AKC Dog Naming Rules: How to Choose and Register Your Dog’s Name
Registry requirements ensure every canine title is unique, meaningful, and compliant.
AKC Dog Naming Rules: A Complete Guide to Choosing and Registering an Official Name
Naming your dog is both a meaningful and essential step in the registration process with the American Kennel Club (AKC). While it may seem straightforward, the AKC has precise requirements and restrictions that every dog owner should know when selecting an official, registered name. This guide provides a detailed overview of AKC dog naming rules, prohibited terms, kennel name standards, and practical tips for new and experienced dog owners alike.
Who Has the Right to Name the Dog?
Only the owner of the dog at the time of AKC registration has the authority to determine the dog’s official registered name. This decision is made when submitting the registration application, and it is subject to AKC approval based on their established naming policies.
General Guidelines for AKC Dog Names
To ensure your dog’s registered name is accepted, your selection must adhere to several important rules regarding length, allowable characters, and content. Below are the primary guidelines:
- Character Limit: Dog names cannot exceed 50 characters. Spaces, apostrophes, and hyphens are counted toward this total.
- Additional Fee: If you choose a name longer than 36 characters, you will incur an additional AKC fee.
- Alphabet: Only use the standard English alphabet A-Z. Diacritical markings (such as accents or umlauts) are not allowed.
- Capitalization: When printed on registration certificates, all letters appear in uppercase, regardless of your original submission.
Breed-Specific and Unique Names
- Breed Specificity: Name availability and uniqueness are determined by breed.
- The AKC permits a maximum of 37 dogs per breed to have the same name.
Registered Kennel Name Rules
- Kennel Names: You cannot include a registered kennel name unless you have authorized permission from the owner of that kennel name.
- Kennel Name Placement: AKC standards commonly place the kennel name at the beginning of the registered name to denote a dog’s breeding lineage.
Numerical Restrictions
- Roman Numerals: Not permitted at the end of a dog’s name; AKC reserves the right to assign roman numerals for identification.
- Arabic, Cardinal, and Ordinal Numbers: Numbers like “1”, “2”, “3”, or “first”, “second”, “third”, spelled out, are permitted.
Name Restrictions: What You Cannot Include
The following words, titles, or expressions are not permitted in any AKC registered dog name:
- All Champion-related Terms: “Champion,” “Champ,” “Sieger,” or any other AKC or event-specific titles. This applies to both spelled-out and abbreviated forms.
- Obscene or Derogatory Terms: Words that are obscene, offensive, or derogatory toward any race, creed, or nationality.
- Sex-Specific and Breeding Terms: Do not include “kennel(s),” “male,” “stud,” “sire,” “bitch,” “dam,” “female.”
- Breed Names: You cannot use the naked breed name alone (like just “Poodle” or “Boxer”).
Sample Table: Permitted vs. Restricted Words in AKC Dog Names
| Permitted | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Dream | Champion |
| Sunny | Bitch |
| Lucky One | Poodle (as sole word) |
| First (spelled out) | Stud |
| Bydand’s Adventure | Obscenities |
Special Situations: Changing a Dog’s Registered Name
- An AKC-registered dog’s name may be changed if the dog was whelped in the United States. The following conditions also apply:
- If the litter owner(s) registered the dog, their written consent is required.
- You cannot change a dog’s registered name after it has produced or sired an AKC registered litter, or received an official award at an AKC-licensed or member event.
- Names containing a registered kennel name cannot be changed without written consent from the owner(s) of that kennel name.
- All name changes must comply with existing AKC naming requirements.
You can download the Dog Name Change Authorization application from the AKC website.
Registration of Imported Dogs
If your dog was imported, it must be registered with the same name it was given in its country of birth. The only exception is if you wish to add a registered kennel name, which must be authorized. These regulations help preserve accurate records and the dog’s pedigree across different national registries.
Tips and Inspiration for Selecting an AKC Registered Name
While AKC registration rules may seem daunting, they allow room for creativity and personalization. Here’s how to choose a memorable, meaningful, and compliant name:
- Incorporate a Kennel Name: If purchasing from a breeder, use the kennel name at the start. For example, “Whimsical’s Golden Wish” if “Whimsical” is the kennel.
