Mary Allen
Introduction: The State Dog Phenomenon
Every state in the United States has a state bird, state flower, and state tree. But did you know that some states also have a state dog? The concept of state dogs is a relatively recent phenomenon, with the first state dog being recognized in Maryland in 1964. Since then, several other states have followed suit, recognizing their own state dog.
What is a State Dog?
A state dog is a breed of dog that has been officially recognized by a state government as a symbol of that state. State dogs are often chosen for their historical or cultural significance to the state, or for their popularity among residents. In some cases, state dogs are also chosen to recognize the contributions of working dogs, such as search and rescue dogs or police dogs.
How are State Dogs Chosen?
The process for selecting a state dog varies from state to state. In some cases, the choice is made by a committee appointed by the state government, while in other cases, the decision is made through a public vote. The breed that is chosen as the state dog is often one that has a strong connection to the state, either through its history or its popularity among residents. Once a breed is chosen, it is officially recognized through a resolution or proclamation signed by the governor of the state.
The Golden Retriever’s History
The golden retriever is a breed of dog that originated in Scotland in the mid-19th century. The breed was developed by crossing several different breeds, including the water spaniel, the Newfoundland, and the Irish setter. Golden retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs, and were used to retrieve game from both land and water. The breed became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, and has since become one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Popularity of Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, as well as their intelligence and trainability. These traits have made them a popular choice for families, as well as for search and rescue organizations and as service dogs for individuals with disabilities. The breed has consistently ranked among the top ten most popular breeds in the United States for several decades.
State Dogs Across the US
As of 2021, 14 states in the United States have recognized a state dog. These include breeds such as the Boston terrier (Massachusetts), the Chesapeake Bay retriever (Maryland), and the Great Dane (Pennsylvania). Each state’s choice of state dog reflects the unique history and culture of that state.
State Dogs Worldwide
State dogs are not unique to the United States. Several countries around the world also recognize a national dog breed. For example, the Shiba Inu is the national dog of Japan, while the Irish wolfhound is the national dog of Ireland.
Criteria for State Dog Recognition
There is no set criteria for recognizing a state dog. Some states choose breeds that have historical significance to the state, while others choose breeds that are popular among residents. In general, state dogs are chosen for their ability to represent the state’s unique culture and history.
Efforts to Recognize the Golden Retriever
Despite their popularity and widespread recognition, the golden retriever has not yet been recognized as a state dog in any state. However, there have been several efforts to change this. In 2019, a bill was introduced in the California State Legislature that would have recognized the golden retriever as the state dog of California. The bill ultimately did not pass, but it sparked a discussion about the role of state dogs and the criteria for recognition.
Arguments For and Against Recognition
Supporters of recognizing the golden retriever as a state dog argue that the breed is an iconic representation of the American family dog, and that its friendly and loyal personality reflects the values of many American communities. Opponents argue that state dog recognition should be reserved for breeds that have a strong historical or cultural connection to the state, and that the golden retriever does not meet this criteria.
Conclusion: The Future of State Dogs
The recognition of state dogs is a relatively new phenomenon, and it is likely that more breeds will be recognized in the future. Whether or not the golden retriever will eventually be recognized as a state dog remains to be seen, but its popularity and widespread recognition suggest that it is a strong contender for this honor.
References and Resources
- American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Golden Retriever. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
- American Kennel Club. (n.d.). State Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/state-dogs/
- California State Legislature. (2019). Assembly Bill No. 1542. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1542
- National Conference of State Legislatures. (n.d.). State Symbols. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/state-symbols.aspx
- State of California. (n.d.). State Symbols. Retrieved from https://www.ca.gov/state-symbols