If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies surged in the last couple of years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
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There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
In America some communities love certain breeds of dog so much that they make them symbols of their entire state.
So far 13 have named their official pooch, which often have been first bred the state or have some other particular significance.
Other states have a more general doggy icon, including Georgia that has the ‘adoptable’ dog as its state pet, New Jersey which has gone for the seeing eye dog, and New Yorkers who have opted for the working dog.
And there are more in the pipeline, including in Maine, where it’s proposed that the Labrador Retriever should take on the role.
Here are all 13 state dogs of the USA so far.
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9. Blue Lacy
The Blue Lacy dog originated in Texas in the mid-19th century. Named after the Lacy brothers who first bred them, they have been state dog of Texas since 2005. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Great Dane
It may originate from Germany, but the mighty Great Dane has been the state dog of Pennsylvania since 1965. Hugely popular in the state, it was introduced by early settlers to be used as a hunting and working dog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
11. Bluetick Coonhound
Tennessee only recently announced that the Bluetick Coonhound would be its state dog - in 2019. They are one of several American-bred dogs used to hunt racoons. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
12. American Foxhound
Virginia has had a state dog in the form of the American Foxhound since 1966. The dog was famously first bred by American founding father George Washington. Photo: Canva/Getty Images