For nearly a century, France has upheld a naming tradition that is both practical and steeped in heritage. This system, which ties a dog’s name to its birth year, has become a hallmark of French Epagneul Breton culture and an inspiration to EB owners around the world. As 2025 dawns, it marks the beginning of a new cycle with names starting with the letter “A,” breathing fresh life into this unique practice.
What Is the French Dog Naming System?
In France, each year is assigned a specific letter of the alphabet that serves as the first letter of a dog’s registered name. Typically combined with the kennel name (e.g., Amélie de la Maison), this system makes it easy to estimate a dog’s age at a glance. It’s a practice that has become synonymous with pride and tradition in the Epagneul Breton.
This convention applies only to registered names, leaving owners free to use more personal “call names” in daily life. For instance, a dog registered as Antoine de l'Étoile might simply be called “Max” at home, striking a balance between tradition and personalization.
Not every letter is included in the rotation. Over time, letters such as K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z were dropped because of the difficulty in finding French names that start with them. The alphabet cycles every 20 years, returning to “A” after completing the list of designated letters.
A Global Tradition: The French Influence in the U.S.
While the United States doesn’t have an official naming system, many American breeders and owners of Epagneul Bretons have adopted this French tradition as a way to honor the breed’s roots. This practice serves as a meaningful connection to the breed’s origin and reinforces the sense of global community among Epagneul Breton enthusiasts.
From “V” to “A”: A Fresh Start in 2025
As we close the chapter on 2024, the year designated to “V,” we celebrate the creativity that breeders and owners brought to the table. Names such as Violet, Vito, Vera, Vinnie, and Vendetta reflect the diversity and imagination of our community.
Now, with the arrival of 2025, the alphabet resets to “A,” opening up new possibilities for names. Whether you choose classic French options like Amélie or Alexandre or venture into unique territory with names like Artemis or Aspen, this fresh start invites breeders and owners to continue the tradition with enthusiasm.
Why This Tradition Matters
The French dog naming system is more than a method for tracking a dog’s age. It symbolizes a deep connection to history and heritage, offering breeders a systematic way to organize pedigrees while giving owners a sense of belonging to a larger cultural legacy.
For the Epagneul Breton community, this tradition also serves as a bridge between past and present, connecting breeders and owners across generations and continents. With 2025 ushering in the year of “A,” we celebrate not just the names themselves but the enduring values and history they represent.
So, as we embrace this new beginning, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future where this beautiful tradition continues to thrive.
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