Dog Names Meaning Independent

Introduction

Not all dogs are clingy. Many show a streak of independence. That is not to say that they do not love you but they are just not the type to gush over you. Typically, independent breeds tend to be highly intelligent and self-reliant. They are not afraid to make decisions for themselves. Many breeds have been bred to display such a character trait because it can be an asset. If you have a canine companion with an independent personality, you are sure to find the perfect name here. Peruse our list of 60 names and try one out on your dog!

Dog Names Meaning Independent in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Independent Dog

Togo

Togo was the highly intelligent and independent lead sled dog of Leonhard Seppala's sled dog team. Seppala was Togo's breeder. He was the offspring of Seppala's treasured lead sled dog 'Suggen'. The tiny puppy was named after the Japanese admiral Togo Heihachiro.

As a puppy, Togo was sick and needed to be cared for carefully by Seppala's wife. Despite being a weakling, the puppy had an independent and mischievous nature. As he grew, he weighed only 48 pounds so Seppala deemed him a poor choice as a sled dog. The pup was given away at six months old. Togo didn't want to live with his new owners so he jumped through a glass window and ran miles back to Seppala's house. Seppala decided to keep him but the dog had an independent nature and was determined to be a sled dog. Whenever Seppala would lock Togo in his kennel and take out the other sled dogs on a run Togo would bust out of his kennel and follow. Unfortunately, he was a constant source of trouble because he was always picking fights with the lead sled dogs.

Togo would not give up, even after being mauled by a lead sled dog, and he continued to follow the sled team so Seppala decided to put him in harness. Togo was impressive. He would run tirelessly and showed true leadership. Soon he was sharing the lead harness with the lead sled dog. He could run 75 miles in a day.

Within a few years, Togo had earned the right to be Seppala's lead dog. In 1925, when Togo was 12 years old, a diphtheria outbreak occurred in Alaska. The serum needed to save innumerable people needed to be run by sled dog teams 674 miles to Nome. It was a perilous trip through extreme weather. The temperature was -30 degrees Fahrenheit. By nightfall it was down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing 65 miles per hour. Seppala, with Togo and his team of dogs traversed the longest part of the journey. Unfortunately, at the time, Togo did not receive much recognition for his perilous trip and the glory was bestowed on another sled dog named Balto.

The trail that Togo and the other sled dogs fearlessly traveled would be known as the Iditarod. Every year sled dogs from around the world continue to run the trail in honor of Togo and the many other dogs who delivered the serum that saved so many. Togo spent his retirement in Maine where he passed away at the age of 16. His body was stuffed and is now on display at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters.

Dog Name Meaning Independent Considerations

Canines who exhibit an independent nature have been bred to show such a streak. It is an asset in their very existence. Guard dog breeds such as the Akita, Doberman, German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Chinese Shar-Pei are well known for their independent streak. Such a characteristic is an asset when guarding a home or owner. The dog is required to evaluate a situation quickly and efficiently without turning to its human owner for confirmation. In those independent moments, the dog determines if he should stand his ground or possibly attack to provide protection. In such instances, an independent nature is truly a sign of intelligence. Some dog breeds such as the Siberian Husky and Malamute were created to assist their human owners by pulling sleds through thousands of miles of hostile arctic tundra. As a sled dog, they must make decisions about the consistency of ice, the trail's safety, and during a blizzard whiteout even what direction to keep going. Their independent nature enables them to keep trudging ahead and gives them the confidence that they need to make critical decisions without any direction from their human caretaker.

Even small dogs like the Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Fox Terrier, Jack Russell, and the Manchester Terrier are scrappy and intelligent. They were often used as hunting dogs. Many terriers would face off a badger or a fox. Such strength of character helped keep them alive and fearlessly hunt for their owners. Training can also bring out independence in dogs. Guide dogs for the blind must act independently to make safety decisions on a daily basis. Police dogs also function not only on command but also by using their own intelligence to decide if they need to come to their partner's rescue. There is no doubt that an independent nature in any canine is an asset that should be appreciated and respected. If you see any of these traits in your new addition, then a name meaning independent will be just the fit.

Male Dog Names Meaning Independent

Votes	Name	Vote
1	Balto An independent sled dog
1	Rebel Someone with an independent, rebellious nature
1	Harley Like the motorycycle
1	Lawless A rebel
1	Maverick A rebel
1	Scout A trailblazer
1	Bear Refers to the big independent animal
1	Bruno A boxer
1	Gunner An independent nature
1	King An independent leader
0	Togo An independent sled dog
0	Davidson Like the motorcycle
0	Bandit An outlaw
0	Trailblazer Someone who forges ahead
0	Captain A real leader
0	Sarge A military leader
0	Sergeant A military leader
0	Leader Someone who likes to lead
0	Rocky A fictional boxer
0	Free-Bird A great name for an independent pooch
0	Rolling Stone An independent person
0	Moses An independent leader
0	Pirate An outlaw on the sea
0	President An independent leader
0	Marco An independent explorer
0	Lewis Refers to Lewis and Clark
0	Clark Refers to Lewis and Clark
0	Christopher Refers to Christopher Columbus
0	Columbus Christopher Columbus the explorer
0	Ponce Refers to the explorer

Female Dog Names Meaning Independent

Votes	Name	Vote
1	Liberty A form of independence
1	Indy A play on independence
0	Rosa Refers to Rosa Parks
0	Nora Refers to journalist Nora Ephron
0	Josephine As in Josephine Baker
0	Frida Refers to artist Frida Kahlo
0	Malala Refers to Malala Yousafzai
0	Florence Refers to Florence Nightingale
0	Coco Refers to Coco Chanel
0	Elizabeth Refers to the Queen of England
0	Marie Refers to Marie Curie
0	Lenna Means lion's strength
0	Edrei Strong and independent
0	Keren Hebrew for independent strength
0	Isa Strong-willed nature
0	Trudy Spear of strength
0	Nefertiti Queen of Egypt
0	Cleopatra Independent leader of Egypt
0	Gertrude The spear of strength
0	Briana Refers to strength and independence
0	Hippie Refers to an ideal of freedom and independence
0	Janice Refers to independent rocker Janis Joplin
0	Mavi A play on maverick
0	Rainey Rainey after the mother of the blues
0	Andrea Means strong
0	Bree Means strength
0	Valerie French for strength
0	Audrey Means noble strength
0	Joan Refers to Joan of Arc
0	Amelia After the pilot Amelia Earhart