How to Choose an AKC Name for Dogs

Co-authored by John Jess

Last Updated: March 2, 2023 References Approved

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Composing a Unique Name

1
Use the appropriate “kennel name.” If your 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.”

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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.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Selecting the Right Name

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.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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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."^{[3]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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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.^{[4]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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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.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
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. ^{[6]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Registering a Dog's Name

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]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- The AKC allows up to 37 dogs of each breed to have the same or similar name. To bypass that, try combining different names.
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]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
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]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- 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.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Changing a AKC Registered Dog's 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.”

Community Q&A

Question

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

Community Answer

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?

Community Answer

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?

Community Answer

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