Following the yearly National Dog Show this Thanksgiving, many Americans discovered the existence of “state dogs.”
Not every state has an official dog. In fact, less than half of the United States have assigned a breed. However, North Carolina, along with several other Southern states, do have chosen dog breeds.
Here’s what to know about NC’s official state dog, how it earned its spot, and the rest of the list.
What is NC’s state dog?
Dog supply website Pawstruck compiled a list of all 12 state dog breeds and some of the stories behind them. In North Carolina, the official breed is the Plott Hound, chosen in 1989.
The American Kennel Club describes the Plott Hound’s appearance as brindle-striped, with a range of colors from black flecked with gold to flaming orange and russet, as well as some solid colors. They can measure up to 25 inches at the shoulder.
One thing that makes the Plott Hound unique is its lineage – unlike the other five AKC coonhound breeds, Plotts are descended from German “Hanover hounds” rather than the typical English Foxhound. This lineage began in 1750 when a German immigrant named Johannes Plott brought five Hanover hounds to NC with him. His son, Henry, bred the family dogs to produce hunting dogs, first known as Plott’s hounds.
Which states have state dogs?
The full list of 12 states with assigned state dogs and the breeds they chose include:
- Alaska – Alaskan Malamute
- Georgia – “Adoptable dog”
- Louisiana – Catahoula Leopard dog
- Maryland – Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Massachusetts – Boston Terrier
- New Hampshire – Chinook
- North Carolina – Plott Hound
- Pennsylvania – Great Dane
- South Carolina – Boykin Spaniel
- Tennessee – Bluetick Coonhound
- Texas – Blue Lacy
- Virginia – American Foxhound
- Wisconson – American Water Spaniel
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
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