Who’s top dog? As 2026 licensing opens, creative names abound

Acton’s most popular dog name is “Luna,” records show. “Daisy” is a close second. 

Licenses primarily collected in late 2024 and early this year showed there were eight pups named Bear, but only one Bearbear. The land of Thoreau registered seven Henrys. Sir James of Avalon has a regal flair. 

Whatever your dog’s name, the town has started licensing for 2026. All dogs over 6 months old must be registered and vaccinated against rabies. New license tags cost $15 for spayed or neutered dogs and $20 for those intact.

Officials will mail application forms with the annual census in January, but owners can apply ahead of time in any of three ways: 

• The Town Clerk’s office accepts in-person registrations at the Town House, 22 Monument Square, Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
• Pup parents can register online at concordma.gov/543/Dog-Licenses.
• Mail-in applications, downloadable from concordma.gov, should be completed and sent to the Town Clerk’s Office, Attn: Dog License, 22 Monument Square, Acton, MA 01742. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with two forever stamps for up to three licenses. 

Dog owners must provide their pet’s current rabies vaccination certification. Anyone with four or more dogs needs a kennel license. 

Concordians should license their dogs by March 31. Anyone who misses the deadline will face a $25 late fee.

Most common breeds

Labrador retriever
Golden retriever
Labrador retriever mix
Mixed breed
Goldendoodle

Rare dog breeds

Xoloitzcuintli
Glen of Imaal Irish terrier
Arubian Cunucu
Chinook
Komondor

Acton counted roughly 1,850 registered dogs for 2025. The most popular breed, according to Clerk’s Office records, is the Labrador retriever.

Among Acton’s rare breeds is one Xoloitzcuintli — a hairless dog originating in Mexico. One of just a few hundred Glen of Imaal Irish terriers registered in the U.S., according to the Glen of Imaal Irish Terrier Club of America, calls Acton home. There’s a Chinook — once rated the world’s rarest dog — and a komondor, known for its corded or mop-like coat. 

Most common names

Luna: 27
Daisy: 23
Rosie: 18
Max: 15
Charlie: 15

Sadie: 14
Bailey: 14
Stella: 13
Ollie: 13
Teddy: 12

Bow wow wow! Acton’s most unique dog names

Archie Barker
Auntie Janice
Bearbear
Bob Barker
Captain Magnificent
Harley Davidson 
Lil Bentley
Luka Jones Salazar
Mighty Quinn
Musket
Oliver Pickles Park

Pickles
Princess Buttercup
Pumpkin Girl
Romeo Appelbaum
Sir James of Avalon
Snobben
Sprite Duper McAlindon
Strudel Cornellius Bhabha Morgan
Taco
Trouble
Ziggy Stardust

Creative names abound on the list of dogs reviewed by The Acton Bridge, including Bob Barker, Oliver Pickles Park, and Romeo Appelbaum. 

There’s one Thor in town, and he works as a Acton Police comfort dog, Town Clerk Kaari Mai Tari confirmed.

Musket’s name nods to the Revolution. Music fans can rock out with a Bowie and a Ziggy Stardust.

Captain Magnificent holds his head high, and Trouble might be a handful.

Along with Princess Buttercup and Strudel Cornellius Bhabha Morgan, Acton still holds a spot in its heart for the canine classics: There are two Snoopys, two Plutos, and, yes, a pup named Spot.