I have never heard of this as a dog name, although I see the proximity to woof. I like the sound but probably wouldn’t use it – just don’t love it.
I had forebears [name]Henry[/name], [name]Edward[/name], and [name]Rufus[/name]. The first two are coming back “in” and I think there’s room for the third. I do think [name]Henry[/name] or [name]Edward[/name] is a better fn bc more flexible. I did go to school with a boy who went by initials HR, it was fine.
Best wishes!
I have to chime in here - I [name]LOVE[/name] the name [name]Rufus[/name], as I simply adore Mr. [name]Wainwright[/name] and I think the sound of the name is gorgeous.
But, I did have a dog named [name]Rufous[/name]. And it was a girl. [name]Long[/name] story, but she was speckled black and white, and [name]Rufous[/name], in bird-terminology, means speckled (but usually refers to reddish-brown coloring rather than black and white).
[name]Rufus[/name] does refer to reddish in coloring and that plus that I had named my dog [name]Rufous[/name] takes it off the list as there is very little likelihood that I will have a red-haired child.
So, I say the dog argument is moot unless you have personally had an animal companion of that name.
Kx
I like the idea of [name]Henry[/name] [name]Rufus[/name] as well. I have honestly never met a dog named [name]Rufus[/name], however, “[name]Rufus[/name] is a dog’s name” was my first thought too. There’s nothing factual for me to back the thought up though. Why do we have these strong connotation towards certain names being for animals?
I [name]LOVE[/name] [name]Rufus[/name]! I have for 5 years. It took my OH about 12 seconds to like it too. (Some guys just have style, it seems).
[name]Rufus[/name] was our #1 name for three years but now he exchanges places with #2 [name]Remy[/name] almost daily!
[name]Rufus[/name] is charmingly comfortable. I adore him (Mine will waffle between RW & Roo as nicknames).
If you love it, use it! 