States in the United States have different symbols that represent them. I remember doing state projects in school, where I had to research a state and their chosen tree, plant, bird, amphibian, reptile, and slogan that represented them. It was fun to research another state that I had never visited. But did you know that some states have state dogs and even cats? I sure didn’t!
As of today, only 13 states have chosen a dog to be their symbols, and 7 have been proposed. In most cases, the dogs are chosen because of their significance to the state.
Maryland
Maryland was the first state to institute a state dog when in 1964 they chose the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as their canine symbol. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a sporting breed and mostly used in hunting and retrieval of waterfowl.
The “Chessie,” as it’s affectionately called, was probably instated as Maryland’s official pup because the Chesapeake Bay borders the east side of the state, as well as the fact that it was bred to assist retrieving waterfowl, a popular sport on the east coast. According to the state of Maryland’s website, “A working dog bred to recover waterfowl for hunters, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of only a few breeds actually developed in the United States. Nonetheless, the history of this dog is unclear. Legend tells of an English vessel shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland in the early nineteenth century. Among the survivors were two young dogs of a Newfoundland breed. Supposedly bred to local coonhounds, they evolved into the present-day Chesapeake Bay Retriever.” Regardless of their history, these athletic and loyal pups are great representatives of their home state of Maryland.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was the second state to institute a state dog only one year after Maryland. In 1965, the Great Dane became the canine symbol of the Keystone State.
According to the Act of Aug. 17, 1965, P.L. 331, No. 178, one of the listed reasons for making the Great Dane the state dog was, “Whereas, the Great Dane represents both the great hunting and industrial parts of Pennsylvania, having begun as a hunting breed just as Pennsylvania began as a hunting Commonwealth, later also becoming a leading working breed, just as Pennsylvania became a leading working Commonwealth.” They are hard working dogs for a hard working state.
The act goes on to say, “Whereas, 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.” Great Danes are typically people pleasers and easy going, and exemplify strength, tolerance, faithfulness, and all other qualities listed above. Pennsylvanians made a smart decision in choosing this friendly, powerful breed to represent them and those qualities they hold to be important.
Virginia
In 1966, Virginia chose the American Foxhound to be their state dog. Foxhounds were used in colonial times for hunting. American Foxhounds were bred from English Foxhounds brought to the colonies of the new world. The American Kennel Club explains the difference between the two breeds: “American Foxhounds are sleek, rangy hunters known for their speed, endurance, and work ethic. You can tell the American Foxhound apart from their British cousin the English Foxhound by length of leg—the American’s legs are longer and more finely boned—and by the American’s slightly arched loin (back end).”
According to curriculum developed by the Virginia General Assembly and featured on their website, this dog was chosen to represent Virginia because “George Washington, the father of our country and one of Virginia’s most illustrious citizens, imported fox hounds into the Commonwealth for hunting purposes and all [American] fox hounds are descendants of these dogs.” These pups can be seen in various Revolutionary War paintings and are closely associated with the war for Independence. What a fitting choice for the canine symbol of Virginia, a battleground state for the War for Independence and home place of George Washington, the first President of the United States and great general in the Revolutionary War.
Massachusetts
1979 saw two states institute state dogs, and one of those was Massachusetts. Unsurprisingly, they instated a dog who is named after one of their most well known cities as their canine symbol, the Boston Terrier.
The Boston Terrier originated in the city for which it is named. A cross between an English Bulldog and English Terrier, this breed is extremely popular in urban areas such as Boston due to their personable, intelligent, and easy-to-train demeanors. They were actually the first breed to gain recognition from the American Kennel Club. These “Gentlemen Dogs” are great representatives of their home state of Massachusetts.
Louisiana
Louisiana made the beautiful Catahoula Leopard Dog their state dog in 1979. These dogs are the only dogs that historically trace back their origins to the Pelican State, Louisiana.
Catahoulas are working dogs with a keen sense of loyalty, agility, protectiveness, and diligence. According to statesymbolsusa.org, “Catahoula leopard dogs are bred to find livestock in any terrain – swamps, canyons, forests, or mountains – largest and most aggressive of the cattle dogs, they can handle wild cattle and hogs in the roughest country.” Their aptitude for varying terrain and herding instinct make these dogs very helpful for the communities in Louisiana.
South Carolina
South Carolina made their choice for their state dog in 1985 when they made the Boykin Spaniel their canine representative.
