Official birds, trees, and mottos, among other things, have been adopted by states across the country to express what each region holds dear to the surrounding world.
For California, the grizzly proudly adorns the state flag and was recognized as the official state animal in 1953. The profile of the California quail, the state bird, can be found at trailheads, official coins, and signs statewide.
The state’s official fabric is perhaps more identifiable as “Californian” to outsiders: denim. Levi’s jeans are not only the clothing synonymous with the gold rush and the miners, but the “Levi’s look” has come to define California style no matter where they are seen.
But what about a state dog?
The pampered puppy recently polled 3,000 people to find out their favorite breed if they had the opportunity to vote for an official state dog.
According to Pampered Pup, about two-thirds of American households, or about 65 million people, own dogs. It is therefore surprising that only 13 states have official dogs.
After all, dogs are often lovingly referred to as “man’s best friend.”
The results for California? With the Labrador Retriever and the Border Collie right behind, Californians have opted for the Goldendoodle.
As a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, the Goldendoodle combines the intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature of both breeds. With their playful and sociable personalities, Goldendoodles make wonderful pets and thrive in the vibrant and active communities of California.
Additionally, their adaptability to diverse environments and love for outdoor activities aligns with the state’s diverse landscapes, from coastal beaches to mountainous regions.
“The poll results reflect more than just a favorite race; they showcase the depth of the connections between the races and their historical context within each state,” said Zach Lovatt of The pampered puppy. “Each pick tells a story of the state, its history, its culture and its people. We believe that each breed of dog has a unique charm and character that matches the diversity of the American spirit.”