Dogs of Clawson: A Data-Based Look at Popular Names and Breeds
(Kurt Metzger, Jan. 28, 2023)
Clawson, MI -This edition of ‘The Dogs of Oakland County” takes us to the City of Clawson, where 5,607 households are home to 1,177 licensed dogs.
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 116 breeds were identified, including the Mixed Breed / Mutt category. Figure 1 presents the Top 10 ‘breeds’ living in Clawson.
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. However, slipping in just ahead in 2nd place 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 15), the Labradoodle (of which there are 5), the Cockapoo (3), the Puggle (3), the Mini-Goldendoodle (2), and the Schnoodle (1). And of course there are “mutts.” The remainder of the Top 10 contain 3 small breeds – Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, as well as 3 mid-size – the Boxer, Poodle and Beagle.
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. The list, created from the first 5 communities studied, include the Shiba Inu, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Plott, Mountain Cur, Blue Heeler, Finnish Spitz, Mountain Feist, Biewer, Boykin Spaniel, Kuvasz, Lagotto Romagnolo, and Walker Hound.
Clawson has contributions to make as well. Let us add the Schipperke (considered a small shepherd in their country of origin, Belgium), Dogue de Bordeaux (a French Mastiff), and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Every year the Social Security Administration releases a listing of the Top Names for babies 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 Clawson dog names has not disappointed.
Figure 2 presents the Top 9 Dog Names (those with 10 or more listings) for the area. It is interesting to note that, even with 1,177 dogs to name, the winner – Bella – was only mentioned 20 times. Following behind at 16 was Lucy, while Daisy, Cooper and Charlie tied with 14.
As the top names had relatively small numbers, more room was left for Clawson dog owners to come up with unique and wonderful names. There are Bilbo Beggins, Beau Peeps, Reginald Pancake, Casanova, Kosher, Meaty and Professor. In addition, someone in Clawson is calling out to Ferris Bueller (Bueller…Bueller….), Knockout, Buster Brown and Barry Sanders.
The next article will look at another community – Oak Park – that maintains its own registration system, separate from the county. 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!