Is this normal?

[FourteenLegs]

I've had eight pugs over 30+ years and seven were registered with the the breeder's choice of names. What I called them as pet names had nothing to do with their registered names. The other one the breeder actually DID ask me if I wanted to choose a name and I was surprised!

Their registered name should have no bearing on what you want to name him. Name him what you like - it's what you'll call him all the time. You'll also find that when a breeder registers a show name for one of their own dogs, very often it is NOT what they are called around the house.

And my Imogen whom I adopted at 9 years of age was previously called "Lucy". I changed her name as I wanted her to lose all vestiges of her former life. She responded to her new name INSTANTLY - I guess it's more about one's tone in calling the dog then WHAT it is called.

I really wouldn't give it two seconds thought. Name your boy whatever you like. The registered name is just a piece of paper and he can't read.

[CountessPugula]

The registered name is just a piece of paper and he can't read.

That made me smile! Thanks a million for all your responses; I know I don't have to keep calling him the name she gave him (and I have no intention of it!) but you know the way it sticks in your mind? I do want to show him but not for a while and that name might grow on me for that purpose but definitely not around the house! (also, she isnt a breeder and doesnt own a kennels for those who suggested that as the possibility, so she isnt carrying on the name of her kennels, she just did it herself!)
But its only 6 days til his arrival and im sure ill have forgotten all about it when i see him!
There will be pictures...

[Luvbean25]

I always register my puppies before they leave my house. For one, I can insure that they are not given breeding rights and two is about my ego. I worked hard for the litter and I want a little bit of control. For the most part I try to be very creative with names, yet unique. Most of my pet homes have also kept their puppy call names (The cities, all but one still have their "city" names). Also the 2 pugs that I have bought from breeders already had reg. names and I changed their call names.

[Snifter]

Snifter came to me with his registered name (Carmaralis McKenzies Lad). I don't like it but as it is only used for showing purposes I don't worry about it.

I'd be surprised if a breeder gave me a choice, because like Jess I know that a lot of breeders do like to name litters around a theme.

[jaymiej]

My breeder was really good from week 1 we told her we planned on calling Bandit Bandit and she gave him the KC name Im A Bandit and with little bridgey we werent too sure so she called her Little Jem (My Middle name) so I was quite happy!! But to be honest a KC name is just that and my babies got their names from me and that is what everyone knows them by!