Discover the Official U.S. State Dogs for Every State

Each state in the U.S. has its own official state dog, a fun fact that's perfect for dog lovers and state enthusiasts alike.

The official state dog of Alabama is the Plott Hound, a scent hound known for its distinctive howl and strong sense of smell.

In Alaska, the Alaskan Malamute is the official state dog, a powerful and energetic breed that thrives in the state's rugged wilderness.

The official state dog of California is the California Red-Winged Blackbird's companion, the California Dog, but more specifically it is the California dog is not recognized, instead it is the California State Dog, the California Greyhound.

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New Jersey has officially designated the Seeing Eye dog as its state dog, a nod to the 90-year-old non-profit organization based in the state that trains German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Lab/Golden Retriever crosses as able assistants for blind and visually impaired people.

The Seeing Eye dog is not a specific breed, but rather a title given to dogs trained by the organization.

The state of New Hampshire has its own official state dog, the Chinook, a rare but friendly sled dog that was developed by Arthur Walden on his New Hampshire farm in 1917.

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Maryland's official state dog is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a working dog bred to recover waterfowl for hunters.

This breed was developed in the United States and is one of the few breeds to have been developed here. It's a mix of local coonhounds and two Newfoundland dogs introduced by a 19th-century English shipwreck.

The Boston Terrier is Massachusetts' official state dog, known for being loyal, tough, and well-mannered, but also a prolific snorer due to its short snout.

New Jersey designated the Seeing Eye dog as its official state dog, not a specific breed but rather a type of dog trained by a 90-year-old non-profit organization to assist blind and visually impaired people.

The Chinook, a super-friendly sled dog, is the official state dog of New Hampshire, developed by Arthur Walden on his New Hampshire farm in 1917.

The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina's official state dog, bred to work in the lakes and swamps of the state, and can swim like a seal with its webbed feet.

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The Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina, designated as such in 1989. This tenacious tracking-and-hunting dog was created exclusively in the Tarheel state.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the state dog of Maryland, and it's not hard to see why - it was originally developed in the Chesapeake Bay area to retrieve waterfowl. This breed is known for its strong swimming abilities and loyalty to its owner.

The Boston Terrier started serving as the mascot of Boston University in 1922 and became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979. Like Bostonians themselves, the breed is reputed to be loyal, tough, and well-mannered.

New Jersey designated the Seeing Eye dog as its official state dog in 2020, honoring the non-profit organization that trains German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Lab/Golden Retriever crosses as able assistants for blind and visually impaired people.

New York made the "working dog" the official state dog in 2015, honoring all breeds trained to perform a service. This includes breeds like the German Shepherd Dog and the Belgian Malinois.

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The Chinook is the official state dog of New Hampshire, designated in 2009. This ultra-rare but super-friendly breed was developed by Arthur Walden on his New Hampshire farm in 1917.

The Boykin Spaniel is the official state dog of South Carolina, bred entirely in the state and developed by L.W. Boykin in the early 20th century. This small, curly-haired hunting dog is a popular pick for waterfowl retrievers and family pets.

The Blue Lacy was adopted as the official state dog of Texas in 2005, and it's the only dog breed originating in the Lone Star state. This breed was always a common fixture on ranches, herding cattle, hogs, and chickens.

The American Water Spaniel is the state dog of Wisconsin, bred for both companionship and retrieving prowess. This rare breed has a unique coat, often with closely-knitted curls, which is wavy and generally solid liver or brown in color.

Rhode Island is a state that loves its French Bulldogs, and for good reason. They're small but sturdy, making them perfect for city living.

Their large, expressive eyes are impossible to resist, and their sleek coats are low-maintenance, which is a bonus for busy pet owners. They're also polite with everyone, including other pets, which makes them a great addition to any family.

French Bulldogs love to play games, which is great news for families who want to have fun with their pets. They don't need much exercise, so they're perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited time for physical activity.

One of the best things about French Bulldogs is that they don't bark much, which makes them a great choice for people who live in noise-restricted areas or have noise-sensitive neighbors.

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The Alaskan Malamute is one of the official state dogs in the United States.

