Think your state is cool because it has a national bird? Well, twelve of our fifty states are 20 percent cooler because they have official state dogs! Others (like Kansas and Washington) have denied petitions to have a state dog. Is your state one of the cool ones that made the list?
#1 – Alaska
An obvious choice, Alaska’s state dog is the Alaskan Malamute. They also have mushing as the official sport.
#2 – Colorado
In 2013, Colorado made rescue dogs (and cats) their official state pet. The idea was suggested by children who were working on a class project to learn our legislative process.
#3 – Louisiana
For 35 years the state dog of Louisiana has been the Catahoula Leopard dog. It makes sense, considering the breed was developed in North Central Louisiana, specifically around Catahoula Lake. (www.akc.org)
#4 – Maryland
Maryland was the first state to adopt a dog as an official symbol. In 1964 they choose the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, since the breed was developed in the state.
#5 – Massachusetts
It should be no surprise that the all-American Boston Terrier is the state dog of Massachusetts. It was chosen in 1979, the same year Louisiana picked the Catahoula.
#6 – New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s state dog may be one you have not heard of before. The Chinook is a sled and draft dog developed within the state. It was just recently named the state symbol in 2009.
#7 – North Carolina
Though the hound’s ancestors came over from Germany in 1750, the breed was further developed in North Carolina where the family that brought them settled. They were named Plotts after that family’s surname.
#8 – Pennsylvania
The Great Dane has been the state dog of Pennsylvania since 1965. While there doesn’t seem to be an obvious reason for the choice, no one can deny they are definitely a regal breed that any state would be proud to use as a symbol.
#9 – South Carolina
Another breed you may not be familiar with, the Boykin Spaniel is an all-around hunting dog that was developed from a stray dog that was found in Spartanburg, South Carolina.They are a cute, friendly dog, making them a great choice as a stat symbol. (www.akc.org)
#10 – Texas
Another recent addition, Texas chose the Blue Lacy in 2005. Although an all-American breed originating from Texas, they are not AKC recognized yet. (www.Lacydog.org)
#11 – Virginia
Since 1966 the American Foxhound has been Virginia’s state dog. The breed was develop in Virginia and Maryland in the early 1700s. (www.akc.org)
#12 – Wisconsin
The American Water Spaniel was developed around the Great Lakes, so it makes sense that one of the states bordering them would adopt it as their state symbol. They were the first all-around hunting dog that could retrieve from boats developed in the United States. (www.akc.org)
