brainstorming names is a good way to start, but to really get the dogs personality you might want to wait a bit to see if she has any defining character traits.

-Dora