The State Dog of Georgia & 12 Other State Dogs
Fun fact: 13 states in the United States have emblematic state dogs.
Iconic emblems are typically flowers, birds, and mottos that represent a state’s values, culture, and sometimes natural resources. For 13 states that includes an official dog breed. Below learn more about these dog breeds that represent our state and others.
Alaska: Alaskan Malamute
With the weather and atmosphere of Alaska, their official state dogs is perfect. This dog was designated the official dog in 2010 after a group of kindergartners were pushed by their school to present the idea to the state legislature, and succeeded.
Georgia: Adoptable Dog
Georgia has not one official dog breed but multiple. Lawmakers in 2016 firmly wanted to push “adopt, don’t shop” and from there made all adoptable dogs the state dog.
Louisiana: Catahoula Leopard Dog
This dog was bred as a hunting and herding dog for Louisiana bayous. This dog received its official title in 1979. They are typically seen herding cattle, retrieving waterfowl, or hunting wild hogs.
Maryland: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This dog is the first official state dog. They were born to retrieve waterfowl for hunters, and earned their recognition in 1964. It’s the only American-bred retriever.
Massachusetts: Boston Terrier
No surprise by the name that Massachusetts designated Boston Terrier’s as their official dog in 1979. This dog has as well been the mascot of Boston University since 1922. These pups are friendly, alert, and always ready to play or go for a walk.
New Hampshire: Chinook
Historically, we can thank Arthur Treadwell Walden – who was determined to breed his own sled dogs – for these pups. Officially recognized in 2009, these dogs are a Mastiff and Husky mix. Although rare, this breed is a working dog and devoted family pet to all.
North Carolina: Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is named after it’s breeder, German immigrant Johannes Plott (1750). His son bred Hanover hounds to local stock and produced these hunters. Plott Hounds are athletic, alert, and born for bear-hunting, and were officially recognized in 1989.
Pennsylvania: Great Dane
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, owned a Great Dane which only made sense that in 1965 they became the official state dog.
South Carolina: Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel became the official state dog in 1985. This dog is a cross of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker, English Springer, and American Water spaniels. It was founded in the early 1900s by Lemeul Whitaker Boykin, founder of the community of Boykin.
Tennessee: Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound was officially signed as the state dog in 2019. This pup has been synonymous with the Tennessee Volunteers football team since Smokey was introduced in 1953, only making it right that it became official.
Texas: Blue Lacy
This dog is named after the Lacy brothers who bred them in the 1800s. The Blue Lacy will either have a bluish gray coat or a red or tri-colored coat. This dog was first recognized by Texas in 2001 and honored as “a true Texas breed.”
Virginia: American Foxhound
This breed was fostered by George Washington and recognized by the AKC in 1886. In 1966, Virginia recognized the Foxhound as its state dog. This loves exercise, love, and care and you’re set for life.
Wisconsin: American Water Spaniel
A group of eighth grade students helped to get this dog officially passed as the state dog in 1985. American Water Spaniels have tightly curled toes and webbed feet for wading into the Great Lakes.
Would you get your states dog?