Names ’n’ games

Titles on dog naming, game recipes, natural signs and youthful adventures, reviewed by Alexandra Henton

When I surprised my husband with a labrador for his 40th birthday, I left the naming up to him, a far more difficult task than arranging secret puppy-viewing assignations. She became Bramble. I had previously named our yellow labradors Tessa and Maud, solid names for solid hounds. My sister’s JRT dynasty had a herbal bent to it, the sire being Basil. My mother fancied more classical allusions, and Basil’s mate became Isabella. Although her insistence on calling the guard dog (a German shepherd) Joey led to harumphs among training companions: “He sounds like a bloody budgerigar,” said one.

Gail Garbutt’s new book on naming dogs provides superb inspiration for your next pup. Many of the names are two syllables (dogs tend to find that easier to hear; I’m not so sure – cf Fenton) and the A-Z of names is interspersed with fascinating snippets on dog behaviour and other naming inspiration. There are Scottish rivers, board games, cricket terminology and favourite drinks, alongside names set to appeal to Dickens fans and military sorts.

The next hound could be a Saucy or a Relish, a Drummond or a Hero. Whichever you decide, Garbutt’s book gets it spot on.