The club will field a stand-alone team in the Victorian state league next season, and is asking members for feedback on what it should be called.
In what would be a nod to the club's history, Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said a strong case could be made for reviving the traditional name.
"I know that to many members Footscray is a name that is close to your hearts," Gordon told westernbulldogs.com.au.
"[But] there is a whole generation that has only known, and will embrace, the Western Bulldogs.
"Either way, we want to know your views."
A decision is expected to be made by the club's board in the next month.
The Bulldogs dropped the Footscray name in October 1996, becoming the Western Bulldogs for the following season.
Their VFL alignment with Williamstown will end at the end of 2013, with the new stand-alone team to play home games at the Whitten Oval.
Certain sections of Bulldogs supporters have campaigned for the club's AFL team to return to the Footscray name.
These supporters enjoyed a victory in 2012 when the team reverted to the guernsey it wore prior to 1975, following clear feedback from members.
Bulldogs members wishing to complete the survey, click here.
