The Official Dog Breeds of 13 U.S. States

The first official state dog was recognized as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever in Maryland. Born to retrieve the waterfowl for hunters in the region, this dog earned its recognition in 1964. It's the only American-bred retriever—hunting, hiking, or splashing around in the cold water of its namesake.

With its cold and frozen tundra, it's no wonder that their official state dog is the Alaskan Malamute. Alaska designated this breed as their state dog in 2010 after a group of kindergartners were emboldened by their school to successfully present the idea to state legislature. Malamutes are hardworking freighters of the Arctic and covered with a double-coat of fur that's able to withstand the rain, sleet, snow, and ice.

Mutts, rejoice! In Georgia, the official state dog is not one particular breed, but rather dogs that are in need of homes. Passed by lawmakers in 2016, the firm belief in "adopt, don't shop" means that the millions of dogs in shelters and rescues have a chance at finding a loving home—perhaps, with you?

Bred as a hunting and herding dog for the Louisiana bayous, the Catahoula Leopard Dog (also called Catahoula Leopard Cur) was given its special distinction in 1979. In their home state, you'll find Catahoulas tasked with herding cattle, retrieving waterfowl, or hunting wild hogs—they're recognizable for their coats with the merle or "leopard" pattern.

Going by the name, it's no surprise that Massachusetts designated the Boston Terrier as their official state dog in 1979. In a bid for recognition as the "American Gentleman," this small but mighty dog has also been the school mascot of Boston University since 1922. They're friendly, alert, and always ready to play fetch or trot out for a brisk walk (at home, along the Charles River).

The Chinook is the pride of Wonalancet, New Hampshire. Historically, we can thank polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden who was determined to breed his own line of sled dogs and, in fact, did so mixing the Mastiff and Husky. As a rare breed, the Chinook is a rugged working dog and devoted family pet known for their intelligence, patience, and eagerness to please. This origin story was celebrated when New Hampshire designated the Chinook as their official state dog in 2009.

The Plott Hound is a dog named after its original breeder: In 1750, a German immigrant named Johannes Plott settled in the mountains of North Carolina; accompanying him were five Hanover hounds. His son, Henry, bred the family pack to local stock and produced a big-game hunter originally known as "Plott's hound." Athletic, alert, and born for bear-hunting, it became North Carolina's official state dog in 1989.

William Penn, the founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, owned a Great Dane, so it only made sense to become the official state dog breed in 1965. These gentle giants are loving, loyal, and make a great addition to any family.

The Boykin Spaniel became South Carolina's official state dog in 1985. For years, Boykins were known only to hunters of waterfowl and wild turkey. Around the early 1900s, the small community of Boykin and its founding resident, Lemuel Whitaker "Whit" Boykin, built an entire breeding program around a single stray dog that showed promise as a skillful duck-hunter. By crossing breeds as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker, English Springer, and American Water spaniels, the result was the upbeat companion we know today.

The Bluetick Coonhound was signed into law as Tennessee's official state dog as recently as 2019 in part due to already being a historical representative: The Bluetick has been synonymous with the Tennessee Volunteers football team since Smokey was first introduced as their mascot in 1953. This dog makes for an adept hunting companion in tracking raccoons and wild boar. Plus, they're talented "crooners"—they will bay, bawl, bark, and howl when they feel the need.

Named after the Lacy brothers who bred this dog in the 1800s in Texas, the Blue Lacy will either have a bluish gray coat or sometimes a red or tri-colored one. The Lacy was first recognized in 2001 by the Texas Senate; in Senate Resolution No. 436, the 77th Legislature honored the Lacy as "a true Texas breed."

The American Foxhound, which was a breed fostered by none other than George Washington, was recognized by the AKC in 1886 and then later as Virginia's state dog in 1966. The club responsible for introducing legislation was the Virginia International Foxhunting Association. Give this dog plenty of exercise, lots of love and care, and you'll have a friend for life.

Another group of students, this time an eighth grade class, worked to designate the American Water Spaniel as the official state dog, which was passed in 1985. American Water Spaniels have a tightly curled coat and webbed toes perfect for wading into the waters of the Great Lakes.