Official Dogs of the United States

Earlier this week, I did a post about calico cats and discovered that they were actually the official state cat of Maryland. I also learned that there are a lot of other state animals including horses, bears, and even whales. Today, I bring you the official dogs of the United States! Some states have named certain breeds as the official state dog. Only 11 states to be exact.

Alaska 

This one is kind of a no-brainer. Alaska's state dog is the beautiful Alaskan Malamute! Alaska named this breed as the official state dog fairly recently in 2010. Blog friends Misaki and Rumpy Dog are both Alaskan Malamutes! 

Photo via Jazzi*Bee

Louisiana

In Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard dog rules the land. This dog is thought to be the first breed developed in North America. The Catahoula was named as Louisiana's official state dog all the way back in 1979! 

Photo via iraxmas

Maryland 

So back to Maryland we venture. The calico cat shares its state with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Maryland also got off to an early start naming official state animals it seems. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was declared the state dog in 1964. If you want to know more about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Kirby's mom, Leah, recently wrote all about the breed in her "Ancient Dogs" series which you can read here. 

Photo via a.fave

Massachusetts 

Can you guess what the official state dog of Massachusetts is? Why, it's the Boston Terrier of course. This happy and friendly breed was announced the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979. 

New Hampshire

In 2009, the Chinook was named the official state dog of New Hampshire. I'll admit that I had never heard of a Chinook until very recently. The breed was featured on an episode of Animal Planet's "Too Cute" that my daughter was watching and I had to look them up. 

Photo via CuteKittenHorselover

North Carolina

The Plott Hound was chosen to represent the state of North Carolina as the official state dog in 1989. The Plott Hound isn't a very well-known breed even though it is a state dog. It's a scent hound that was bred to hunt boar. 

Photo via hoyasmeg

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the massive Great Dane is the state dog. This large breed was named the state dog of Pennsylvania back in 1965. It's one of the world's tallest breed of dogs. 

Photo via carl & tracy gossett

South Carolina

The Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina ever since 1985. I've never really heard of a Boykin Spaniel before. They originated from South Carolina and were bred to hunt fowl. 

Photo via Sarah and Jason

Texas

Alright y'all, the Texas state dog is the Blue Lacy. I've met a couple of Blue Lacies since I live in Texas and all and think that they are really beautiful dogs. I live their silver-gray, smooth coat. The Blue Lacy became the official state dog of Texas in 2005. 

Photo by TrueBlueLacys

Virgina

The American Foxhound is the official state dog of Virginia. American Foxhounds are distant relatives to English and French Foxhounds. Virginia named the American Foxhound the official state dog in 1966. An American Foxhound was named Best of the Hound Group this year at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, 2013. 

Source

Wisconsin

Wisconsin's official state dog is the American Water Spaniel and was named so in 1985. The American Water Spaniel is a rare breed that originated in none other than the state of Wisconsin. 

Photo via Noma's American Water Spaniels

So was your state included? If not, what breed of dog would you propose as the official state dog for where you live? Feline fans - come back on Meowtastic Monday to see the list of official state cats!

PS - Speaking of RumpyDog the Alaskan Malamute, please go and vote for him in the World Spay Day 2013 Pet Pageant! 

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