Pongo appears 65 times at rank 1599 on male pets. The source is obvious and singular: Pongo is the father Dalmatian in 101 Dalmatians, both the 1956 Dodie Smith novel and the 1961 Disney animated film. Almost every dog named Pongo has either a Dalmatian owner or an owner who watched the movie too many times as a child.
The 101 Dalmatians Origin
Pongo is an optimistic, devoted father who outwits Cruella de Vil to save his 101 puppies. For Dalmatian owners specifically, the name is almost irresistible. Dalmatian breeders report it as one of the most common names for male dogs in the breed. Compare with Perdita, the female counterpart, for a matching pair.
Sound Fit
PON-go is two syllables with a satisfying bounce. The -go ending gives it an upbeat, active quality that suits the character's energy. The name is easy to call and impossible to mispronounce. It works less naturally on non-Dalmatian breeds where the film reference isn't immediately visible, though determined owners make it work regardless.
The Counter-Reading
Pongo on a non-Dalmatian requires answering "Is that from 101 Dalmatians?" with "Yes, but he's a Labrador." Most owners have made peace with this. The name's warmth and recognizability outweigh the visual mismatch for most who choose it.