Many young pupils in schools across the nation are taught the official flowers and birds of their home states, but state dogs have only made their way into the curriculum of a few schools. To date, only 11 states have added dogs to their symbolic repertoires. Below are the states that have gone to the dogs, and honorable mentions of those in which legislation is still in the doghouse.
Maryland
In 1964, Maryland became the premier state to declare an official state dog. The honor goes to the Chesapeake Bay retriever, which was developed in that area during the 1800s as a hunting dog breed that would retrieve ducks and other fowl from the bay’s frigid and choppy waters.
Pennsylvania
The Great Dane earned the distinction of becoming Pennsylvania’s official state dog in 1965. The gentle giant has also earned stardom when depicted as the loveable cartoon characters of Scooby Doo and Marmaduke.
Virginia
The American Foxhound was widely utilized on hunting expeditions in Virginia, one of our nation’s original colonies. In addition to pursuing foxes, the versatile American foxhound is a skilled hunter of other quarry, including coyotes and deer. In 1966, Virginia declared the American Foxhound as its official state dog.
Louisiana
One of the first dog breeds to be developed in our continent was originally called the Catahoula Leopard Cur. The breed was developed by Louisiana’s first settlers to herd the proliferation of wild hogs that roamed the area. The breed was renamed the Catahoula Leopard dog in 1979 when it was also named as the official state dog of Louisiana.
Massachusetts
The smiling, tuxedo-clad dog that originated in the capital city of Boston during the 1800s became known as the Boston Terrier. Excelling in its role as one of America’s most popular companion breeds, the Boston Terrier was pronounced the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979.
South Carolina
During the 1800s, the Boykin spaniel dog breed was developed to hunt wild turkey along the Wateree River swampland of South Carolina. Its hunting skills extend to flushing and retrieving waterfowl, pheasants and other game birds. The Boykin spaniel earned the title of official state dog of South Carolina in 1985.
Wisconsin
The curly-haired American Water Spaniel was a popular hunting dog, watchdog and family companion in Wisconsin homesteads throughout the Wolf and Fox River valley during the late 1800s. Wisconsin declared the American Water Spaniel as their official state dog in 1985.
North Carolina
The formidable and versatile Plott hound has been a valued hunting dog since its development in North Carolina’s mountains. Used to hunt large game, including bears, the Plott hound has also served as a watchdog. In 1989, the Plott hound earned the distinction of representing its birthplace as North Carolina’s official state dog.
Texas State Dog
The Blue Lacy was developed in Texas during the late 1800s as a working dog to assist on the ranches that predominated Texan landscapes. Today, the rare breed is utilized as a hunting companion. In honor of the breed’s roots, Texas declared the Blue Lacy as their official state dog in 2005.
New Hampshire
In 2009, the rare sled dog known as the Chinook was chosen to represent the state of New Hampshire as the official state dog. The hard working Chinook has also held the distinctive honor of accompanying Admiral Richard Byrd on his famous expedition to Antarctica in 1927.
Alaska
The latest state to declare an official state dog is Alaska, and the honor was bestowed in 2010 to, appropriately, the Alaskan Malamute. The breed is believed to be one of the oldest of the Arctic sled dogs. The Alaska Gold Rush of 1896 catapulted the Alaskan malamute’s popularity when miners coveted the powerful sled dogs.
Close, But Not Just Yet
The list of state dogs may expand over time. Other states have received proposals to declare state dogs. These proposals have thus far failed to pass through legislation for one reason or another. In the state of Georgia, the Golden Retriever was initially proposed. Opposition ensued by those that voiced a preference for the Bulldog, the State University of Georgia’s mascot, to represent the official state dog. With the Cairn Terrier’s claim to fame as the star that portrayed Toto in “The Wizard of Oz,” the choice should be obvious for the state dog of Kansas. However, that proposal was also tabled for the time being. Other suggested state dogs that have yet to make the cut include the Siberian Husky, proposed for the state of Washington, and the Labrador Retriever, which was expected to represent the state of Maine.
By 2016 this is the list of the proposed dog breeds for state dogs
Georgia – Golden Retriever (1991) Georgia –English Bulldog (2016) Kansas – Cairn Terrier (2012) Maine –Labrador Retriever (2015) Oregon –Newfoundland (2015) Washington –Siberian Husky (2004)
Those that grace the future list of state dogs may not be restricted to purebred varieties. Honorable mentions must be made for the states of Colorado and New York, which have made efforts to cast shelter dogs and rescue dogs, respectively, into the spotlight as their state canine representatives in an appeal to increase awareness of all of the dogs in need of loving homes throughout their states.
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