Some of the most popular breeds designated as official state dogs include the Boston Terrier, the Great Dane, the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, the Plott Hound, and the Siberian Husky.

The Chinook was designated the official state dog of New Hampshire in 2009, thanks to a campaign by seventh-grade students.

This ultra-rare breed was developed by Arthur Walden on his New Hampshire farm in 1917, inspired by his experience with sled dogs in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush.

State Dog Designations are a unique way to reflect the history and culture of each state. In the United States, various breeds are designated as official state dogs, showcasing the diversity of the country's canine population.

The Alaskan Malamute, Boston Terrier, Great Dane, Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Plott Hound, and Siberian Husky are some of the most popular breeds designated as official state dogs.

State dog designations can reflect the culture or history of the state in various ways, such as the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog's historical significance in the state's hunting culture.

The Chinook, an ultra-rare but super-friendly breed, was designated the official state dog of New Hampshire in 2009 due to its unique history and significance in the state's sled dog racing history.

The Alaskan Malamute is the official state dog of Alaska, designated as such on April 18, 2010. This breed has made its mark in every era of Alaska's history, and they're still used in arctic expeditions today because of their ability to withstand cold temperatures.

These dogs are incredibly hardy, which is essential for their role in Alaska's history. In fact, dog mushing was recognized as the official state sport of Alaska in 1972.

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed that's well-suited to Alaska's harsh climate. They're built for endurance and can thrive in cold temperatures, making them an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Great Dane has a long history intertwined with Pennsylvania. William Penn, the state's founder, owned one of these dogs, which even made its way into official paintings from the state capitol.

The Great Dane's outline is said to resemble the outline of the Commonwealth's boundaries.

The American Foxhound is the official state dog of Virginia, a breed known for its kind, loyal, and sweet disposition. They were bred in colonial times by landed gentry for hunting foxes.

Different strains of the breed include Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July, and Penn-Marydel. These strains are a result of the breed's history as a working dog.

The American Foxhound requires ample exercise or it will find ways to entertain itself that are sure not to please owners. This is a warning to all Virginia residents who plan on bringing one of these energetic dogs home.

Thirteen states across America have emblematic dogs, and Virginia is proud to be one of them.

The Plott Hound is a medium-sized dog that was originally bred for hunting wild boar and other game.

This breed was developed in North Carolina in the 1700s by the Plott family, who wanted to create a hunting dog fierce enough to tackle bears and wild boars.

The Plott Hound has a distinctive brindle coat that comes in shades of black, brown, and tan.

They are known for their strong sense of smell, which helps them track down prey with tenacity.

The Plott Hound was designated as the official state dog of North Carolina in 1989, a testament to its unique place in the state's history and culture.

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The breed's creator, Johannes Plott, brought the forerunners of the Plott Hound to the American colonies in 1750, marking the beginning of its evolution into a new species.

The Plott Hound is often described as "the ninja warriors of dogdom" due to its legendary hunting abilities and courageous fighting spirit.

In the United States, each state has its own official dog breed, reflecting the country's diverse history and cultural heritage.

The state dog of Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a breed developed to hunt waterfowl in the state's bay region.

Maine's state dog is the Maine Coon, a large domesticated cat breed that's native to the state.

Alaska's state dog is the Alaskan Malamute, a powerful sled dog breed that's well-suited to the state's rugged terrain.

Louisiana's state dog is the Catahoula Leopard Dog, a breed known for its distinctive coat patterns and hunting ability.

North Carolina is home to the Plott Hound, a tenacious tracking-and-hunting dog designated as the state dog on August 12, 1989.

The Plott Hound was created exclusively in North Carolina, making it a unique breed that's deeply rooted in the state's history.

The breed's origins date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the Plott family tirelessly worked to breed a hunting dog fierce enough to hunt bears and wild boars.

The Plott Hound's ancestors were brought to the American colonies by Johannes Plott in 1750, paralleling the American colonies' evolution into a new nation.

South Carolina is home to the Boykin Spaniel, a small, curly-haired hunting dog bred entirely in the state.

The Boykin Spaniel was developed by L.W. Boykin around 1905.

This breed was created by mixing two stray brown spaniels, which ultimately produced a natural-born retriever.

