Twelve different dog breeds have been officially selected to represent a lucky twelve states of the U.S.
Is YOUR state one of the lucky few to have a cute puppy represent their state? And is your favorite dog breed one of the lucky few to represent a U.S. state? Take a look to find out…
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1. Alaska
The Alaskan Malamute is a gorgeous large dog that originated in Alaska sometime in the late 19th century. The Malamute is a winter work dog that was ratified as Alaska’s state dog fairly recently in 2010.
2. Louisiana
The Catahoula Leopard dog was designated the official state dog of Louisiana in 1979. These pups are one of the only native domesticated North American breed of dog – developed by Indians and early settlers.
3. Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was named after the famous bay region of the breed’s origin, and was named as the official state dog in 1964. Did you know? The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is another one of only a few breeds actually developed in the United States.
4. Massachusetts
The Boston Terrier was designated the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979. This pup is a fantastic little companion dog, getting along well with kids, other pets and pretty much everyone he meets.
5. New Hampshire
The Chinook was designated as the official state dog of New Hampshire in 2009. Adopting the chinook as New Hampshire’s dog symbol was the idea of seventh-graders at the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford.
6. North Carolina
The Plott Hound was officially adopted as the State Dog on August 12, 1989, and is one of only four dog breeds native to the United States. People who love Plott hounds describe the dogs as gentle with people and loyal to their owners. But if you were walking a Plott hound on a trail, and the dog caught the scent of a wild animal, it likely would want to take off on a hunt. Bold and energetic, Plotts want to work, no doubt about it.
7. Pennsylvania
The Great Dane was adopted as the official dog of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1965. The physical and other attributes of the Great Dane, to wit: size, strength, beauty, intelligence, tolerance, courage, faithfulness, trustworthiness and stability exemplify those of Pennsylvania.
8. South Carolina
The Boykin Spaniel was selected the South Carolina official state dog in 1985, and is a docile, pleasant and obedient, an intelligent and loyal companion.
9. Texas
The Blue Lacy was first recognized by the Texas senate in 2001 as “a true Texas breed,” and was designated the official state dog breed of Texas on June 18, 2005. The breed is known to be extremely intelligent and very easy to train.
10. Virginia
The American Foxhound Virginia designated the American foxhound as the official state dog in 1966. American foxhounds were developed in colonial times and bred for the sport of hunting foxes.
11. Wisconsin
The American Water Spaniel was designated the official state dog in 1985. This pooch loves to swim and has high energy to chase and retrieve game.
12. Georgia
The Golden Retriever was named the official state dog of Georgia in 1991. This pooch was bred to possess an extremely powerful sense of smell, and indeed their olfactory skills are among the best of all dog breeds. While rarely used in hunting today, golden retrievers are commonly employed as bomb sniffers and search-and-rescue dogs due to their keen sense of smell.
These next pups have been proposed to each state’s relevant State Senate or House of Representatives, but were either not accepted as a state symbol or are still pending nominations…
13. Kansas
The Cairn Terrier was shot down in the Kansas legislature to become the official state dog, but the legislator behind the bill, Ed Trimmer, plans to re-introduce the bill next year. Lets cross our fingers for this little guy! Vote for Cairn Terrier!
14. Maine
The Labrador Retreiver was selected to represent Maine, but a bill to declare the lab as Maine’s state dog suffered a resounding defeat in committee. “[The Labrador retriever is] strong, reliable, devoted affectionate — as good as any breed, certainly,” Rep. Chris Babbidge told Maine Public Broadcasting. “But it’s not unique to Maine. And I have difficulty favoring it over so many other wonderful dogs that are worthy of nomination.”
15. Washington
The Siberian Husky was proposed as the state dog of Washington in 2004. However, the campaign fell through in the Washington State House of Representatives.