Delaware On The Brink Of Having An Official State Dog

DOVER, De. (CBS) -- Delaware has an official state flower and now, it could have an official state dog.

The Delaware House is set to vote on a bill naming the Golden Retriever as the official state dog.

Lawmakers say the Golden Retriever is a great choice because of it's intelligence and friendliness. Also, it's love for hunting and ability to be trained for search and rescue work.

12 states in the nation have designated an official state dog. Maryland became the first state to do so when they named the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as their state dog in 1964. Pennsylvania followed the year after naming the Great Dane as the state's official dog.

New Jersey does not have one.

In:
• Pets