How to Choose an AKC Name for Dogs

Co-authored by John Jess

Last Updated: August 6, 2024 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.

Creating an AKC Registered Name for Your Dog

Come up with a name that is less than 36 characters, based on your dog’s breed, personality, or size.
Avoid names that include derogatory language, ACK show terms or titles, specific dog breeds, or terms that include gender in it.
Name your dog after an event that happened on the day they were born, your favorite city or street, or something else meaningful to you.

List of Example AKC Names

Sample List of Example AKC Names

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Composing a Unique Name

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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.
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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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).
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.
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

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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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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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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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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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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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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}
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.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Registering a Dog's Name

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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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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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- The AKC allows up to 37 dogs of each breed to have the same or similar name. To bypass that, try combining different names.
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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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}
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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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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
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.
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

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”

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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.

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

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

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

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

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Choosing unique spellings and multi-word names will decrease the chances of your name already being selected by another canine owner.

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Only purebred dogs can be registered with the AKC.

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