- Personal Touches: Add words, themes, or favorite references that matter to you (such as places, family traditions, or even pop culture—as long as they fit the rules).
- Litter Themes: Many breeders select a theme for each litter (e.g., famous landmarks, literature, favorite foods), and ask new owners to choose within that theme. This offers guidance and a sense of unity for all dogs born in one litter.
- Multiple Choices: Prepare several name options in case your first choice is unavailable.
Registered vs. Call Name
It’s common for dogs to have an official AKC registered name and a separate call name (what you use every day). For example, an AKC registration might read “Dream Catcher’s Thru the Gate to Paradise,” while the call name is simply “Vala.” Your dog’s call name is not affected by AKC rules and can be anything you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many characters can my dog’s AKC registered name have?
A: AKC registered names are limited to 50 characters, counting spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Using more than 36 characters results in an extra fee.
Q: Can I use special symbols or numbers in a registered name?
A: Only letters from the English alphabet are permitted. Special symbols, diacritical marks, and unapproved numbers are not allowed, except spelled-out numbers and standard Arabic numerals.
Q: What if my chosen name is already taken?
A: The AKC allows up to 37 dogs per breed with the same name. If your selection is unavailable, you’ll need to choose a different name or variation.
Q: Why can’t I use a breed name alone as my dog’s name?
A: Breed names are not allowed as registered names without additional words, to ensure clarity and distinction for each individual dog registered.
Q: Is it possible to include my kennel name in the registered name?
A: Yes, but only if you are the owner of that registered kennel name, or have written permission from the owner.
Q: When is it too late to change my dog’s AKC registered name?
A: You cannot change your dog’s registered name after it has produced or sired an AKC registered litter, or has received a qualifying award.
Q: How are imported dog names handled?
A: Imported dogs must be registered with their original name as assigned in their country of birth, unless you add an authorized kennel name.
Quick Summary Table: AKC Dog Naming Restrictions
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Characters | 50 (additional fee after 36) |
| Allowed Alphabet | Standard English (A-Z, uppercase on certificates) |
| Kennel Name Usage | Must be authorized or owned |
| Numbers | Spelled-out and Arabic numerals ok; Roman numerals only by AKC |
| Restricted Words | Titles, obscene content, breed names alone |
| Name Change Allowed? | Yes, with conditions; no changes after breeding or prize-winning |
| Name on Certificate | All uppercase letters |
Useful Resources
- AKC Dog Naming Rules & Guidelines – for full official requirements and application forms.
- Dog Name Change Authorization Application – downloadable from the AKC website.
- Ask breeders about kennel names and naming themes when acquiring a registered puppy.
Best Practices Checklist Before Submitting a Name
- Verify the character count fits AKC requirements.
- Exclude any restricted terms or breed names.
- Double-check kennel name authorization if including one.
- Choose a name that is meaningful to you, but professional for official purposes.
- Consider an appropriate call name separate from the registered name for everyday use.
Additional Tips for Smooth AKC Registration
- Be prepared with alternate name choices.
- Collaborate with breeders regarding naming conventions and themes.
- Review your breeder’s contract or requirements, especially about kennel name inclusion.
- Apply early to ensure your dog’s name of choice is reserved and approved.
- Use the AKC online dog name checker to see if your chosen name is available by breed.
Conclusion
Choosing and registering an AKC-compliant dog name is a special, often sentimental process that also requires attention to specific rules and traditions. Understanding the guidelines helps you honor your dog’s lineage, avoid registration delays, and give your companion a unique identity in official records.
References
- https://www.akc.org/register/information/naming-of-dog/
- https://www.akc.org/register/information/kennel-names/
- https://lovenewfoundlands.com/how-to-come-up-with-an-akc-registered-name-for-your-dog/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeders-share-how-they-pick-puppy-names/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/choose-your-dogs-name/
- https://www.akc.org/register/dog/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Kennel_Club
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