Arkansas Officially Goes to the Dogs! Adopting Its First State Dog

I've often wondered why 14 states in the United States have designated state dogs, but Arkansas doesn't. Well, not anymore! Arkansas lawmakers wrapped up their 2025 Legislative Session by passing a new bill that makes the Labrador retriever the official canine of Arkansas.

Arkansas Has a New State Dog - The Labrador Retriever

According to a report from 5NEWS, HB1886 passed the Senate first with 32 yeas, two nays, and one present vote. Then it was sent to the House floor, where it passed with 93 yeas, one nay, and six non-voting.

Why a Labrador Retriever Was Chosen

Arkansas is the first state to adopt the Labrador retriever because of its popularity, gentle nature with families, hunting, which is a big deal in the Natural State, and its love of water. Recently, the Mallard Duck was adopted as the state duck.

Senate member Tyler Dees of (R) Siloam Springs claimed that his Pekinese dog was upset because it was not chosen. Lead sponsor Rep. Shad Pearce(R) of Batesville responded jokingly by saying, after putting his Pekinese through field trials, they couldn't get the Pekinese dog off the porch into the rain while the Labrador jumped at the chance with no problem. However, he did say his dog was rather intelligent and cute. That comment didn't sway the vote from Dees, who went on to vote.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the new law on April 18. So, I guess you can look at it this way: if you have a Labrador retriever living in Arkansas, you now have a state dog. How cool is that?

😍Did you know about these other state symbols in Arkansas?

😍Do you know the official state dog of Texas?

Get our free mobile app