Tan Dog Names for All Dogs that are Light In Color

By Janice Jones | Last Updated 01-06-2024

Looking for tan dog names for your pale brown dog?  

We started searching for a perfect name for our new gold Shih Tzu and learned that similar dog colors have very different names depending on a breed.  

So this page is devoted to all of those Cream, Beige, Tan, Buff, Gold, Fawn, Lemon, Fallow, Wheaten and Isabella Colored Dogs that need a terrific name.

So many words mean basically the same thing in the English Dictionary and we use these descriptive words to describe the color of our dog’s hair or fur.  Think Beige, Tan, Cream, Buff or golden. 

All mean lighter shades of brown.

So Many Different Words that Mean Tan

When it comes to small dogs, the lighter shades of brown also have different names.Consider these dogs:  They are all of similar color, but how we name the color is different.

Chihuahua:  Fawn

Pug:  Fawn (for show dogs) but also apricot

Italian Greyhound: Cream, Fawn, Sable

Poodle:  Apricot, Cream

Brussels Griffon: Tan, Wheaton

French Bulldog:  Cream, Fawn, Cream and White

Lhasa Apso:  Cream, Golden

Pomeranian:  Cream

Shih Tzu:  Gold

In addition to the dog breed samples above, you may also see Sandy, Lemon, Buff Fallow and Isabella.  For a complete list of tan dog colors, check out this page 

Why so many different terms to describe basically the same color, you might ask.

Each dog breed has a breed standard that was written when the breed was first introduced and it is up to the national breed club to write the standard and determine which color words best describe the coat of their breed.  

While they may all be similar, there is enough differences in each to warrant different terms to represent the colors.

Without getting technical, there is a whole branch of genetics that deals with canine coat colors and how each breed comes up with their colors depends on the genes.  

Tan Dog Names:  
Great for Your Cream, Beige, Gold or Fawn Dog

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing for you cream, beige, tan or gold dog. Find one that matches your dog's coloring.

Tan Dog Names Based on Foods, Flavors, Drinks and Spices

• Almond
• Amaretto
• Applesauce
• Banana
• Bagel
• Bean Sprout
• Biscuit 
• Brandy
• Brie
• Buckwheat
• Butterball
• Buttercup 
• Butters 
• Butterscotch 
• Caramel 
• Cashew
• Chai
• Champagne
• Cheddar
• Cheesecake
• Cheerio
• Chestnut
• Chowder
• Cider
• Cobbler
• Cognac
• Cookie
• Corona
• Cornbread
• Cracker Jack
• Cream Puff
• Cupcake
• Custard 
• Dumpling
• Graham
• Grits
• Hazel
• Hazelnut
• Honey
• Honeybun
• Latti
• Manila
• Meringue
• Martini
• Muffin
• Mushroom
• Mustard 
• Nacho
• Nilla
• Noodles
• Nutmeg
• Nugget
• Oatmeal
• Peanut
• Pecan
• Pepper (Yellow peppers)
• Pie Crust
• Pine Nut
• Pita
• Popcorn
• Praline
• Pretzel
• Pudding
• Ruffles
• Saffron (Yellow flower)
• Scones
• Sesame 
• Sherry
• Shortcake
• Skippy (peanut butter)
• Strudel
• Taffy
• Teacake
• Tequila 
• Toffee
• Tofu
• Truffles
• Twinkie
• Waffles
• Whiskey

Tan Dog Names Inspired by Nature

• Amber
• Autumn
• Cedar
• Clay
• Dahlia (yellow flower)
• Dandelion
• Dune
• Ember
• Fawn
• Flint
• Heath (a type of shrub common in sandy areas)
• Hay
• Ivory
• Karat
• Marigold
• Moth
• Opal
• Pebble
• Poppy (Golden poppy)
• Sahara 
• Sandy
• Savannah
• Sequoia (a type of tree with reddish-brown bark)
• Summer 
• Sundance 
• Sunflower
• Sunshine
• Yarrow (yellow flower)

