Home Dog Ownership & Care # What is a Male Dog Called? The Woof & Beyond Team Updated January 27, 2021 1 min read ![](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/static/4b043e674cd6dc5a133abd35ea7ca316/5e493/image.jpg) A male dog is called a **dog**. However, in the context of breeding, a dog is also called a **stud**, and when referred to as the father of a puppy, a dog is also called a **sire**. Unlike some people think, a _bastard_ is **not** another name for a dog. It is a common misconception. ## What Is a Female Dog Called? A female dog is called a **bitch.** But, when referred to as the mother of a puppy, she is called a **dam**. ## Why Is a Male Dog Also Called a Sire? The terms sire and dam date back to 1611, [according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary](https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/sired-dogs-6942.html). In the past, the subject of the king of England would call him a “sire.” This is to show authority. Just like the king is a sire to his subjects and has authority over them, the male dog is a sire to his puppies. Language Previous Why Your Dog Licks Your Legs and Feet Next How to Quickly Get Your Dog to Poop Outside People also ask How to Know When Your Male Dog Wants to Mate: Signs to Watch out For Quantity vs. Quality: Maximize the Chance Your Male Dog Impregnates a Female Dog When Male Dogs Start to Lift Their Leg to Pee: Why and How It Happens Male Dogs as Parents: Do They Get Attached to Their Puppies? Collar Confusion: Understanding Your Dog's Sadness When Their Collar Comes Off Your Dog Won't Sleep Without You? Here's Why & How to Help Your Pet Sleep Independently ## Other questions about dog ownership & care The ones people read straight after this. Dog Ownership & Care ### [How to Know When Your Male Dog Wants to Mate: Signs to Watch out For](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/signs-male-dog-wants-to-mate/) Keeping unaltered male dogs in the home can be quite an endeavor versus their neutered counterparts… August 16, 2022 5 min read Dog Ownership & Care ### [Quantity vs. Quality: Maximize the Chance Your Male Dog Impregnates a Female Dog](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/how-to-increase-chance-for-male-dog-to-impregnate/) Ok, you’ll admit it; you can’t get enough of your pup! From his silky-smooth coat to his big… July 21, 2022 4 min read Dog Ownership & Care ### [When Male Dogs Start to Lift Their Leg to Pee: Why and How It Happens](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/when-and-why-dogs-start-lifting-their-leg-to-pee/) You walk your dog outside, as you do every day. Suddenly you notice something is different. They pee… April 11, 2022 3 min read Dog Ownership & Care ### [Male Dogs as Parents: Do They Get Attached to Their Puppies?](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/male-dogs-parental-care/) Naturally, we view animals through the lens of our own human experience. In our families, moms and… December 9, 2021 6 min read Dog Ownership & Care ### [Collar Confusion: Understanding Your Dog's Sadness When Their Collar Comes Off](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/why-does-my-dog-get-sad-when-i-take-his-collar-off/) It’s evening in your home, and you and your dog are winding down for the night. As you pull your pup… January 23, 2023 5 min read Dog Ownership & Care ### [Your Dog Won't Sleep Without You? Here's Why & How to Help Your Pet Sleep Independently](https://www.woofandbeyond.com/why-wont-my-dog-go-to-sleep-without-me/) Dogs do so many cute things that make us humans melt, and sleeping with us could be one of them… January 23, 2023 4 min read