Meet the official pet reps: State dogs and cats - Mother Nature Network

Meet the official pet reps: State dogs and cats

Here's the full list of cat and dog breeds that represent 12 U.S. states.

Mon, Jun 03 2013 at 4:14 PM

Colorado recently named shelter cats and dogs as its "state pet," and that got us wondering about the other kitties and canines that represent U.S. states.

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Three of the most recent successful campaigns to name a state pet were started by schoolchildren, including Colorado's. The Centennial State students suggested that shelter pets represent Colorado to raise awarness of the animals' plight.

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In 2007, an Alaskan kindergartnener created the campaign for the Alaskan Malamute, and New Hampshire elementary school students worked to have the Chinook named its state symbol in 2009.

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There have been a variety of other state campaigns to select official cat and dog breeds but currently, only 12 states have cat and/or dog mascots. Check out the full list below.

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Alaska

Alaskan Malamute

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Louisiana

Catahoula leopard dog

^{Photo: Wikimedia Commons}

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Maine

Maine coon

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Maryland

Chesapeake Bay retriever

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Maryland

Calico cat

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Massachusetts

Boston terrier

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Massachusetts

Tabby cat

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New Hampshire

Chinook

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North Carolina

Plott hound

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Pennsylvania

Great Dane

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South Carolina

Boykin spaniel

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Texas

Blue Lacy

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Virginia

American foxhound

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Wisconsin

American spaniel

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Source: http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/meet-the-official-pet-reps-state-dogs-and-cats

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