Naming the puppy - Page 1

I am new to this, but I am planning on buying a gsd soon.  I see that many of the names have the word Von.  Is there a specific reason why.  Is there a pattern we need to follow or we can name our dog however we want.  Please let me know

"Von" and "Vom" are prepositions that indicate from where the dog comes. They mean "of," "from," or "by". I'm not sure exactly what indicates a difference between "von" and "vom" in appropriateness of usage.

Using it in a dog's name is tradition with German registries and dogs that will be competing internationally. It gains more respect in the ring.

American-GSD breeders often use it to emphasize the "german-ness" of their dogs over another breeder who doesn't use "von / vom." In that case, it's mostly just an attractant to buyers IMO.

Occasionally you see a dog with "von den" or "zu" in its name, which serves the same purpose of identifying the kennel with the aforementioned translations. A dog named Iska vom Nordosten Haus could be translated as "Iska of Nordosten Haus," "Iska of Nordosten Haus," or even "Iska by Nordosten Haus."

If you purchase a puppy from an actual kennel, each litter will have the same first letter in their name.  For example, your puppy may be from a "J" litter, meaning each puppy will have received a first name that begins with the letter "J."  When you receive your AKC paperwork, it will likely have the puppy's given name, along with the "von" or "vom" and then the kennel name.  While you certainly don't need to keep the name the breeder has given in your dog's everyday life, you'll likely be required to use it on their official paperwork.  If you breed your dog or show it, it's "official" name would be the one used. 

I've had different experiences when it comes to the paperwork.  Some breeders will already have it filled out, so there's no way to add any "middle" name to the official name.  Other breeders will let you pick a name, but it has to start with the proper letter of the litter.  Other breeders let you fill it out the form completely, but again, trust you'll keep with the tradition of the litter letter as well as the kennel name.  It's a way to keep track of littermates as well as a way for kennels to publicize their name and the dogs they produce.

Simply Shepherds