What is Delaware’s state dog? It’s not a particular breed

Delaware has a several items that represent the state.

The First State has a state bird (Blue Hen chicken), a state flower (peach blossom), a state fish (weakfish) and a state dessert (peach pie). Delaware even has a state bug (ladybug), state wildlife (gray fox) and state butterfly (tiger swallowtail).

While all the symbols have their place, few tug at the heartstrings like the state dog.

What is Delaware’s state dog?

The state dog of Delaware is the rescue dog, which replaced the golden retriever in 2023.

Then-Gov. John Carney signed Senate Bill 37 into law in May 2023 to make the change. The designation was made to help bring attention to rescue animals in the hope of getting them adopted.

“That just elevates all animals in shelters,” Sara Smith, a Brandywine Valley SPCA spokesperson, said during an adoption event in 2024.

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What are the country’s other state dogs?

Delaware is one of 16 states with official dogs.

• Alaska — Alaskan malamute
• Delaware — rescue dog
• Georgia — adoptable dog
• Louisiana — Catahoula leopard dog
• Maryland — Chesapeake Bay retriever
• Massachusetts — Boston terrier
• New Hampshire — Chinook
• New Jersey — seeing eye dog
• New York — working dogs
• North Carolina — Plott hound
• Pennsylvania — Great Dane
• South Carolina — Boykin spaniel
• Tennessee — bluetick coonhound
• Texas — Blue Lacy
• Virginia — American foxhound
• Wisconsin — American water spaniel