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Dogs of Lake Orion: A Data-Based Look at Most Popular Names and Breeds

(Kurt Metzger, Oct. 9, 2022)

Lake Orion, MI – This episode of ‘Dogs of Oakland County’ takes us to the Village of Lake Orion and surrounding Orion Township.  The Oakland County dog license database contains 2,893 records for dogs living in ZIP Codes 48359, 60, 61, and 62.

While there are some interesting variations (and spellings) of breed names, I have done my best to bring some consistency across the records.  A total of 143 breeds were identified, including the Mixed Breed / Mutt category.  Figure 1 presents the Top 11 ‘breeds’ living in the Lake Orion area (11 are identified to account for those listed at least 70 times).

  It is no surprise, judging by national rankings, that, once again, the Labrador Retriever is #1, more than doubling its nearest rivals, the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd. Coming in at #4 is a personal favorite, the Mixed Breed or Mutt.  As I have said before, personal experience has shown me that there are mixed breeds that are ‘designed’ and usually named, such as the Goldendoodle (of which there are 60), the Labradoodle (of which there are 44), the Cockapoo (22), the Puggle (3), the Schnoodle (2) and the Daisy Dog (2) – a mix of the Bichon Frise, Poodle, and the Shih-tzu.  Of course, there are those that result from run of the mill meetings “in the neighborhood” – affectionately called mutts.

The next tier of four contain 3 small breeds – Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier – plus the popular Australian Shepherd.  We finish with 3 B’s – the Boxer, Border Collie and Beagle.   I also found that many dog owners chose small breeds that had size in the name – Toy Poodle, Toy Fox Terrier, Mini Goldendoodle, Mini Labradoodle, Miniature Pinscher and Miniature Schnauzer.

I thought that a few Westminster Dog Shows would make me an expert on breeds, but I must admit that each community I study provides another breed or two to my study list.  To our existing list of Shiba Inu, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Plott, Mountain Cur, Blue Heeler, Finnish Spitz, and Mountain Feist, I must add Biewer, Boykin Spaniel, Kuvasz, Lagotto Romagnolo, and Walker Hound.

Every year the Social Security Administration releases a listing of the Top Names for Boys and Girls born in the previous year.  I have always enjoyed pouring over these lists to see how spellings have been altered to produce “uniqueness,” and how popular books, movies and television have spurred increases in a particular name.  I have also had many opportunities to name pets over the years and met a variety of names – many being “people names” in my walks around the neighborhood.  The listing of Lake Orion/Orion Twp. dog names has not disappointed.

Figure 2 presents the Top 15 Dog Names (those with 20 or more listings) for the area.  It is interesting to note that, even with 2,893 dogs to name, the winner – Bailey – was only mentioned 41 times.  Following close behind were Bella and Charlie.

Lake Orion area dog owners certainly don’t disappoint in the unique and wonderful names department.  There are Mayhem, Dangerous, Killer, Monster and Voodoo as well as Hazzard, Knuckles, Trouble, Rampage, Rowdy and Rumble.  Someone in Lake Orion is calling out to Gnocchi, Bourbon, Jack Daniels and Faygo. My favorites are Coach Joe, Indigo 500, Capone, Sophia Loren, Princess Gingersnap, and an Australian Shepherd named Ruby Chewsday.

The next article will look at the Dogs of Lake Orion/Orion Township, with all other communities to follow in the coming weeks.  If you have a particular community of interest, please let me know.

If you have a particular community of interest, please let me know.  Join in the conversation on the Oakland County Times Facebook Page, and share your puppy’s picture.  And don’t forget to get your pet their vaccinations and license, which can be done through the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center.

For more stories about population shifts, voter turnout and other election trends, and other interesting numbers, visit the Data-Based Stories Archives on Oakland County Times. Thanks to Data Expert Kurt Metzger for this work!