Why Do We call Dogs Fido, Rover, and Spot?

If you are a dog parent, you most certainly might have come across the words ‘Fido’, ‘Rover’, and ‘Spot’. These three names are closely associated with dogs. In fact, they are used as a substitute word for dogs. And you may even find these substitute words in many dog blogs and articles.

However, do you know why dogs are linked to these words? Well, read on to find out!

Why Are Dogs Called Fido, Rover, and Spot?

We dug deep to find out the actual reasons why we call dogs Fido, Rover, and Spot. These reasons might surprise you, so hold on tight. We’ll begin with ‘Fido’, and then move over to ‘Rover’, and lastly, we will learn about ‘Spot’.

Fido

Like many words, Fido originated in Latin, which means “to believe, trust, or confide in”. And we all know how trustworthy dogs are! Perhaps, it’s an apt word to call a dog. But that’s not the whole story because it all started during Abraham Lincoln’s time. Five years before becoming the president of the United States, Lincoln was a victim to many episodes of depression and to relieve him from that, he had a dog and his name was Fido.

Fido was an integral part of Lincoln’s life that helped him whenever Lincoln needed him the most. Unfortunately, when Lincoln became president, he was compelled to leave Fido behind. A year before Lincoln’s assassin, Fido had left for his heavenly abode. And we all know when someone famous does something, the world follows. Just like this, the word ‘Fido’ clicked on, and people thank Abraham Lincoln for it.

Rover

The literal meaning of the word ‘Rover’ is “to wander”. This name first came into limelight in many famous literary works during the 17th century. One of them was William Shakespeare’s “Winter’s Tale”, and the other was Vincent de Langres Lombard’s book “Verses to my Dog Rover”. Even a film named “Rescued by Rover”, which released in 1905 is believed to have started all this.

But nobody knows the real truth, and probably never will. What we do know is that Rover is and can be used as a substituted word for a dog; all thanks to Shakespeare, Lombard, and the 1905 movie.

Spot

Spot, whose name shone into the limelight, thanks to William S. Gray and Zerna Sharp’s children’s book ‘Dick and Jane’. In the book, Spot was a highly adventurous dog who loved going on adventures with Dick and Jane. And we all know how most dogs are; they are adventurous and probably that’s why people even call them ‘spot’.

So that’s the history behind the names Fido, Rover, and Spot. Many people over the world have been using these three names to call their dog. You too can try it out!  But which one will it be? Fido, Rover, or Spot? Let us know.

Whatever you address your pet but don’t forget to stock up best Flea and Tick Treatments for pets.