These 17 States Have Official State Dogs. Delaware & Georgia’s Will Melt Your Heart ❣️
Gabrielle LaFrank
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There are currently 17 official state dogs, with 12 of those designated as specific dog breeds. Four states chose to honor a kind of dog instead, such as a working dog or shelter dog, and one eastern state is currently in the process of having their proposed state dog accepted. It may be expensive to own a dog in the United States, but there’s no doubt that dogs are beloved from sea to shining sea.
Does your state have a four-legged representative? Keep reading to find out! These are all of the official and approved state dog breeds and types as of March 2024.
1. Alaska: Alaskan Malamute
Naturally, the northernmost state is represented by a breed that hails from the icy tundras of Alaska: the Alaskan Malamute. This Husky lookalike breed is larger and fluffier than the Siberian breed, though many are surprised to learn it’s also a much older breed. These Nordic dogs were bred long ago to pull heavy loads over long distances, and they’re regular competitors in Alaska’s famous Iditarod dog race each year.
2. Connecticut’s Proposed State Dog: Siberian Husky
It’s no surprise that the Siberian Husky is a popular choice, too. In fact, the state of Washington proposed to make the Husky the official state dog back in 2004, but this proposal never passed.
Both states’ inspiration comes from their famous college mascots. Both the University of Washington and the University of Connecticut use the Husky as their mascot, though Connecticut officials have taken support for the proposal a step further. The university’s living mascot, Siberian Husky Jonathan XV, even took part in the first official hearing!
3. Delaware: Rescue Dog
The first state to ratify the constitution used to have one of the most popular dog breeds in the country as their official state dog. It’s the Golden Retriever, of course! This beloved family dog breed held the title from 2016 until 2023 when Gov. John Carney enacted a new bill designating the ‘rescue dog’ as Delaware’s official state dog.
4. Georgia: Adoptable Dog
A similar scene took place in Georgia in 2016, when the ‘adoptable dog’ replaced the Golden Retriever as the state dog. Sorry, Goldens! This breed remains as beloved as ever, but it’s refreshing to see the pet adoption movement getting attention at a state level.
5. Louisiana: Catahoula Leopard Dog
In 1979, Louisiana named the Catahoula Leopard Dog the official state dog. This lesser-known breed is named after a municipality called Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, so their placement as the state dog fits. The bill that made this happen decades ago was proposed by the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas, Inc., as a way of bringing attention to and preserving the working dog breed.
6. Maryland: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
In Maryland, a local dog breed also holds the title of the state’s official dog. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were developed in the 19th century as working companions for those hunting waterfowl, but today, they make wonderful pets for active families. It wasn’t until 1964 that they came to represent their state officially, but since then, nothing has changed.
7. Massachusetts: Boston Terrier
Naturally, the Boston Terrier became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979. Not only did this breed originate in the state, but it also became the mascot for Boston College in 1922. Over 100 years later, it seems fitting that this small dog breed with an East Coast attitude still reigns supreme.
8. New Hampshire: Chinook
Although Chinook dog breeds boast strong bodies and sled dog skills that are worthy of Alaska, they actually hail from Wonalancet, New Hampshire. These strong-willed, hardworking dogs are excellent on the job and in the home, and they have no problems being gentle with young children. This all-around dog seems like a great choice to represent the state.
9. New Jersey: The Seeing Eye Dog
In 2019, New Jersey followed in the footsteps of several other states by choosing a special kind of dog to represent the state instead of a specific breed. The Seeing Eye Dog became the state’s official state dog because that’s where all guide dog puppies are raised and trained before being matched with the handlers who need them the most. Thank you for what you do!
10. New York: Working Dog
In 2015, New York adopted the ‘working dog’ as the state dog. This term is broader than ‘guide dog’ or even ‘adoptable dog,’ as working dogs refer to both the category of dog breed and dogs who have jobs. In this case, however, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo is referring to the dogs who work to keep the world safe every day.
11. North Carolina: Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is another less popular dog breed which hails from the mountains of North Carolina. Unlike other coonhound breeds, Plotts are not related to the English Foxhounds, but instead are descendants of German hounds. One family who immigrated from Germany bred their family stock until a new, larger game hunter emerged. Decades later, this would be known as the Plott.
12. Pennsylvania: Great Dane
While Great Danes may make you think of Denmark, you should think about Pennsylvania instead. Even back in the American frontier days, Great Danes lived on PA homesteads as guardians and hunters. Even the state’s founder, William Penn, had a Great Dane!
13. South Carolina: Boykin Spaniel
All Boykin Spaniels can trace their lineage to a single stray spaniel named Dumpy, who approached a Spartanburg, South Carolina, banker around 1905. This dog became an excellent waterfowl retriever and went on to sire an entire breed that thrives in SC’s marshes and beaches.
14. Tennessee: Bluetick Coonhound
Those who know their hunting dogs likely aren’t surprised to learn that the Bluetick Coonhound is the state dog of Tennessee. This breed has been a popular symbol of the state for decades, but it didn’t become official until 2019. Until then, they only had the designation of ‘state pet,’ which was awarded to rescue dogs and cats.
15. Texas: Blue Lacy
While the Blue Lacy Game Dog isn’t yet recognized as an official dog breed by the American Kennel Club, this hybrid breed has been around for over a century. It was developed by the Lacy family near Burnet County, Texas, in the 1850s, and is believed to be the result of a cross between a Greyhound, a scenthound, and a coyote or wild canid!
16. Virginia: American Foxhound
In 1966, Virginia became the second state to officially welcome a state dog (with the first being Maryland in 1964). The American Foxhound was developed in Maryland and Virginia during colonial times, and they’ve been around ever since. They are even associated with Revolutionary heroes, including George Washington, who played a role in developing the breed.
17. Wisconsin: American Water Spaniel
Because the American Water Spaniel was developed in Wisconsin in the 1800s, it’s only right that this breed should become the official state dog. These helpful pups were bred in the Great Lakes region to help retrieve game from boats and docks, though they have the best of both worlds when it comes to a combination of swimming and hunting skills.
It’s also worth noting that several states, including Colorado and California, have designated both rescue dogs and rescue cats as the official state pets. While the wording might be a bit different, the animal advocacy sentiment is the same! Only a few of the 50 states have an official state dog to celebrate, but anyone can appreciate these dogs and the impact they’ve had on America.