The Boykin Spaniel is a popular pick for waterfowl retrievers and loving family pets.

A fun fact is that South Carolina native Stephen Colbert is also the proud dog dad of a Boykin.

South Carolina's swampland hunters used compact boats, and the Boykin Spaniel's small size made it a great fit for these boats.

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Texas is a state with a strong connection to its canine heritage. The state dog of Texas is the Blue Lacy, a breed that originated in the 1860s.

The Blue Lacy was bred by the Lacy brothers, who mixed it with greyhound, scenthound, and coyote bloodlines. This efficient herding dog is a true Texas creation.

In 2005, the state legislature officially designated the Blue Lacy as the state dog of Texas. This recognition was a testament to the breed's enduring popularity and importance in the state.

The Blue Lacy came perilously close to extinction in the 1970s, but enthusiasts worked tirelessly to ensure its survival.

Louisiana is a state with a rich history, and one of its most iconic symbols is the Catahoula Leopard Dog, its official state dog since 1979. This breed is renowned for its ability to find and round up livestock in the state's diverse terrain, including the bayou.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a cross between a Spanish war dog that entered the region in the 1500s and a domesticated dog kept by Catahoula Lake region Native Americans. It's a testament to the state's cultural heritage and its history of blending different influences.

This large and active breed is frequently spotted with different colored eyes, making it a unique and striking animal.

Wisconsin is a state that truly knows how to celebrate its unique heritage. The American Water Spaniel, the official state dog of Wisconsin, is a curly-haired canine that's equally at home splashing through wetlands chasing waterfowl or relaxing on the couch.

Developed exclusively in the Dairy State, the American Water Spaniel is a breed that's deeply rooted in Wisconsin's history and culture. The breed was developed and registered by a New London physician named Dr. Fred Pfeifer in 1920.

Wisconsin's state dog is also a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the state's residents. The American Water Spaniel has a unique ability to adapt to different situations, making it a beloved companion for many families in the state.

The state of Wisconsin has a rich history of innovation and progress, from its early days as a major agricultural producer to its current status as a leader in the fields of technology and manufacturing.

Tennessee is a state that values its history and heritage, as evident from its official state dog, the Bluetick Coonhound.

The Bluetick Coonhound has a rich lineage, tracing back to President George Washington, who was an avid dog breeder.

The state's connection to its official state dog is also tied to the University of Tennessee football team, which has featured a Bluetick named Smokey as their team mascot since 1953.

The Bluetick Coonhound was officially named the state dog of Tennessee in 2019, after being recognized for its hunting prowess and affectionate nature.

This dog breed was originally bred to chase raccoons and has become a beloved companion animal, making it a fitting symbol for the state.

Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies. It has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when hounds were first imported to the state in 1650.

The American Foxhound, which was selected as the state dog of Virginia in 1966, developed from these imported hounds. This breed has been a part of American history for centuries.

George Washington, one of the Founding Fathers, was known to have participated in American Foxhound breeding programs. Many other Founding Fathers likely had encounters with this noble creature.

Maine has designated the Maine Coon Cat as its official state cat breed. This breed is known for its distinctive physical characteristics and friendly temperament.

Only three states have designated an official cat breed, which is a relatively low number compared to the number of states that have designated official dog breeds.

The process of establishing an official state dog is a fascinating topic. In some cases, it's initiated by a group of citizens who petition their state legislature to recognize a particular breed as the state dog.

Citizens can take the lead in proposing a breed as the state dog, which then goes through a period of public comment and review. This may involve input from breed clubs, veterinary associations, and other interested parties.

The state legislature may also take the initiative to recognize a breed that is particularly popular or significant in the state.

In many states, the official recognition of a state dog is codified in state law or the state constitution. This can have significant implications for the breed.

The state of Massachusetts is a great example, where the Boston Terrier is recognized as the official state dog in state law. This means it's eligible for special license plates and other official designations.

In other states, the official state dog is recognized through executive order or other non-binding means. While these designations may not have the same legal weight, they can still be meaningful symbols of state pride.

The recognition of state dogs is a way for states to celebrate their unique cultural and historical heritage. It's also a nod to the important role that dogs play in our lives.