• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Top dog: State dogs rule

Posted August 28, 2016

 

Did you know that there are 11 states that have designated an official state dog breed?

Considering how much Americans love their four-legged best friends, it’s actually surprising there aren’t more.

These five top dogs were all bred to excel at specific activities, so if you’re looking for a new canine that will not only make for a good companion but may make for a great partner in one of your favorite active pursuits or to add to a sense of security, this would be a good place to start.

Alaskan Malamute

top dog

The Alaskan Malamute was designated as Alaska’s state dog in 2010. It’s the largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, getting its start as a breed of Inuit dog, intended to be a work and sled dog. He’s designed to carry large, heavy loads over long distances, and although many today are family pets, Malamute’s are still capable of athletic tasks, including sledding, backpacking, jogging and even swimming alongside their owners. If you’re physically active and enjoy adventurous pursuits, this incredible, beautiful and extremely intelligent dog is a great one to have by your side.

Blue Lacy

top dog

The Blue Lacy became the official state dog of Texas in 2005. This dog with a smooth, silver-gray coat was bred as a working dog for ranchers, cowboys and hunters, but particularly for hunting across the Texas terrain. As the only canine with Texas origins, any Texan should be proud to own this breed. Owners who don’t have a hunting license will find that it’s fairly easy to prepare to get one online with the aid of online resources.

American Water Spaniel

top dog

The American Water Spaniel was named Wisconsin’s official state dog in 1985. This rare breed originated in The Badger State, and was bred for companionship as well as retriever. They were the very first breed developed in the U.S. as an all-around hunting dog that could retrieve from boats. As he’s a skilled swimmer with a water-resistant double coat specializing in waterfowl, the American Water Spaniel is the perfect companion for duck hunters.

Great Dane

top dog

The “gentle giant,” as the Great Dane is often referred to, is the official state dog of Pennsylvania, receiving the designation in 1965. The world’s tallest canine, he was originally bred by in Germany as a ferocious boar hunter. The Great Dane is no longer used for hunting and has become a popular, lovable companion and estate guard dog. Though he’s now very gentle and generally gets along well with humans as well as other dogs and animals, his size and powerful bark will usually do the trick when it comes to scaring off burglars.

The American Foxhound

top dog

Virginia lays claim to the American Foxhound, one of America’s native breeds. This breed was named Virginia’s official state dog in 1966. The canine’s origins date back to the early 18th century in Virginia and Maryland, where it was bred for a number of different purposes, including as a competitive field hound, a trail hound, pack hound and, most popularly, as a fox hunting hound. Though fox hunters are sure to appreciate his highly developed skills, even if you aren’t into fox hunting, his excellent stamina and love of running makes him a great jogging partner too.

 
 
 

Related Posts

  • Is a Bichon frisé the right dog for you?

    After an adorable bichon frisé won Best in Show at…

  • Best dog breeds for seniors include labradors who are loyal and loving.
    Choose the right dog for your senior years

    Adopting a dog in your old age is an excellent…

  • cavapoo Poodles are a popular crossbreeding choice
    Is a Cavapoo the right dog for you?

    A Cavapoo or Cavoodle is a smart, friendly doodle dog…

  • rat terrier
    Determine if a Rat Terrier is your dream dog

    Originating in England, the Rat Terrier was used as rodent…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Breeds, Dog Fun, Home Page

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Dog safety Cancer Chihuahua Potty training Christmas Major life changes Biting Beagle Bichon frisé Shedding Emotional support dogs Doberman Pinscher Boxer Babies Dog names Labrador retriever Crate training Golden retriever Big dogs Canine autism Working dogs Maltese Dog sleep Moving Camping Dog tail Canine fitness Dog clothes Apartment living Children

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Moving with dogs: Use 10 helpful tips to ensure success
    When moving with dogs reduce your dog's stress. Make a plan to keep your dog calm and prevent him from getting underfoot during the move. […]
  • 5 tips for taking your dog backpacking
    Before you take your dog backpacking, search out the best trails, prepare for your adventure and create memories that you’ll cherish forever. […]
  • 5 simple ways to deal with crazy seasonal shedding
    Since you can't stop seasonal shedding, get the right tools, follow a bathing and brushing routine, use supplements, and cover furniture. […]
  • 5 tips for creating a healthy meal plan for your dog
    When creating a healthy meal plan for your dog, consider the nutrients your dog needs based on its age and activity level. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.