Photo: RCMP

Right now, they are a bunch of cute, little fur balls but, one day, they will help police with their crime-fighting duties.

They are 13 German shepherd puppies that have been or will be born at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Alta., this year.

And the RCMP wants Canadian kids to choose their names.

Puppy names must begin with the letter N and have no more than two syllables and nine letters. 

Contestants must live in Canada and be four to 14 years old. Only one entry per child is allowed. And entries must be sent no later than March 25.

“We want children who live in our B.C. communities to take part and submit their favourite name, starting with the letter N,” said dog handler Cpl. Mike Jordan.

The 13 children whose names are selected will each receive a laminated 8x10-inch photo of the pup they named.

There are two ways to enter: online, or by mail to Name the Puppy Contest, Police Dog Service Training Centre, Box 6120, Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1S8. Print the child's name, address, telephone number and the suggested name for a puppy.

If submitting by mail, children are invited to get creative with their entries — pictures and drawings are welcome.

The puppies are born and bred in Canada at the Police Dog Service Training Centre at Depot Division in Alberta — home to the RCMP's national police dog training program.