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The Plott Hound was designated as North Carolina’s official state dog in 1989.This breed is unique among coonhounds, descending from German Hanover hounds brought to the state in 1750.Fewer than half of U.S. states have designated an official state dog breed.
North Carolina has an “official” best friend in this dog breed.
The Tar Heel state is one of several states in the U.S. that have an official “state dog,” a specific breed deemed by North Carolina decades ago to not only be man’s best friend, but also the state’s.
Not every state has an official dog. In fact, less than half of the United States has assigned a breed. However, North Carolina, along with several other Southern states, do have chosen dog breeds.
Here’s what to know about North Carolina’s official state dog, how it earned its spot, and the rest of the list.
What is North Carolina’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 includes:
Alaska – Alaskan MalamuteGeorgia – “Adoptable dog”Louisiana – Catahoula Leopard dogMaryland – Chesapeake Bay RetrieverMassachusetts – Boston TerrierNew Hampshire – ChinookNorth Carolina – Plott HoundPennsylvania – Great DaneSouth Carolina – Boykin SpanielTennessee – Bluetick CoonhoundTexas – Blue LacyVirginia – American FoxhoundWisconsin – 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.