Great Names Meaning Tan, Gold, Buff, Beige or Fawn

• Auburn
• Blondie
• Bronze
• Buffy
• Cocoa
• Corkie or Corky

• Dusty
• Fallow
• Flax
• Gilda
• Glitter
• Golda
• Goldie
• Goldilocks
• Henna
• Khaki
• Ochre
• Russet
• Rusty
• Sepia
• Sorrel
• Tawny
• Toast
• Tuscan
• Umber
• Wishbone

Tan Dog Names Inspired by Famous Tan-colored Dogs in Literature, Movies and Television

• Toto - The small, brave terrier from "The Wizard of Oz."
• Buck - The powerful dog in Jack London's "Call of the Wild."
• Sandy - The lovable canine from the comic strip and then musical "Annie."
• Lady - The beautiful American Cocker Spaniel in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp."
• Charlie - The main character in "All Dogs Go to Heaven."
• Ginger - One of the leading dogs in Richard Adams' book, "The Plague Dogs."
• Old Yeller - The loyal Labrador Mix from the novel and Disney's "Old Yeller."
• Chance - The fun-loving American Bulldog from "Homeward Bound."
• Marley - The Labrador Retriever behind the hit book and movie "Marley & Me."
• Beethoven - The slobbery St. Bernard star from the movie "Beethoven."
• Lassie - The ever-helpful Rough Collie who starred in books, movies, and a TV show.
• Hooch - The Dogue de Bordeaux from the movie "Turner and Hooch."
• Benji - The scruffy dog of unknown breed and star of multiple movies.
• Copper - The tan-colored Hound is one of the main characters in Disney's film "The Fox and the Hound."
• Bolt - The fictional White Shepherd superhero from the animated Disney film "Bolt." Although technically not tan, he does have some tan shading in some artistic adaptations.
• Dodger - The street-smart Jack Russell Terrier from the movie, "Oliver and Company."

Non-English Words Meaning Tan

Amarillo - Spanish for Yellow

Bronzer - French for Tan

Kin (Japanese for Gold)

Kula (Gold in Hawaiian)

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Name

Choosing the perfect name for your tan puppy is a unique process that warrants thoughtful consideration. You want a name that highlights your pup's beautiful color and captures their individual personality and charm.

Like with people, a name can express distinct identity elements in dogs, so ensuring it aligns with your dog's personality is crucial.

Consider your puppy's behavior and general disposition when brainstorming name ideas.

Is your pup energetic and playful, or more relaxed and laid back?

A playful, exuberant puppy might suit an upbeat, fun name like "Biscuit" or "Nacho," while for a more serene and regal puppy, a name such as "Hazel" or "Amaretto" could be a good match.

Please take a couple of days to observe your new pup's behavior so you can choose a name that truly reflects their personality.

Keeping the name short and simple is also a good idea when naming your puppy. A one or two-syllable name is easier for your dog to understand, and it's also easier for you to call out when needed.

Plus, dogs tend to respond better to short names with intense vowel sounds, making training much easier.

The next tip is to try out the sound of the name. Say the name out loud a few times and check if it feels comfortable and natural.

It's also helpful to use it in a sentence, like, "It's time for a walk, Chestnut." Remember, this is a name you will use numerous times daily, so it must roll off the tongue easily.

Additionally, it's worthwhile to consider your dog's reaction to the name. Although dogs don't understand the meaning of a name like humans do, they respond to how it sounds.

After choosing a name, say it to your dog and watch their response - if they perk up or wag their tail, that's a good sign they like their new moniker!

Finally, consider the future training. A name that ends in a vowel sound might help differentiate it from common commands such as 'sit' or 'stay', making future training more accessible.

More Dog Name Ideas

Dog Names from Mythology

Tough Dog Names

Unusual Dog Names

Disney Dog Names for Boys

Disney Dog Names for Girls

Dog Names Based on Drinks

References Used In Preparing this Article

American Kennel Club

IMDb (Internet Movie Database)

Cesarsway