Yupik -> The name/char Kiona is copyright to
CatWhoHas14Tails. The char she named Dakota is copyright to
her. But the name 'Dakota' is popularly used. Its not
copyright to her.

Dakota is copyright to catwhohas14tails, same as kiona. So
you just might want to talk to CWH14T about useing her
names

Yeah, I supose it is safe to use the name 'Dakota', but its
not original. I mean, I believe the pup you are referring
to, I named Terrance.

'Dakota' is just a
popular name in general. Its not official.

The red bridged pup and red faced pups are unnamed.Cat and
an another person share Dakota.If you want to use
Dakota,want permission from Cat or the person she share
Dakota.

Kari --> I believe Juucchan made up Yukon and Denali. It was
Cat who made up Dakota and Kiona and people assume these two
are offical characters.

No. Dakota is a popular fan name for the unamed pup. A lot
of people assume that Dakota IS Universal's name for the
unamed pup, but yeah. Dakota is only a fanname and nothin'
more. A lot of people just don't have any creative ideas for
varieties of fanames anymore. Just take and leave is all
they do.

Thanks!! I might twist the name about 60% so it doesn't
sound the same, but if it does it isn't the name DAKOTA it
will probably have a letter changed or something. I'm not
gonna tell you my plans.

Yeah, so do you think it's safe to use Dakota in my
fanfiction?

No, Dakota wasn't the official name of the puppy. Someone on
Balto Source made it up; I believe it was Juuchan17.