18 June 2009

Dog and cat lovers can now access a portal that highlights some of the most unusual names that people call their four-legged friends.

Compiled by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the firm was recently inspired to list the rarest names that appeared on claims it processed.

Topping the poll for pooches was the name Doogie Schnauzer, whereas Snag L Tooth was the number one bizarre title for felines.

Other rare names for canines included Inspector Foo Foo, Lunchbox and Sergeant Sausage, while some moggies were christened Velvet Elvis, Catzilla and Polly Prissypants.

Curtis Steinhoff, spokesman for the VPI, explained that animal lovers choose to name their beloved furry friends based on their pets' behaviour and appearance.

He said: "Nearly every pet owner whose pet made the top ten reasoned that a distinct name was only appropriate for their distinct pet.

"Lunchbox the English bulldog has the stature of, well, a lunchbox."

Meanwhile, research by the firm discovered that last year's most popular name for dogs and cats was Max.