AFFIX (KENNEL NAME) EXPLAINEDWhat is an Affix (Kennel Name)?
An Affix (Kennel Name) is an exclusive word that is associated with you and your dogs. Known as your 'breeder signature', a Kennel Name will set your puppies aside from those of anyone else. The Affix in the name of a dog is protected and cannot be removed or changed by the new owner if the dog is transferred. As from January 2007, all litter or single puppy registrations must include the name of the affix in addition to the puppy/s names. The main benefit of owning an affix is to identify any dogs owned or bred by the holder of the affix, but it also aids in the naming of litters, giving dogs which you have bred a unique name. It is advisable to apply for the ownership of the affix in the same name as any dogs owned by the same person(s), as an affix can only be used in a dog’s name where the ownership of the dog and the affix are the same. Prior to 2007, we had many dogs with similar names, i.e we had Rocky 1, II, III, IV and so on. Now the name Rocky can be used with an unlimited combination of Affixes as these will all be unique. The word chosen to be used as an affix must be unique, i.e it does not already exist in our affix database. A chosen affix may be also declined if it sounds phonetically similar to an existing registered Affix, i.e ANDOR if ANDOOR or ANDOL is already registered. We conduct stringent checks to ensure your requested word is not too popular, too similar phonetically or too close to an existing Kennel Name. The MNCF will consider an objection to a name of an affix if the affix is similar or conflicts with any other affix if an objection is made by the holder of a similar registered affix within 3 months of the application. The MNCF’s decision in the case of an objection is final. As from October 2021, surnames are not being accepted as an Affix as this is creating confusion with some people as they think it is the surname of the dog and want it changed to their surname when they transfer the dog on their name. You can include your Kennel Name within the names of your puppies at the point of registration as well as add to an existing name of a dog in your current registered ownership. When a holder of an affix is registering a dog or litter bred by him/her, his/her affix must be used as the first word in a name of the dog, so affix first, name follows. Where the holder of an affix wishes to utilize it when registering a dog not bred by him/her, the affix can be then used as a suffix, at the end of the registered dog's name, that is to say the last word in the name. A Kennel Name must be one word only, and at least 4 and not more than 12 characters. The Kennel Name may only be used for the naming of dogs where the ownership of the Kennel Name and the registered ownership of the dog are identical. So how do one choose an Affix? Most people choose their nickname as an affix, or part of their name and part of their surname combined etc. The choices are endless and one must only use his imagination to come up with a unique Kennel Name. Surnames and numerical numbers not accepted. A chosen Affix can only be used where the Dam (mother of puppies) is registered on the same name of the Affix Holder. Example: If an Affix is registered on two persons, it cannot be used where the dam of the puppies is registered on one person and vice versa. Once an Affix is registered, it remains protected for the sole use of the applicant. However, if the affix is not used for a 20 year period, it may become available again for use unless a new application is made by the holder of the affix. 
How to complete the Application for an Affix Form (Form 4):
Section 1: In this section, insert the full details of the applicant, including I.D card, Telephone numbers, email etc.. Section 2: In this section, insert the breeds in which the applicant is interested in. Section 3: In this section, insert the 3 choices for the preferred Affix name, with the most preferred one on top. The MNCF will opt for the second choice if the first preference is similar or conflicts with another registered Affix. Section 4: In this section, the applicant must sign and insert the date of the application, Section 5. Leave blank. Do not write anything here. Once you have the form filled including all required signatures, present the form at the office of the MNCF, at 5, Camelia Street, Hamrun (see opening times and directions by clicking here), or send by post to: The Maltese National Canine Federation, 5, Camelia Street, Hamrun. HMR1700, together with a cheque payable to MNCF. (Please DO NOT send by registered post as there will be no one at the office during the day to sign for registered mail, and therefore registered mail will eventually be returned to the sender, undelivered). Postal Orders are not accepted. Affix Registration Fee: €15.00 Once the form is received or handed over to the MNCF, this will normally be processed within 7 days. |