Virginia designated the American foxhound as the official state dog in 1966. Known for a sweet, kind, loyal disposition, the American foxhound requires ample exercise - a bored foxhound will find ways to keep itself entertained, often including destructive behavior (not a dog that should be left alone indoors for extended periods of time). As with all hounds, foxhounds need careful training and constant socialization. American foxhounds come in four colors: red, tri, black and tan, and blue.

American foxhounds were developed in colonial times by landed gentry purely for the sport of hunting foxes. Today there are several different strains of American foxhound (including Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July and Penn-Marydel) that differ in appearance but are all recognized as members of the same breed.

10 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: Alaskan Malamute (dog mushing is also the state sport of Alaska).

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All State Animals - Mammals