Puppies born in 2027: which letter?

In 2027, purebred puppies and kittens born in France and intended for a book of origins will have to carry an official name that starts with the letter C. This rule doesn’t come from a trend. It structures the LOF for dogs and the LOOF for cats.

If you’re preparing a litter for next year, or if you’re looking for a LOF puppy / LOOF kitten, this letter is the first filter. The rest of the first name, for its part, remains a breeding choice — and often a pleasure.

The short answer

In France, for 2027, the letter is C. A purebred puppy registered with the LOF, or a purebred kitten registered with the LOOF, born between January 1 and December 31, 2027, must have an official name that starts with C.

The date that matters is the birth, not the declaration. A puppy born on December 31, 2026 stays on B, even if the paperwork is sent in January 2027.

Why one letter per year?

The system serves as a generation marker. When reading a pedigree, a breeder, a judge, or a veterinarian immediately spots the year of birth thanks to the initial. This also limits namesakes between litters from different years.

In France, the Société Centrale Canine doesn’t use the whole alphabet for dogs. Six letters are excluded for lack of usable name stock: K, Q, W, X, Y and Z. The LOF cycle therefore has 20 letters. After A in 2025 and B in 2026, 2027 opens C.

On the cat side, the LOOF follows the same annual logic. Since 2014, it also authorizes certain “rich” letters depending on the years. In 2027, that changes nothing: C remains the reference letter.

Dogs, cats, and the neighbors

The letter depends on the book of origins, not only the place of birth. The same animal doesn’t have the same constraint depending on the targeted registry.

• France (LOF dogs / LOOF cats) : C in 2027.
• Belgium : A in 2027.
• Luxembourg : Y in 2027.

If you sell or place in France with LOF or LOOF registration, go with C. If the litter goes to another registry, check that registry’s letter before finalizing the names.

Who chooses the name?

For a purebred animal intended for the book of origins, it’s the breeder who sets the official name when the birth is declared. The buyer often receives an animal that is already named.

Nothing prevents an everyday use name. The pedigree can say “Cookie de la Vallée Claire” and the family call the dog Milo. The constraint applies to the registered name, not to the household nickname.

What can cause a name to be refused

The initial C isn’t enough. A name can be rejected if it is insulting, too close to another within the same kennel over a recent period, or if it exceeds the allowed length once the affix is added. Experienced breeders prepare several proposals per puppy or kitten.

Also keep names short: two syllables are easier to remember, and the affix already takes up space on the document.

First-name ideas in C

Pedibase already lists dog and cat names by letter. For 2027, a few leads in C, males and females:

• Males : Cabot, Cactus, Calin, Calixte, Calvin, Cameron, Camilo, Canaille, Caramel, Casper, Cassius, César, Chamallow, Charly, Chester, Choco, Clovis, Coco, Cody, Cooper, Cosmo, Cookie.
• Females : Cabotine, Calypso, Camille, Candy, Canelle, Capri, Capucine, Caramel, Carla, Carmen, Caroline, Cassie, Céleste, Cerise, Chanel, Chipie, Chloé, Cléo, Clochette, Cookie, Cannelle.

Vary themes by litter if you have several births in the year: colors, nature, personalities, culture. Avoid first names that are too close to common commands (“sit”, “here”) and namesakes that are too dense in your line.

What it changes for an individual

Are you looking for a breeder for 2027? Ask for the planned letter and how names are chosen. A serious kennel explains the LOF or LOOF framework without making it a hollow marketing argument.

If you adopt a mixed-breed, a shelter animal, or a breed without registration, no letter is imposed. You name freely. Many families still follow the letter of the year for fun. It’s not an obligation.

Useful calendar

• 2025 : A
• 2026 : B
• 2027 : C
• 2028 : D
• 2029 : E
• 2030 : F

For a Labrador Retriever, a Golden Retriever, a German Shepherd, a Maine Coon or a Birman, the rule is the same: the year sets the initial, the breed doesn’t change the letter.

In summary

Purebred puppies and kittens born in 2027 in France, intended for the LOF or the LOOF: official name in C. Birth on December 31, 2026 = still B. Use name free. Without a pedigree, free too. Prepare your lists early, check the affix, and keep alternatives if a first name is refused.

To go further: What is the LOF, What is the LOOF, and the catalog dog and cat names.