South Carolina designated the boykin spaniel as official state dog in 1985. Known for their mild temperament and highly regarded as pets or hunting dogs, the boykin spaniel was originally bred for South Carolina hunters by South Carolinians.

Ten states recognize official canine symbols:

State dogs - Louisiana: Catahoula leopard dog, Maryland: Chesapeake Bay retriever, Massachusetts: Boston terrier, Pennsylvania: great Dane, Texas: blue lacy, South Carolina: Boykin spaniel, North Carolina: Plott hound, Virginia: American fox hound, Wisconsin: American water spaniel, and Alaska - the Alaskan malamute (Alaska also designates dog mushing as the state sport).

Source:

South Carolina Symbols: SC Official Website
The State Dog - Boykin Spaniel: South Carolina Legislature

Links:

All State Animals - Mammals

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