Understanding Those Fancy Show Dog Names
Show Ring Ideas for Fun Ways of Naming Your Dog
Oct 13, 2009
Max, Jake, Lady and Daisy are among the most popular names given to pet dogs while show dogs are often registered with longer, complicated names. An explanation can make those fancy names more easily understood.
Kennel Name, Breeder Name, Owner Name
The first word or words of a show dog’s name may reflect the name of the breeder’s kennel. This may be the breeder’s name or a combination of a couple’s name or something reflecting the area, however it can be anything that the breeder chooses when he begins breeding dogs. Sometimes the first word of a dog’s name reflects the owner’s name.
Dog Names Reflecting Litter Theme
The second part of the name may follow a theme for that particular litter. The theme can be anything the breeder wants it to be, such as a favorite movie or song or a current holiday or even a letter of the alphabet. For instance, if the kennel name was Smith Brown, puppies born during Christmas time may be named something like Smith Brown’s Jingle Bell Rock or Smith Brown’s Pumpkin Pie Aroma. Of course this is only the registered name. The dog’s call name will be much shorter. When the owner calls out the back door to the dog he will simply shorten those names to something like Rocky or Punkin.
Variation of Parent Names
A show dog may also be named a variation of his parents’ names. For example a puppy with the parents Lost Creek’s Star Spangled Banner and Doc’s Dream Come True might be named something like Doc’s Dream Star Attraction, and called Star.
Title Acronyms Added
If a show dog earns enough points in conformation to complete a championship, the letters ‘Ch’ are placed in front of his name. If the same dog also earns a Canine Good Citizen title, appropriate acronyms are added to the end of his name. Then Smith Brown’s Jingle Bell Rock becomes Ch Smith Brown’s Jingle Bell Rock CGC. Any other working titles earned, such as for tracking or agility, will be added to that.
Naming Pets and Mixed Breeds
Show dogs are not the only dogs who can have special names. Mixed breed organizations exist so that pet dogs, including mixed breeds, who are very special to their families can have fancy registered names, enter competitions and earn titles as well. Perhaps a rescued dog called Bailey (which means the outer wall or court of a medieval castle) adopted from a shelter called Encore, would have a registered name of Encore’s Knight in Shining Armor. If he later passes a Canine Good Citizen test, the letters CGC would be added to his name.
In short, dog names are quite interesting and can reveal information about the dog including background, training, accomplishments, and possibly littermates and the time of birth. Of course these name patterns are not hard and fast rules, just a fun way to give a special dog a special name.
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