Naming your puppy should be part of the fun of getting a new pet. It’s a great time to be creative, but keep in mind that you are going to be calling your puppy his or her name for years to come.
There are many websites that provide a database of thousands of puppy names. They are typically listed by sex and breed of dog. There are lists of the most popular puppy names, as well as some very unusual ones. Several sites spell out the meaning of the puppy name you choose.
Naming your puppy as soon as possible is a good idea in order to get the dog used to answering to his or her name. However, don’t feel like you have to have a name picked out before you head out the door to pick up your puppy. Give your puppy a few hours or even a day or two in your home and there’s a good chance he or she will do something that will lead you to an ideal name. A puppy’s personality is often the catalyst one needs to find that perfect name.
Naming mutts is a lot easier than naming a purebred puppy because there are no rules to follow. Be aware that if you are getting a purebred puppy and you plan to register and perhaps breed it, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has specific rules to consider when choosing a name.
You may have some competition when choosing a puppy’s official name because the AKC allows only 37 dogs of the same breed to have the same name.
The AKC rules state that the person who owns the dog when application for registration is made is the person who has the right to choose the name.
For many years, AKC name choices could only be 36 characters in length. This includes spaces between words, hyphens and apostrophes. However, the AKC started a pilot program early in 2008 that allows 50 characters to a name for an additional cost of $10.
The AKC does stipulate that the English alphabet be used. Roman numerals at the end of the dog’s name are not permitted.
AKC rules state that one cannot include titles such as “champion,” “champ” or any show term words in the name under any circumstances. Derogatory words pertaining to nationalities, creed or race may not be used in an AKC-registered dog’s name. No obscenities are allowed.
Breed names may not stand alone as a dog’s name under AKC rules and it is unacceptable to include the following words: stud, sire, female, and kennel.
Anyone wishing to use a registered kennel name as all or part of a dog’s name cannot do so unless the owner of the name authorizes such use.
Arabic numbers such as 1, 2 or 3 may be used. Cardinal numbers such as one, two or three are also permitted and it is acceptable to spell out numbers.
If importing a dog from another country to the United States, the dog must be registered with the AKC under the same name it was registered as in its birth country. However, the addition of a registered kennel name is permitted.
AKC dog names may be changed as long as the dog was whelped within the United States.
In the event that a litter owner has individually registered a canine, the name can be changed only with the permission of the litter owner. AKC regulations also state that a dog’s name that contains a registered kennel name cannot be changed without written consent of the owner of the registered kennel name.
The assigning of an AKC registered name does not mean that you have to use it. Many folks will give their purebred puppy a shorter nickname for everyday use. For example, it is easier to call a puppy “Rosie” rather than “Rosalita Starburst.”
Once a name is chosen, use it consistently so that your puppy will easily learn it. Avoid using lots of nicknames because this can be very confusing for the puppy, especially at first.
Related posts:
- Choosing a Name for Your New Puppy
- Choosing a Puppy Name
- Choosing a Reputable Dog Kennel
- Choosing Toys That Are Safe For Your Puppy
- Choosing a Day Care Center for Your Dog
