AKC Offers Advice On Naming Biden’s German Shepherd Pup

New York, NY- With the Biden family pondering over what to name their new German Shepherd pup, the American Kennel Club is offering up a list of most popular dog names in the U.S.A.  AKC’s recent survey of 2007 registration statistics showed that “Lady” and “Bear” topped the list for females and males respectively.

The German Shepherd Dog is the third most popular dog in the U.S. according to AKC Registration Statistics. An iconic dog in American culture since 1922 when Rin Tin Tin was featured in the Warner Brothers film Man From Hell’s River, the German Shepherd Dog became the most popular breed from 1925-1928. The breed celebrates its United States centennial this year, having obtained AKC recognition in 1908. Ranking consistently as one of AKC’s top 10 breeds, the German Shepherd has enjoyed significant popularity over the last 100 years.

“This is a breed that does it all,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “From law enforcement K-9 officer to loyal family pet and every role in between, the German Shepherd is an all-around overachiever in the canine world. ”

News reports have stated that the Bidens plan to allow their granddaughters to name the dog.  Peterson advises the family to observe the dog for a few days once it’s in the home and see if his personality suggests a name. “You really want to see the character of your pet. Often he or she will inspire their own name with a silly antic, endearing quality or bold trait.”

The German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s describes the breed as “a dog for all reasons” and the breed standard states it is “both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watch dog, blind leader, herding dog or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand.”

The top dog names, according to the AKC are:

The AKC offers the following rules 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”?
• 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.

Additional information on the German Shepherd and responsible dog ownership can be found online at www.akc.org and www.gsdca.org

* The AKC’s most popular dog names represent the 157 AKC breeds registered in 2007. AKC allows up to 36 characters in a name. General words were eliminated to reflect the most common name given.