Your name can be as long as 50 characters if you pay an additional $10 fee.
You should also not include Roman numerals as part of your dog’s new name, although the AKC may assign them in cases where there’s naming overlap. You are free to use written numbers (like “one” or “first”) and standard Arabic numbers (“1,” “2,” or “3”).
Even if your pooch is a champion show dog or the direct offspring of one, you may not advertise this in its name. For example, “Augustus, Champion Stud” is not admissible.
This also applies to transliterations or obvious misspellings of such profane diction.
If this is the case, there is a place at the top of the name-change form where the kennel owner can sign to indicate their formal authorization.
Including your dog’s existing AKC registration number on the name-change form will verify its birthplace. If it was born outside the U. S. , do not apply for one. Foreign-born pets can be registered with the AKC, but they must stick with the same name they were given abroad for consistency’s sake.
If you’re unsure about your dog’s breeding or show history, use the AKC’s “Dog Search” tool available at their Online Store to see if the dog has any points earned in competition or if it’s registered as the sire or dam to a litter. You will need the dog’s current AKC registration number along with its breed and current registered name to do the search. [7] X Research source
This stipulation does not apply to dogs whose whole litters were registered by their breeders, only to those who were individually registered by owners. [9] X Research source
You will need to enter your dog’s current AKC name and registration number, as well as its new name. You will also need to provide personal contact information and sign the form. If your dog has two registered owners, include contact information and a signature for both. If you are including an AKC-registered kennel name in your dog’s new name, fill out the section that asks for the kennel’s name, owner’s signature, and the owner’s customer number. If your dog was registered by a previous owner, be sure to complete the section “Consent of Litter Owner(s)” with their names and signatures.
You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. If you pay by card, include the account number and expiration date in the “Payment Information” section of your application form. If you pay by check or money order, be sure that it’s payable to: The American Kennel Club. [13] X Research source
Expect a 3-5 week turnaround time. The AKC will send you back a new certificate of registration after your name change has been approved. Read over the new registration carefully, and verify that your name and the dog’s new name are spelled correctly and all information is current and correct.
