Boston dog licensing data shows Luna and Charlie led 2025 registrations, with familiar names dominating
Licensing records offer a snapshot of how Boston names—and registers—its dogs
Boston’s most frequently registered dog names in 2025 were led by Luna and Charlie, as the city renewed its annual reminder that dogs must be licensed each year. The rankings are based on names provided by owners during the licensing process, which applies to dogs older than six months and must be completed annually.
In the 2025 licensing data, Luna topped the list with 137 registrations, followed by Charlie with 118. Bella ranked third with 94 registrations. The city’s annual licensing deadline is March 31, 2026.
“Dog licenses are not just required by law, they help ensure that we can quickly return your pup to you should they get lost,” said Alexis Trzcinski, Boston’s Director of Animal Care and Control.
The 25 most common dog names registered in Boston in 2025
- Luna (137)
- Charlie (118)
- Bella (94)
- Lucy (89)
- Daisy (88)
- Teddy (80)
- Milo (79)
- Penny (69)
- Coco (67)
- Millie (66)
- Cooper (66)
- Winnie (65)
- Bailey (65)
- Leo (64)
- Rosie (63)
- Max (62)
- Gus (62)
- Ruby (61)
- Ollie (59)
- Lola (58)
- Frankie (57)
- Louie (54)
- Archie (53)
- Winston (50)
- Poppy (49)
Top registered breeds: Labrador retrievers lead, followed by golden retrievers and miniature poodles
Boston’s licensing dataset also lists the most commonly registered breeds. Labrador retrievers ranked first with 1,961 registrations, followed by golden retrievers (970) and miniature poodles (543). Several small-breed and working-breed entries also placed highly, including chihuahuas (490) and German shepherds (480).
The top 10 registered breeds in Boston in 2025 were:
- Labrador retriever (1,961)
- Golden retriever (970)
- Miniature poodle (543)
- Chihuahua (490)
- German shepherd (480)
- Australian shepherd (398)
- Yorkshire terrier (392)
- Shih tzu (388)
- Beagle (338)
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel (311) and French bulldog (311)
What the license requires—and what happens if owners skip it
To obtain a Boston dog license, owners must provide a current rabies certificate and, when applicable, proof that the dog is spayed or neutered. The city’s listed fees are $15 for spayed or neutered dogs and $30 for unaltered dogs, with fees waived for service animals and for residents age 70 or older. The city also lists a $50 fine for unlicensed pets.
City officials say licensing is intended to support public health compliance and improve the chances that lost dogs can be returned quickly through official identification.