Introduction
Officially the Republic of Rwanda, Rwanda is a country located in Central and East Africa. One of the smallest countries on the African mainland, Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country's geography includes mountains in its west and savanna to the east. The economy of the country is mostly based on subsistence agriculture; coffee and tea are the major cash crops for export. Traditional arts and crafts can be found throughout the country, one of which is imigongo (cow dung art).
One of only two countries in the world that have a female majority in its national parliament, Rwanda is a special place. Take a closer look and you will likely encounter unique name opportunities, one of which may be perfect for your pup!
Rwanda Dog Names In Pop Culture
Putting dogs to work using their strengths can be an excellent way to solve certain problems. Eight dogs and some Kenyan handlers were transferred to Rwanda by the foundation run by U.S. philanthropist Howard G. Buffett to help combat poaching. The dogs are staying in new kennels at Akagera National Park, where there has long been a problem with bushmeat poaching. The timing of the dogs’ arrival is excellent, as African Parks, a group that manages the park, recently reintroduced lions and intends to bring in rhinos, who are coveted by poachers for their horns. The dogs were previously working in the Central African Republic where they sought to locate captives and members of the Lord’s Resistance Army; the terrain there was denser, however, there was less variation to the wildlife than at Akagera National Park.
Sean Kelly, a former South African military dog handler who has trained the dogs as well as worked with anti-poaching canine units in South Africa, stated that “the dogs make a huge difference”. According to Kelly, while a wildlife park can be a distraction to a dog, the key is getting the pup to focus on the smell that is around a footprint or another clue that identifies who they are searching for. Kelly explains that the dog must be taught to ignore all of the scents outside of the one that the handler gives them.
One of the dogs being trained to track poachers is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Bruno, who goes by the nickname “Machine” due to the endurance that he has shown when seeking a scent. A 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd named Duco is another dog in training; as a result of his analytical approach upon following a scent, he has earned the nickname “Professor”. After a refresher course in “scent discrimination,” both pups have been successful in tracking scents up to 1.8 miles. The dogs encounter multiple challenges in their work; from the variety of wildlife in Akagera to heat that will cause a scent to dissipate quickly. There are challenges for the handlers also, who have to read a dog’s glance, head turn or other body language. Together, the dogs and handlers work to solve the problem of poaching in the park.
Rwanda Dog Name Considerations
Deciding on the best name for your canine pal is not easy. After all, you are likely seeking a name that is a fit for your pup, while being something that you believe you won’t get tired of calling for many years. You may even be looking for your pup’s name to have some meaning to you. With all of that in mind, determining a “perfect” name for your pup can feel overwhelming.
A great way to find a unique name that has meaning to you is to choose a place in the world that interests you. Perhaps you have lived in the place or dream of traveling there. Once you have a place in mind, you can embark on a virtual tour of all that the place has to offer, from nature to well-known people to popular food. Take Rwanda, for example. If, for any reason, the country is appealing to you, take a closer look and discover what unique name ideas the country offers.
With a name from Rwanda, you will be reminded of the country each time you call for your pooch. And your best pal will have a unique moniker that has meaning for you.
Male Rwanda Dog Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ruhango
A town in the southern part of Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Butare
A city in southern Rwanda that is home to many students
|
|
| 1 |
Nyaruguru
A district in Rwanda’s Southern Province
|
|
| 1 |
Kibuye
A city in western Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Cyangugu
A city in western Rwanda located on the southern end of Lake Kivu
|
|
| 1 |
Kibungo
A municipality in eastern Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Ikiviguto
Fermented whole milk drunk in Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Gikongoro
A city in Rwanda’s Southern Province
|
|
| 1 |
Nyungwe
For the Nyungwe Forest
|
|
| 1 |
Rubyiro
For the Rubyiro River
|
|
| 1 |
Kivu
For Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes
|
|
| 1 |
Sabyinyo
For Mount Sabyinyo
|
|
| 1 |
Rubondo
For Lake Rubondo
|
|
| 1 |
Huye
For Mount Huye, a mountain in southern Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Matoke
A cooked banana dish popular in Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Koko
For the Koko River in southwestern Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Mohammed
For Mohammed Jashat, a cricket player from Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Benjamin
For Benjamin Sehene, a Rwandan author
|
|
| 1 |
Akabenz
A pork dish in Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Mwogo
For the Mwogo River in western Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Donald
For Donald Kaberuka, an economist from Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Pasteur
For Pasteur Bizimungu, the fifth President of Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Olivier
For Olivier Karekezi, a footballer from Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Pierra
For Pierre Habumuremyi, a former Prime Minister of Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Salomon
For Salomon Nirisarike, a footballer from Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Augustin
For Augustin Banyaga, an American mathematician who was born in Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Paul
For Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s sixth President
|
|
| 1 |
Jackson
For Jackson Niyomugabo, an Olympic swimmer from Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Kivu
For Kivu Ruborahoza, a film director and writer from Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Robert
For Robert Kajuga, a long distance runner from Rwanda
|
Female Rwanda Dog Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital and largest city
|
|
| 1 |
Gisenyi
A city in Rwanda’s Western Province
|
|
| 1 |
Burera
For Lake Burera in northwestern Rwanda
|
|
| 1 |
Claudette
For Rwanda long-distance runner Claudette Mukasakindi
|
|
| 1 |
Rwanda
For the country
|
|
| -1 |
Nyanza
A town and district in Rwanda’s Southern Province
|
|
| -1 |
Akabanga
A hot chili oil eaten in Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Muhanga
A city and district in Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Kamonyi
A district in Rwanda’s Southern Province
|
|
| -1 |
Gisagara
A district in southern Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Byumba
A city in northern Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Ruhengeri
A city in northern Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Umatara
A former province of Rwanda that has now been incorporated in the Eastern Province
|
|
| -1 |
Ruzizi
For the Ruzizi River which flows from Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika
|
|
| -1 |
Ruhwa
For the Ruhwa River in southwestern Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Kagera
For the Kagera River which flows through Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Rukawara
For the Rukawara River, located in western Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Muhazi
For Lake Muhazi, a long, narrow lake in Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Gahinga
For Mount Gahinga, a dormant/extinct volcano
|
|
| -1 |
Karisimbi
For Mount Karisimbi, an inactive volcano
|
|
| -1 |
Muhabura
For Mount Muhabura, an extinct volcano in the Virunga Mountains
|
|
| -1 |
Mandazi
Deep fried dough balls
|
|
| -1 |
Ugali
A popular food in Rwanda; a white ball of maize that takes on whatever flavor it is eaten with
|
|
| -1 |
Ibirayi:
For a Rwandan deep fried potato dish
|
|
| -1 |
Icayi
Rwandan black tea with milk and sugar
|
|
| -1 |
Samosa
A deep-fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables
|
|
| -1 |
Anisia
For Anisia Uzeyman, an actress and playwright from Rwanda
|
|
| -1 |
Agathe
For Agathe Uwilingiyimana, sometimes called Madame Agathe, a Rwandan political figure
|
|
| -1 |
Akagera
For Akagera National Park
|
|
| -1 |
Inema
For the Inema Art Center in Rwanda
|
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 10/23/2018, edited: 04/02/2020
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