There are official state birds, trees and flowers. Some states love sweets so much they even have an official state dessert. But perhaps the cutest state designation belongs to the dozen dog breeds that are official state dogs.
Thirteen pooch-loving states in America have named an official state dog in the 246 years the United States has existed, and now another breed might be appointed to these esteemed ranks.
Does your state have an official furry friend? Here’s a complete list of the 13 official state dogs.
Alaska: Alaskan Malamute
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The Alaskan Malamute became the 11th official state dog in 2010 after a group of Alaskan kindergartners decided they wanted a state dog and their school worked with them to successfully present the idea to the state legislature. Alaska Gov. Sean Parnellsigned a bill declaring the breedas the official state dog in front of the students and their parents.
Georgia: Adoptable Dog
In 2016, Georgia became another state to “adopt” an official state dog. The state legislature passed a bill to name adoptable dogs — not a specific breed — their official state canine, according toThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The choice was made in hopes of raising awareness about shelter pets in need and the animal rescues who care for them.
Louisiana: Catahoula Leopard Dog
This stunning, spotted breed, also known as the Catahoula Cur, was made Louisiana’s official state dog in 1979. According to225 Magazine, while not proven for sure, popular belief is that this dog breed originated in Louisiana’s Catahoula Lake area.
Maryland: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay retriever was the first official state dog.The Maryland state governmentmade the call in 1964, choosing the dog breed that is named after the state’s well-known bay region.
Massachusetts: Boston Terrier
New Hampshire: Chinook
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According toNH.gov, the Chinook, which became New Hampshire’s state dog in 2009, got its title thanks to a group of seventh graders at the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford, N.H.
New York: Working Dogs
Guide Dog Foundation/Rebecca Eden
Working dogs are the official dogs of New York, according to theNew York State Senate. This decision was made in 2015 and includes guide dogs, police work dogs, war dogs, hearing dogs, service dogs, working search dogs, therapy dogs, detection dogs and dogs trained to protect or herd other animals.
North Carolina: Plott Hound
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The North Carolina General Assembly named the Plott Hound — a dog breed that originated in the Tar Heel State — North Carolina’s official state dog in 1989, according to theNorth Carolina History Project.
Pennsylvania: Great Dane
South Carolina: Boykin Spaniel
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According toDogster, the Boykin Spaniel is also known as the “swamp poodle” and was named South Carolina’s official state dog in 1985.
Texas: Blue Lacy
While this breed was developed in the 1800s, according toRover, the Blue Lacy did not become Texas' official state dog until 2005.
Virginia: American Foxhound
The American foxhound was brought to Virginia from England in 1650, according toLansdowne Animal Hospital, and became the state’s official dog in 1966.
Wisconsin: American Water Spaniel
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The American Kennel Clubrecognized this breed in 1940, and Wisconsin followed suit, naming the pooch its official state canine in 1985.
source: people.com