The Boykin Spaniel has strong significance to the state of South Carolina, as they were first bred in the state for duck and turkey hunting. According to the Boykin Spaniel Society, ” Hunters on South Carolina’s Wateree River needed a small rugged dog compactly built for boat travel and able to retrieve on land and water. In those days wagons, wooden boats and trains afforded hunters access to the game rich corridors along the river. But boat travel limited what hunters could carry. The typical heavyweight retriever was a drawback in a craft already loaded with men, guns, provisions and other gear.” Along with their more convenient size, they are smart and tenacious bird dogs, specializing in work around the lakes and swamps of South Carolina. Boykins were one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets, which makes them the perfect choice as the state dog.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin was the second state in 1985 to designate a state dog, and they chose the American Water Spaniel. These dogs are bred to work around and on the water, which makes them invaluable companions in a state that borders the Great Lakes.
Like the Boykin Spaniel, the American Water Spaniel can trace its origins back to the state that made it the official state dog. American Water Spaniels were bred in Wisconsin, specifically in the Fox and Wolf River Valleys. They were trained to be bird dogs and to be companions of boatmen on the Great Lakes. While it is not a popular breed, these pups are well rounded and affectionate. According to the American Water Spaniel Club, “It is a true dual purpose dog bred to be a companion, to live and work in close quarters, and to hunt, flush, and retrieve game of all kinds. The American Water Spaniel performs well in all endeavors but excels in the field as either a waterfowl retriever or upland flushing dog. The typical AWS is happy, energetic, and eager to please.” For a state that borders the Great Lakes and has an abundance of waterfowl and water sources, the American Water Spaniel is a great dog representative for Wisconsin.
North Carolina
In 1989, North Carolina made their choice on a state dog when they decided on the Plott Hound. They are bred to be used as scent dogs for hunting.
Plott Hounds have an interesting history. They come from a line of Hanover Hounds brought over from Germany. According to the American Kennel Club, “In 1750, a German immigrant named Johannes Plott arrived in North Carolina. Accompanying him were five Hanover hounds he brought from the old country. Plott settled in the mountains, where he raised a family and hunted bears with his hounds. His son, Henry, bred the family pack to local stock and produced a big-game hunter originally known as ‘Plott’s hound.'” These dogs were bred for mountain hunting of animals such as bears and wild boars. North Carolina has a portion of the Appalachian Mountains on the western side of the state, and the Plott Hounds make hunting and exploring there easier. Due to their origination in the state and their characteristics that help with mountain life, the Plott Hound is certainly a fascinating choice as North Carolina’s state dog.
Texas
On June 18, 2005, more than a decade after the Plott Hound’s designation as North Carolina’s state dog, Texas made their choice of canine representative when they declared the Blue Lacy as their state dog.
(photo by TrueBlueLacys on Wikipedia)
Like the previous pups who are state dogs, the Blue Lacy was first bred in Texas. The story, as statesymbolsusa.org explains, “The Blue Lacy dog breed was developed in the mid 1800’s by the Lacy Brothers of Burnet County, Texas (Frank, George, Edwin, and Harry Lacy). The family is said to have used greyhound, scent-hound, and coyote stock.” Blue Lacys were bred to work on ranches, which were a staple of Texas in the 1800s. They were herders, and just like many states dogs, were used in hunting. However, in the 1900s they were needed less and the breed was almost lost had it not been for some dedicated breeders and programs that built their population back up, most of these being in Texas.
Another reason the Blue Lacy was made the state dog, according to the act that officially made them the Texas state dog, the House Concurrent Resolution No. 108, 79th Legislature, Regular Session, page 1-2, “While these gentle, versatile dogs continue to be used on ranches, they are also becoming highly prized again as hunting dogs and are proving valuable, as well, in search and rescue work, owing to their keen scent-trailing ability; in addition, their easygoing way with children, their aptitude for jogging, agility courses, and games of Frisbee, and their suitability as watch dogs are contributing to their growing popularity as family pets.” The Blue Lacy is a lesser-known breed, but a well-rounded companion that would make a great addition to any home and one that represents its home state of Texas well.
New Hampshire
In 2009, New Hampshire designated the Chinook as their canine symbol. The Chinook was bred to be a sled dog in the southern region of the state.
