Posted on Sep 14, 2007 - 02:09 PM
State Dog Of South Carolina
Okay no, that is not the state dog, though she very well should be! That is a Zoey but I digress (and plug my dog shamelesslly). But I am about to impart a vital fact about South Carolina: the state dog. Now, if you were like myself you had not clue that states bothered to select something as dare I say, crucial, as a state dog. In fact I was under the distinct impression that all dogs were created equal and that the state mandated insanity only seeped as far as trees, flags, and birds. But nay, as usual I was sorely mistaken. So no without further adieu I bring you…the state dog: the Boykin Spaniel.
After extensive additional research I was able to uncover the following rich Carolinian Boykin history.
The Boykin Spaniel was introduced to South Carolina in the early 1900’s and bred specifically for hunting ducks and wild turkeys in the Wateree (ha get it watery!) River Swamp. Bred for it’s rugged durability, compact size, and ability to retrieve L.W. “Whit” Boykin began to experiment with the breed this multipurpose companion. Originally believed to be a spaniel stray named “Dumpy” (yeah Dumpy) the scrappy dog became father to the South Carolinian dog we know and love today. Even tempered and a hunting dog to the core, Boykins are loved and reared throughout South Carolina. As part of Act No. 31, 1985 (a vital use of tax money and time) Boykin’s everywhere became the treasured state dog.
In case you crave other pointless trivia other vital state statistics include our state:
Nickname: aptly the Palmetto State (replacing the absurd Iodine State in previous years important acts of congress) apparently someone noticed the palm trees.
Flag: After succeeding from the Union in 1860 South Carolina needed a flag and after a range of design suggestions and flaws decided upon the flag we all know and love today but only after a fierce and overwhelming fight against a group of individuals who desired it to be purple instead of rich navy blue. Despite many people’s specific belief that this is the state flag, South Carolina has maintained the Palmetto Moon yet continues to maintain disbelief at the loss of the Revolutionary War.
Dance: The Shag, which is insurmountably popular here though I had never heard of Shag Music until I moved to Myrtle Beach. There’s even a special dance required check it out!
Fruit: Peach. What is this Georgia?
Amphibian: (yes, I know it may be ridiculous but if Wyoming has a state amphibian so must we) Spotted Salamander.
State Game Bird: Wild Turkey, oddly enough this is also the State beverage. Okay, just kidding the state beverage is Milk. But I like my idea better!
And to be honest there’s tons more, but I think that is all the South Carolina Trivia my little brain can handle! Unfortunately now that I reside in South Carolina congress is taking a great amount to time, money, and consideration and is leaning towards naming Zoey as the new South Carolinian dog despite Boykins holding a fond memory in our hearts.. Don’t forget to contact Mark Sanford with the new State dog majority though! (Zoey loves long walks on the beach, palmettos, wild turkeys, and South Carolina in general. She is American bred and born and 100% mutt. She is adorably cute and has flourished since residing in South Carolina due definitely to Myrtle Beach’s salty air and distinct sunshine. Zoey does not like the so called “Palmetto bug” AND so far that is her only complaint about South Carolina itself.)
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