How To Choose An Akc Registered Name

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To register a dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC) the dog must have an official AKC name. This name will be used if you choose to show the dog. The organization must approve the name you select in order to maintain uniqueness among dogs with a pedigree. There are specific guidelines to follow when selecting your dog's registered name. Understanding how to choose a name will enhance the likelihood that your name is accepted.

1

Choose a name that is not more than 36 characters. 36 characters is the limit allowed for a basic AKC registration, with all characters, including spaces, counting toward the limit. However, up to 50 characters may be used for an additional $10 fee.^[1]
2

Refrain from using AKC titles. You will need to avoid the use of AKC show terms and titles in the name of your dog. This will exclude names like "champ" and "champion."^[2]
3

Avoid offensive terms. Select an AKC name that does not contain any swear words, obscene phrases, or offensive terminology. Names like this will be rejected by the AKC.^[3]
4

Abstain from using names of breeds. Name of specific dog breeds are likewise not allowed in AKC registered names. Names that contain terms like "beagle" or "collie" can make it difficult on competition judges, so stay away from using them.^[4]
5

Stay away from terms that describe gender. Specific gender terms, like girl, boy, bitch, or stud, should be avoided when selecting an AKC registered name. Once again, using specific gender terms can make it complicated for judges when your dog competes. ^[5]

1
Use the appropriate "kennel name." If you dog comes from a long established pedigree, they may already have a "kennel name" to use as their first name. The kennel name is often a made-up word that has some meaning to the breeder, for example, a combination of family names, names of other beloved pets, or names of places they've been. Talk to your breeder to find out if your dog has already been dubbed with a kennel name.
- All of the dogs bred in this family will share the same first name.
- You will want to choose a second name for each dog that is unique.
2

Choose a name based on the date. One common method for choosing an interesting name (or second name) is to think about what was happening the day your dog was born. For example, if your dog was born on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, you could name him "Lincoln" or "Big Beard" or "Emancipator."
3

Choose a name inspired by a location. Another method for selecting a unique name (or second name) is to think about a location. For example, you could use the name of the first street you've lived on (e.g., Sacramento, Pulaski, or Milwaukee). Alternatively, you could name the dog after a favorite city, or something that reminds you of that city (e.g. Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate, or Street Performer).
4

Choose a name by combining other names. You may be able to come up with an interesting name for your dog by combining the names of past beloved pets. For example, if you had a lovely cat named Sasha, and a sweet bulldog named Fido, you could think about naming your new dog Fisha or Sado.
5

Add a last name. Finally, your AKC registered dog will need a last name. Generally, owners tend to use their own last names. If you share this dog with your partner, you will need to decide who's name you will give to the dog or if you will hyphenate.^[6]

1
Register online. Visit the American Kennel Club website and submit your application online. On this website, you will be able to check to see that your name fulfills all the necessary requirements, as well as that your chosen name has not already been taken.^[7]
- The AKC allows up to 37 dogs of each breed to have the same or similar name.
2

Register by mail. If you'd rather not register via the internet, you can still submit an old-fashioned paper application through the mail. You can print the application from the American Kennel Club website, or visit a local chapter to pick up an application.^[8]
3
Pay the fees. Whether you submit your application online or through the mail, you will need to pay the requisite fees. The fees vary based on the different services you would like.^[9]
- Dog registration only = $30
- Registration + Lost and Found = $45
- Registration + Pedigree = $46
- Registration + Lost and Found + Pedigree = $61
4

Receive a certificate of registration from the American Kennel Club. Once your registration has been made official, you will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club showing the registration of your dog with his AKC name. It is particularly important for you hold onto the registration number for your pup, even if you misplace the paper certificate.
5

Decide what you will call the dog. Your 36 character AKC name will probably be too elaborate for referring to your dog in normal life. You will want the name you call him to be a shorter or simpler version of your AKC name.

1

Ensure your dog was born in the United States. The name of an AKC registered dog may only be changed if the dog was born in the United States. Find out where you dog was born if you are not certain.
2

Get the written consent of a breeder. In cases where the dog was first registered by the litter owner or breeder, the litter owner's written consent is required. Request a letter from your litter owner or breeder in order to move forward with a name change.
3

Make sure your dog has not sired an AKC registered litter. The name of an AKC registered dog can only be changed if he or she has not already produced or sired an AKC registered litter of puppies.
4

Make sure your dog has not received AKC awards. Another restriction of changing the name of an AKC registered dog is the receipt of AKC awards. You may only change the name of your dog if he or she has never received an award at an AKC event.
5

Comply with all other AKC name requirements. Any name change must comply with all AKC requirements. This means your new name must be 36 characters or less, avoid profanity, avoid breed names and gender descriptors, and stay away from terms like "champion" and "champ."

Add New Question

Question

Why do most AKC German Shepherds have the "von" in their name?

Because they are German. "Von" roughly means "from" in German and is used to show lineage on a father's side.
Question

Do you have to have a kennel name at the beginning of your dog's name?

No. Not all registered AKC names need kennel names at the beginning, or anywhere, in the dog's name.
Question

Can the dog's call name be totally different from the registered name?

Yes, just make sure it is listed on the documents along with the other name.
Question

Can the name be French, like, for example Louis Le Roi (Louis the King)?

Absolutely. That's a very royal sounding name!
Question

Is "Delilah Von Breken" a good AKC name for my female harlequin Great Dane?

The name for your dog is your choice, if it's a name that means something to you, then it's probably a good name. Sometimes, names are really good if you can combine the parents' names, as this bares the mark of their legacy on the pup.
Question

If I change the call name, do I need to file paperwork?

No. You can change the call name without any paperwork. Only changing the registered name will require paperwork.
Question

Can I use numbers in my dog's name, even if it is to save the name's character count?

There are no restrictions on Arabic (1, 2, 3), cardinal (one, two, three) and ordinal (first, second, third) numbers that are spelled out. Roman numerals must not be included at the end of the dog's name. The AKC reserves the right to assign roman numerals for identification purposes.
Question

I am registering my puppy with AKC. His name is Levi Boone. Do I need to give him a title, such as "Sir" or "Mister"?

You don't need to call your dog "Sir Levi Boone," or "Mister Levi Boone," but you can if you want to.
Question

Can I use dam or dame to start a female name?

No, you cannot register your dog with a name that includes female, male, dam, sire, girl, boy, king, queen, son, etc.

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Article Summary X

To choose an AKC name for a dog, choose a name that is 36 characters or less, including spaces. If the dog has a kennel name, or a first name shared by members of its pedigree, include that, along with a unique second name. Avoid using AKC show terms or titles in the name, like "Champ" or "Champion," as well as any names with obscenities or offensive terminology. Also, do not include the dog's breed or gender in the name. For tips on how to register the name you choose, keep reading!

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