This rare dog was developed in the 1900s by a polar explorer named Arthur Treadwell Walden at the base of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, in a small town called Wonalancet. According to the AKC, Arthur “wanted to create a breed that would combine the speed of sled racing dogs with the power of freighting breeds. The resulting tawny-colored dogs were fast and strong, with great stamina. They also had a gentle and friendly temperament.” The breed is named after one of his first bred pups, who he named “Chinook” after a sled dog he had worked with in the Yukon. All Chinook are descended from this first pup. (akc.org)
Chinook are one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. In 1965, they even held that Guinness World Record. By the dedication of three breeders, the Chinook was brought back from the brink of extinction. They are strong, resilient, and people-oriented pups. The Chinook is the pride of New Hampshire, and deservedly so.
Alaska
Just a year after New Hampshire, Alaska named the Alaskan Malamute their state dog in 2010. It just makes sense to make your state dog one that is actually named after your state!
The Alaskan Malamute has been a consistent part of Alaskan history that some think dates back 5,000 years, and are named for the native Inuit tribe names Mahlemuts. They were used for freight and transport, rather than for speed, as they are perfectly built for snow, cold weather, hunting, and pulling. When settlers started putting stakes down in the state, the Malamutes served as postal deliverers and transporting supplies, and during the Klondike Gold Rush in August 1896, prospectors relied on them to haul supplies and food around mountain passes. These impressive dogs were used in World War I (July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918), when “450 Alaskan malamutes were shipped to France to deliver supplies to French army troops isolated in mountain outposts.” (graylinealaska.com) They were also used in World War II to sniff out mines, carry supplies and weapons, and in dire circumstances, assist in search and rescue. Malamutes also played a part in the Great Serum Run in 1925 when medicine was desperately needed in Nome, Alaska.
The Alaskan Malamute was officially instated by the Alaska Statute 44.09.140: Official State Dog. It was a part of a bill presented by an elementary school called Polaris K-12 School in Anchorage, after they did a multi-year study about different dog breeds that could be Alaska’s state dog. A close runner up was the Siberian Husky, a smaller and faster breed that has also been a big part of Alaska’s history, but the Malamute won out due to its key part in the founding of the great state.
Delaware
For Delaware, they did not make their state pup designation until 2016 when they made the Golden Retriever as their symbol.
Golden Retriever’s did not originate in Delaware, but due to a class election and letters written to lawmakers from school students, these popular dogs were given the title of the state dog of Delaware. Several reasons that were stated in Chapter 365, Formerly House Bill NO. 296 as for the decision for the Golden Retriever were: “WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers are popular as disability assistance dogs such as being guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. . . WHEREAS, Goldens make great therapy dogs. . . WHEREAS, Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets while in office. . . WHEREAS, they are known to take care of other animals, even cats.” Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world due to their easy-going nature, desire to please, patience, and love of people. They made excellent canine ambassadors of Delaware, however, unlike the other state dogs, the Golden Retriever was only officially the state dog for a year, expiring in 2017. Lawmakers decided to do this in order to let other breeds hold the title later on, but no other breed has been instated following the retriever as of yet.
Tennessee
Tennessee is the last state that has designated a state dog. In 2019, they chose the Bluetick Coonhound as their canine symbol.
Hounds are characterized as loyal, protective, hunters, people-pleasers, and typically vocal dogs. Like a lot of hound breeds, the Bluetick Coonhound was trained for hunting and scent work. They are American bred, and specialize in the kind of hunting they are named after: raccoon hunting. According to the American Kennel Club, “Bluetick bloodlines are said to extend back to before the founding of the country, specifically to French staghounds given to George Washington as a gift from his great friend, the Marquis de Lafayette. These were huge, ponderous dogs, easy to follow on foot. Breeders mixed in some English Foxhound along with a few other hound breeds to develop a high-endurance and meticulous hunter with a ‘cold nose.’ (This is coon-hunter lingo describing a dog capable of working scent trails that are hours, even days, old.)” Bluetick Coonhounds are a big part of southern hunting culture.
In 1953, the University of Tennessee made the Bluetick Coonhound their mascot. According to wvlt.tv, “Named “Smokey,” there have been 10 different dogs that have assumed the role over the years, with the first nine all coming from the same bloodline out of North Carolina.” Due to the popularity of “Smokey” and the excellence of the breed at what they do, the Bluetick Coonhound are beloved representatives of Tennessee.
These states may have made their state dogs official, but some states have proposed dogs to be their symbols, but it has not made it into law. Information on these states and dogs is coming soon!
Is your state on this list? Do you agree with your canine symbol choice, or do you think another breed would fit your state better? Let me know in the comments!