Naming Dogs

Most breeders name their litters in a way that the individuals can be recognised as belonging to that litter. Some just go alphabetically, others have themes for each litter - like the "Philosophies of Life" litter in the puppy diary. Some go for a combination of the Sire and Dam's names.

The Kennel Clubs have regulations covering the types of names that can be registered.

The AKC limits the name to thirty characters, including spaces and hyphens, and permits thirty-seven dogs of each breed to be assigned the same name. Under AKC rules, the words and phrases that may not be included in a dog's name are:

• Champion, champ, sieger or any other AKC title or show term.
• Obscenities and words derogatory to any race, creed or nationality.
• Kennel(s), male, stud, sire, bitch, dam and female.
• Breed names alone.
• There are no restrictions on numbers that are spelled out.

The CKC also allows thirty characters but will reject a name if :

• The name of a member of the Royal Family is part of the dog name.
• The name of a national leader is part of the dog name.
• The name is similar to a CKC-registered kennel name.
• The name is similar to a registered kennel name of a national kennel club that has a working agreement with the CKC (i.e., the American Kennel Club).
• A dog of the same breed currently has the same name.
• The proposed name is considered unsuitable for a purebred dog.

The KC-UK doesn't prohibit the names of the Royal Family, its guidelines say:

• A name must consist of more than one word but not exceed 24 letters.
• The surname of the applicant is not acceptable.
• A word cannot be repeated when naming puppies.
• Canine terms are not permissible, e.g. "dog", "bitch", "Kennel",
  "Champion", "Crufts" and specific names of breeds.
• The Kennel Club reserves the right to refuse any name, which it considers
  inappropriate or offensive.

The VCA has similar rules but also:

• The use of apostrophes and the letter (‘s), which goes with it and all hyphens shall not be permitted in names.
• The use of names of towns, places, countries, notable persons, common names, or names that are misleading as to sex, origin or relationship may be refused.
• A name once registered shall not again be re-registered in the same breed.