Wellesley’s population of licensed dogs has grown a bit over the past year to 2,861, according to 2021 data from the town clerk’s office, though it doesn’t appear pandemic pups have overrun the town. But we’re sure the town’s dogs have been swell companions during this stretch.
As in years past, Labrador Retrievers rule, with nearly 400 of them in town, though they’ve got plenty of company in Golden Retrievers, Golden Doodles, Labradoodles, and mixed breeds.
Among the rarest breeds in town, with just one licensed dog apiece, are Doberman Pinscher, Redbone Coonhound, and Silky Terrier.
Bella is back on top as the most popular dog name in town, after looking up at Lucy for the past two years. Lucy is now #2, though note that alternate spellings of many dog names can make compiling precise data messy.
Bella and Lucy are also #1 and #2 in Natick.
Scout has blasted its way into the #3 spot after not cracking the Top 5 a year ago, as there are now 26 dogs with this name vs. 22 a year ago.
Top Dog Names 2021:
- 28 Bella
- 27 Lucy
- 26 Scout
- 24 Charlie & Cooper
- 23 Bailey & Teddy
Top Dog Breeds 2021:
- 395 Labrador Retriever
- 258 Golden Retriever
- 175 Golden Doodle
- 154 Labradoodle
- 133 Mixed Breed
More than 1,000 Wellesley dogs hold exclusive rights to their names in town. Among them: Zelly, Yoshi, Tuggar, Skye, and Mustang Sally.
Other notable names:
- We’re among royalty with Princesses Eloise, Katerina, and Heartbeat. Plus Richard Duke of Gloucester (Your Grace)
- There must be back stories on Stella Mayonnaise Rainbows and Commodore Barnaby Puppypants Brummer Bolton II
- The spirit of Harry Potter’s alive in Gryffindor and Albus Dumbledore
The number of dogs named Brady, for perhaps obvious reasons, isn’t on the rise: 12 this year vs. 15 last year.
Bonus: Some of Wellesley’s photogenic dogs:
Golden Retriever
See full list embedded below.
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