Margot Fluitsma's 14-year-old dog Max has the second most popular name in the city. Photo / Martin Hunter
Though Max is the most popular male dog name in Christchurch, this Max isn't actually a boy.
Owner Margot Fluitsma said when they brought the mixed-breed puppy home from the pound 14 years ago, the family was told she was a he.
"We took her to get her business done and the vet told us she was a girl."
Miss Fluitsma said they already liked the name so stuck with it.
"I think we named her before we got to the car."
City council figures show there were 426 registered dogs named Max, nine of which are females.
That made it the second most popular dog name in the city.
The most popular overall dog name was Bella, with 579 registered, making it the most favoured name for female pooches.
The top five female names were Bella, Poppy, Molly, Ruby and Rosie, while the top male names were Max, Charlie, Jack, Toby and Buddy.
Overall, Bella, Max, Poppy, Charlie, Molly, Ruby, Jack, Rosie, Toby and Buddy made up the top 10.
Like Max, some other dogs had names traditionally used for the opposite sex.
Two male dogs were named Daisy, two females had the name Jack, while another two were called Baxter. Miss Fluitsma said Max was a good name because it was short and simple.
Her Max enjoys soft-serve ice cream, walks, and even a trip to the pub on a nice day to sit in the outdoor area.
"She's really loyal and she's nice natured. She's never snapped at anyone in 14 years. She's just lovely."
Top five dog names in Christchurch
- Bella - 579
- Max - 426
- Poppy - 411
- Charlie - 404
- Molly - 395
By Bridget Rutherford
Mike Fuge says that is not appropriate when we have such an important job ahead