What’s in a name?

I recently had a visit from a long time friend I had not seen in several years. During the catch-up phase of our conversation, she informed me she had rescued two dogs. Being a dog lover myself, of course, I needed more information. “What breed,” I asked. She replied, “mixed.”

Finally, she got to the point and told me the mix of breeds–Chihuahua, and Yorkie. “Chorkies,” she declared.

I thought about it for a few moments, all the time wondering to myself who chooses how names are combined to determine a mix of breeds. Chorkie is a fine choice, but what’s wrong with Yohuahua? Isn’t that also an acceptable combination of Yorkie and Chihuahua?

Other options for mixed breeds, such as Labrador retriever and Poodle, are Labradoodle. Let me offer another option; Poodor retriever. After all, the dog is probably still willing to retrieve things.

Some other options I think may need revision.

• Bogle – Beagle and Boxer. My suggestion, Beaxer, pronounced Beazer. Much more interesting.
• Bugg – Boston Terrier and Pug. My take is Terrug. Interesting.
• Cheagle – Chihuahua and Beagle. much like the Yorkie mix, I would go with Behuahua. Sounds like Bwaaahhhaaaa!
• Golden Dox – Golden Retriever and Dachshund. Or a Golden hund, you pick.
• Horgi – Husky and Corgi. This is just mean, who would be so mean to a Husky?
• Jack-A-Ranian – Jack Russell Terrier and Pomeranian. How about PomTerr?
• Lhaffon – Brussels Griffon and Lhasa Apso. Laff off, just for ridiculousness.
• Cavachon – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frisé. Charles Frise’. It’s a little more personal.

So thinking further on the subject I began to wonder, what’s in a name?

Romance authors choose Hero names with a sharp sound, Brick, Dirk, Clint, or Zack, no Tommies for us. We like real men with hard-sounding names who are durable and dependable.

And for Heroines, we choose languorous, sleep-inducing, sloe-eyed names with a musical lilt, Harmony, Cherie, Susannah. The more ladylike and sultry the name, the better for our heroines. Sexy, huh?

Anewyn, Gaelic for the blithe spirit, gets shortened to Ane and many people spend years pointing out your name is spelled wrong. Over the years I respond, my parents needed the second “N” for another child. Because of obvious criticisms from people you don’t really know, who are not in possession of all the facts, this is annoying at best. You should try to meet these situations with humor.

Generally, I do.

See the list of mixed breed names, revised.