A pooch is an affectionate, informal word for a dog. When someone calls their German Shepherd a pooch, or mentions taking their pooch for a walk, they're using a warm, friendly term that shows fondness for their pet.

The word feels casual and playful, like calling your dog your “buddy” or “pal.” You might hear someone say, “Come here, pooch!” when calling a friendly dog, or “What a cute pooch!” when meeting someone's new puppy. It works for any dog, whether it's a tiny Chihuahua or a huge Great Dane.