So you have decided to adopt a dog or puppy and welcome him/her into the family. Congratulations! The addition of new pet is an exciting time for everybody, hopefully, you have taken the initiative in learning everything you can about dog care before claiming your new, four-footed friend. When you are confident enough to know how to care for your new dog, all that's left is thinking up a new name for your pet if he/she doesn't have one.

According to Banfield Pet Hospital, the top 25 dog names of 2011 were as follows:

• Bella
• Max
• Buddy
• Daisy
• Bailey
• Lucy
• Molly
• Coco
• Charlie
• Rocky
• Chloe
• Maggie
• Sadie
• Princess
• Sophie
• Lucky
• Roxy
• Jack
• Lola
• Harley
• Toby
• Bear
• Sasha
• Jake
• Ginger

All appear to be rather good dog names, suitable for any breed and colour. You may have considered any of the above yourself to name your new pet, even your new black and white dog. What if, however, you want a name that is better suited to your dog's looks? Black and white dogs, in particular, have a unique, striking look that attracts attention, and when you call your dog over to you after playing at the park you want a name that best represents your pup.

Here is just a sampling of possible names you could give your dog:

• Bandit - Particularly if you have a dog with a darker face and white body - especially around the eyes - Bandit is an appropriate name. Your dog might have an appearance of wearing a hood or mask, not unlike the stereotypical bandit.


• Checkers - Checkers is a good name for dogs with dark and lights spots on his body, somewhat resembling a checkers board. Checkers is also a presidential name - it was the name of Richard Nixon's pet.


• Oreo - This popular cookie is a black and white, and a fairly common name among black and white furry friends.


• Spot - A more obvious choice for dogs with spotted fur.


• Chaplin - Actor Charlie Chaplin is known for his distinctive look, including his moustache and black and white suit. If you have a dog with that "tuxedo" style coat this might be a good name to use.

Other suggestions include names of other black and white animals - if your dog resembles a zebra or panda colour, those may make for interesting names. Whatever you decide to name your dog, know that you're in for a lifetime of memories.