Zoomies Abound: The Best Sports-Inspired Names For An Athletic Pup

Dogs love to play. Some breeds, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, are natural herders who are active and love to have a job to do. It is easy to compare these furry creatures to athletes. Other dog breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels, are more mellow.

Whatever way your dog leans, sports are a great inspiration when considering what to name your pup. You can go with a famous sports figure or even just use the lingo. The seven names on this list are a great place to start getting that workout brain going.

Jeter

For the baseball fans out there, consider the name Jeter. This is of course in honor of retired Yankee Derek Jeter. This shortstop helped his team become World Series champions five times. He also is a member of baseball's exclusive 3,000-hit club. Dogs with this name will definitely want to play catch.

King

If tennis is your sport of choice, King is a great moniker. It pays homage to icon Billie Jean King. She is not only known for being one of the greatest players of all time but also advocates for other women in sports. She won 39 Grand Slam titles in her career and was known for being fast on her feet. Dogs with this name will be good running buddies.

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Jordan

Michael Jordan helped the Chicago Bulls win six NBA championships. He is the most decorated player in NBA history with accomplishments such as five regular season MVPs and six Finals MVPs. Not to mention he makes a really cool sneaker. Dogs with this name will not chew your shoes.

Hamm

Mia Hamm is a soccer icon. She has two Olympic gold medals and two FIFA Women's World Cup championships to her name. She was a prolific goal scorer and retired with the record for most goals in international competition. While she was dethroned by Abby Wambach in 2013, her legacy lives on. Canines with this moniker will definitely get the zoomies.

Ace

Ace is a cute name with many meanings. If someone is said to be an ace at hockey, that means they are a great player. In tennis specifically, an ace occurs when a player serves and their opponent doesn’t even touch the ball in their attempt to return it. It's also a playing card but it is debatable if poker is considered a sport.

Derby

One of the definitions of the word derby is “a sporting contest open to the general public.” That’s a very open meaning, so maybe that’s why it is seen all over the athletic world. From Home Run derbies in baseball to the Kentucky Derby in horse racing, this name definitely uses the lingo. A dog named Derby will definitely need a hat.

Caddie

Caddies are the actual power players in the golf world. They can greatly impact a player's game. They help with equipment, give advice, and offer emotional support. While your dog won’t carry your golf clubs, they certainly will be there for you — just like a caddie — making it the perfect name.