It's not related to puppies at all. The name actually came from a type of shoe.
Here's the story:
* The 1950s: A shoe company called Wolverine Worldwide was struggling to sell a new casual shoe they had designed. It was comfortable, durable, and perfect for everyday wear, but it wasn't catching on.
* The Inspiration: One day, a salesman for the company visited a southern barbecue restaurant and noticed people wearing soft, comfortable shoes. He was told these were called "hush puppies" because they made a quiet, shuffling sound when people walked in them.
* The Marketing Genius: The salesman was inspired. He suggested the company rebrand their struggling shoe line as "Hush Puppies" because it perfectly captured the shoes' comfort and casual appeal.
* The Success: The marketing campaign worked like magic! The "Hush Puppy" name stuck, and the shoes quickly became a fashion sensation in the 1960s and 70s.
So, the name "Hush Puppies" wasn't inspired by cute, furry animals, but by the quiet shuffle of a comfortable shoe, perfect for a leisurely walk, a barbecue, or just everyday life.