Ohio might be adding a very good boy to its list of state symbols.
A proposed bill, House Bill 539, recognizes the Labrador retriever as the official state dog. If it passes, Ohio will join 12 other states that also have a state dog.
Jeff Rezabek, the Republican representative behind the Ohio bill, told CNN his family has owned several Labs over the years. Since he’s in his final term and doesn’t plan on running for reelection, he wanted to propose a fun bill.
“I saw that the Labrador retriever really embodied all of what Ohio was about,” Rezabek said. “Ohio is the heart of it all and the Labrador is the heart of your home.”
If the bill passes, the Lab will join a list of other Ohio state symbols, such as the state fossil (Isotelus Trilobite) and the state rock song (“Hang on Sloopy”).
Rezabek said his bill has been well received and the American Kennel Club has contacted him to say they support it.
“We hope that [the bill] will be moving forward,” he said.
If so, Ohio will be in good company. Other states that have state dogs:
Alaska: Alaskan Malamute
Delaware: Golden retriever
Louisiana: Catahoula leopard dog
Maryland: Chesapeake Bay retrievers
Massachusetts: Boston terrier
New Hampshire: Chinook
North Carolina: Plott hound
Pennsylvania: Great Dane
South Carolina: Boykin spaniel
Texas: Blue Lacy
Virginia: American foxhound
Wisconsin: American water spaniel
House Bill 539, which was proposed last week, is set for sponsor testimony Tuesday.