Naming Purebred Dogs
Choosing your dog’s formal registered name is an important part of owning a purebred dog. Some people use a favorite song or poet for inspiration, name the dog after a loved one or mentor, or take a trait from the dog itself as inspiration for the formal AKC-registered name. Kennel names set your puppies aside from those of anyone else. An AKC registered show dog may also have a long name to advertise his cherished ancestry. When you add a dog’s bloodlines in the name, things can get long and weird.
Kennel Names
A kennel name is an exclusive word that is associated with you and your dogs. Known as your ‘breeder signature’, a kennel name will set your puppies aside from those of anyone else. Names often start with the name of the kennel so that the kennel is advertised.
Show Names
How are Dogs Named in Shows?
A show dog earns enough points in conformation to complete a championship, the letters ‘Ch’ are placed in front of his name. Show dogs are not the only dogs who can have special names.
AKC Regulations for Show Names
When choosing a show name, AKC regulations limit the name to 50 characters. That includes any hyphen, word spaces, and apostrophes. Roman numerals aren’t permitted in a show name.
Teaching Dogs Their Names
Practice a minimum of 10 times per day, say the dog’s name (from 2 to 6 feet away) and as soon as the dog looks at you, mark this behavior and reward with food or play while giving lots of praise.
How Dogs Recognize Their Names
Dogs may know their name based on their understanding of words. For example, if you say their name in another room and they approach you right away, it might mean they understand their name.
Consistent Training for Name Recognition
A dog can know, learn, recognize, and remember their names very much the same way humans do. How well your dog responds to their name depends on their training. Consistent positive reinforcement is key to ensure your dog doesn’t ignore their name when you call.
AKC Dog Names
New Breed Recognition by AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Lancashire Heeler as its 201st breed, known for exceptional herding abilities. The Lancashire Heeler will compete as a member of the Herding Group.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated American dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Dog Communication
Dog communication includes various behaviors such as eye gaze, facial expressions, vocalization, body posture, and more.
Popular Dog Names Analysis
Embark analyzed its database of over two million dogs to find patterns in dog names chosen by pet owners. Millions of pet owners have chosen Embark to test their dog’s DNA.
AKC Registration Information
- A one-time registration fee for the lifetime of the dog.
- Registration is confirmed once identifying the dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, and of a recognized breed.