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January 8, 2026
Hot Dog Names & Breeds of 2025
It’s the list residents wait fur all year. Based on dog licenses issued by the Ottawa County Treasurer’s Office, the most pup-ular dog names in Ottawa County for 2025 were:
- Bella
- Luna
- Charlie
- Lucy
- Daisy
- Sadie
- Bailey
- Ruby
- Stella
- Buddy
Bella fetched the top spot, nudging Luna out of first place after last year’s reign. New to the top ten list for 2025 are Sadie, Buddy, and Stella while Willow, Cooper and Max strayed from this year's list.
With names covered, it’s time to paws for a closer look at the dog breeds. Not surprisingly, retrievers remained leaders of the pack among Ottawa County dog owners. Mixed breeds placed second, while German Shepherds slipped to fifth place. The top breeds for 2025 were:
- Labrador Retriever
- Mixed
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
- Australian Shepherd
- Pit Bull
- Poodle
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
Dog names and breeds are collected when residents license their pets. While the lists are fun to see, they are also an opportunity to remind residents to license their dogs at the Ottawa County Treasurer's Office.
Since the year 1919 Michigan law has required that dogs be licensed. Additionally, the law requires that to get a dog license, proof of a rabies vaccination by a veterinarian must be provided. Along with ensuring that pet owners keep rabies vaccinations up to date, dog licenses save time, money, and emotional distress. If a dog is lost, the license will make the return of the pet simple. When a stray is picked up by animal control (or a friendly neighbor), a dog wearing its license will be returned to its owner quickly for a tail-wagging, slobbery reunion. Unlicensed dogs risk being brought to an animal shelter. The owner may face redemption fees, boarding costs, fines, and vet bills. Pets who remain unidentified could be put up for adoption.
Dogs must be licensed at four months of age. In Ottawa County, dog licenses can be purchased at any time, but are issued to expire the month of the licensed dog's rabies vaccination. New licenses are available for either one or three years. Owners can purchase licenses online at www.miottawa.org/Dogs.
More information about licensing dogs in Ottawa County is available online or by calling 616-994-4501.
Pictured: Cheryl Clark, Ottawa County Treasurer, with Cinnamon Sugar. Cinnamon Sugar is currently available for adoption at the Harbor Humane Society. Anyone interested in adopting Cinnamon Sugar may contact Harbor Humane at 616-399-2119.
Media Contact
Cheryl Clark | Ottawa County Treasurer | 616-994-4503 | [email protected]
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