Midge is a British English word for a small biting insect — and also a traditional diminutive for Marjorie or Margaret — that has found a quiet niche as a pet name for small female dogs. The word itself means "tiny creature," which makes it semantically perfect for a Chihuahua, a Toy Poodle, or any other miniature breed.
The Size Reference
Midge as a term for something very small dates to Old English, from the Proto-Germanic word for small fly. As a pet name, it functions like Tiny, Peanut, or Pip — a descriptor that becomes a term of endearment. The difference is that Midge sounds like a name rather than a label, giving it more personality and staying power.
The Barbie Connection
Midge is also Barbie's best friend — introduced in 1963 by Mattel, freckled and cheerful, the eternally second-tier companion to the cultural juggernaut. With the 2023 Barbie film reviving every corner of that universe, Midge got a pop-culture refresh. A small, friendly female dog named Midge now carries both the size reference and the Barbie-adjacent nostalgia. Toy Poodles and Chihuahuas are natural fits.
The Counter-Reading: Very Small Energy
Midge sets a size expectation. On a large dog it reads as irony , which can work , but owners of Standard Poodles or Labrador Retrievers should know the name will generate repeated comments about the size mismatch.