AKC Rule Change Allows Owners to Rename Their Dogs

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.