Finding the perfect name for your new bulldog puppy can be challenging. Sometimes naming a pet is much like naming your child, it can be frustratingly difficult, or your bulldog can practically hand the name to you. For example, if your dog has a fondness for eating all of the flowers in your yard then you have – Flowers. If your dog hates running, you might consider – Runner.
Naming your bulldog is important from the start. After all, it is likely you will call your dog out by name more than 45,000 times during your bulldog’s life. That’s a lot, which reckons the approach to naming your dog with a name you love – probably not the name of an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend.
Below are some suggestions to consider when naming your pooch:
- Names often reflect the character of your pet. Observe your dog for a few days and see if his personality suggests a name. Is he regal? Does she always want to be the center of attention? If so, how about “King” or “Star”?
- Keep it short, sweet and easily recognizable names work best in getting your dog to be responsive. Use a name that is one or two syllables, ending with a vowel, such as “Sadie” or “Rocky.”
- Don’t choose a name that is too long or difficult to say. A name such as “Sir Barks A Lot” will only confuse your dog.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. Names like “Joe” sound like “no” when called.
- Pick a name that will fit your dog regardless of his age. For example, a puppy named “Fuzzy” may not be a good fit after he grows into adulthood.
- Don’t name your dog after a friend or family member without getting their prior permission. You never know who could be offended.
- Test out the name you would like to give your dog for a day or two. Remember any name you give your dog will be a 10-to-15-year commitment for the life of the dog.
- After you chose a name for your dog make sure you use it often so he can learn it more quickly.
- Don’t raise your voice every time you call him, and try to use his name in positive, playful settings, such as when you feed him, play with him or pet him.
When registering your puppy name with the American Kennel Club (AKC) names are subject to AKC approval and the following guidelines:
- Name choices are limited to (50) fifty characters. Spaces between words, apostrophes and hyphens are counted. Note: An additional $10 fee will be incurred when more than (36) thirty-six characters are chosen.
- All letters in a dog’s name are limited to the standard English alphabet. Diacritical markings (accent grave, accent acute, umlaut, etc.) are not printed on Registration Certificates in a dog’s name. When Registration Certificates are printed, all letters are capitalized.
- A Registered Kennel Name cannot be included in a dog’s name unless its use is authorized by the owner of the name.
- Roman numerals must not be included at the end of the dog’s name. The AKC reserves the right to assign roman numerals for identification purposes.
- The AKC permits thirty-seven (37) dogs of each breed to be assigned the same name.
- Words and phrases that may not be included in a dog’s name:
- Champion, champ, sieger or any other AKC title or show term, either spelled out or abbreviated.
- Obscenities and words derogatory to any race, creed or nationality or transliterations of such words.
- Kennel(s), male, stud, sire, bitch, dam and female.
- Breed names alone.
- There are no restrictions on arabic (1, 2, 3), cardinal (one, two, three) and ordinal (first, second, third) numbers that are spelled out.
Here is an AKC Dog Name Tool you can use to verify the name you are choosing is still available:
https://www.apps.akc.org//apps/reg/namecheck/
Whatever name you choose for your bulldog it should be short, cute, and fit your dog. Bulldogs have wonderful personalities and will love a playful name. Take time in naming your dog – more often than not, the name naturally pops out.