We've all purchased dogs with AKC registered names that just weren't "us". We have our own perferances about names, some like cutie pie names, cleaver names, creative names or people names for their dogs. In the past whatever the AKC papers said, that was just the way it was. Now AKC is giving us a little wiggle room, this only applies to dogs that have not produced any puppies nor won any awards. If a registered Kennel name is included in the name, written permission must be given by the owner of that kennel name. I thought some of you might be interested.
The AKC Newsletter article addressing this issues follows.
Vicky
American Kennel Club News Article
AKC Rule Change Allows Owners to Rename Their Dogs
Date of Article: March 25, 2008
The American Kennel Club® (AKC) is pleased to announce a registration rule change that now allows owners of AKC registered dogs to change the official name of their pet. Dogs are eligible if they were born in the U.S., have never been bred, or have not won any awards at an AKC event.
"We have a lot of interest from AKC registered dog owners looking to rename their dogs," said David Roberts, AKC's Assistant Vice President of Registration. "In most cases, the dog is a beloved pet and the owner would like to pick a name that has special value to them. The new rule allows owners to change the name when transferring their AKC registered dog, or to request a name change at any time."
Previously, a policy was in place that only allowed the owner to change a dog's name if the dog had been individually registered by its breeder and the request was accompanied by written permission from the breeder. The new regulation reads:
"The name of a dog registered with The American Kennel Club will be allowed to be changed provided the dog was whelped in the United States and in cases where the breeder(s) first individually registered the dog, their written consent would be required. A dog name containing a Registered Kennel Name cannot be changed without the written consent of the owner(s) of that Registered Kennel Name.
However, no change in the name will be recorded by The American Kennel Club after the dog has produced or sired an AKC registered litter or received an award at an AKC licensed or member event.
Any name change must comply with all AKC requirements."
The service fee for a name change is $25. The Dog Name Change Authorization form is located online. The completed form can be faxed to the AKC at: 919-816-4261 or mailed to the address on the application.
