Why do people say "Ergh... that's a dog's name!"?

[NatureAbhorsAHoover]

First it was Lily and Molly - people would say they knew a dog with that name, like that's a reason it should never be used on a human

Now I see the same for some boys names - Toby and Monty, I'm looking at you

This makes no sense to me. Names take a few years to filter into the public consciousness. I always thought we 'try out' names on our dolls and our pets as children ... and then when we're grown up we get to use the ones we like the most on real live babies!

Who on earth would call their dog Poppy? Nah, so not a dogs name. My parents dog is called Ben and I really want a sausage dog called Humphrey.

Kaekae - my MIL has a dog called Poppy! She is barking (boom, boom).

usingapseudonym - totally doesn't bother me, (though I had no idea that Rufus was 'a dog's name').

Names like Fluffy or Mitzy or Patch are animal names, otherwise any name is fair game for either child or pet, surely?

We've had a dog called Mollie, turtle called Alfie, hamsters called Kiara and Honey and birds called Ruby and Zac. I dont think of any of these names as animal names.

I did once blurt out 'ooh, that's my dog's name!' to a new mum on asking the baby's name in the playground once.

Thought better of it later!

Excellent - after the Monster's Inc character?

My ds has always wanted an axoltl!

Kaekae - I've got a sausage dog, upon whom my dd bestows extra names. One is Humphrey Camel - because he walks like a camel but is hump-free.

I definitely think of some names as "cat's names" whereas not so much with dogs (maybe because I like dogs but not cats!)

It's just the first association I make, not deliberately. I'd never announce it to someone who had just called their child that name but I do say so on here, if people are wanting honest opinions.

Could be because some names have usually been pets names in my lifetime until quite recently when they've come back into fashion as human names.

Our dogs were Maisie and Oscar-both lovely names for dc imho-dd considered maisie for her dc1 but he was a boy.

Just had to Google axoltl - amazing! Are they the only lizard that lives underwater? I think I saw one at a wildlife place. And they definitely suit the name Randall.

But Toby IS a dogs name? All of my friends dogs as kids were called Toby... Even dh's dog was called Toby... So for me, I couldn't possibly consider it for a baby.

I get more annoyed when people think it is hillarious to introduce their dog to your child because you child has their dogs name.

I am not talking Fido or Spot here - along the lines of James, David, Philip...

Apparently DD has a cow's name. Well, I'm unlike to have the opportunity to name any cows in my line of work, so forgive me if I use it for my daughter, no?!

I once knew and Afghan hound called Samantha, which I think rather suited her.

cecilyP - That is brilliant!

I know a Doberman called Norman. I don't think I'd use it for a child though

I call my pets preposterous names to avoid all this. I've had a Pandora, Tallulah and Bellatrix. Planning to call the next dog Heathcliff :)

I was going to say hubbahubster - I have seen all those names on MN!

My sister broke up with her boyfriend of many years and he after a while went to a party with some friends. On being introduced to a girl saying "this is Diana" he said "Oh I know someone who has a dog named that"
(my mother and stepdad) Didnt stop her marrying him laughs (later on giggles

I agree Usingapseudonym and I was expecting people to tell me I had two dogs' names, but people around here must be very polite as I haven't had too many comments!

Got a Rex and a Rufus. Not that obedient and can be smelly but very lovely.