Pennsylvania State Dog
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Picture courtesy of Chantel O. Johnson and her site can be found here.
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The Great Dane (Canis familiaris) became the official State dog of Pennsylvania by an
Act of the General Assembly approved on August 15, 1965. The Great Dane originated in Germany but was bred and improved upon in England.
Portions of the preamble of this legislation are printed below: WHEREAS, the Great Dane is prominently depicted in the Governor's reception room painting by Pennsylvania artist Violet Oakley as the "Best Friend" of the founder of this Commonwealth, William Penn; and WHEREAS, the Great Dane came from England just as did William Penn; and WHEREAS, the Great Dane represents both the great hunting and industrial parts of Pennsylvania, having begun as a hunting breed just as Pennsylvania began as a hunting Commonwealth, later also becoming a leading working breed, just as Pennsylvania became a leading working Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, the physical and other attributes of the Great Dane, to wit: size, strength, beauty, intelligence, tolerance, courage, faithfulness, trustworthiness and stability exemplify those of Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, naming an official dog of the Commonwealth would recognize the steadfast service and loyal devotion of all dogs in Pennsylvania. When you visit the Governor's Reception Room in Harrisburg, there is a portrait of William Penn with his Great Dane. The Great Dane was a hunting and working breed in early frontier Pennsylvania. The choice of State Dog is also unusual pertaining to the vote that approved it. When the Speaker of the House called for a voice vote to designate the Great Dane, yips, growls and barks assaulted his ears from every part of the chamber! With a rap of his gavel, the Speaker confirmed that the "arfs have it" and the "Barking Dog Vote" entered its place in legislative history. The Great Dane came from England just as did William Penn, the founder of this Commonwealth. |
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