Lawmakers favor Golden Retriever as Delaware's state dog

DOVER, Del. -- Delaware has an official state flower, a state tree, a state fish and a state bird. Now, it could soon have an official state canine.

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

The bill to be voted on Tuesday outlines a host of attributes for the Golden Retriever, such as its intelligence and friendliness, its love for hunting, and its ability to be trained for search and rescue work.

But lovers of other canine breeds should not despair. If passed, the bill making the Golden Retriever Delaware's official dog would expire one year after enactment. That would open the doggie door for fans of other breeds to seek the state's official imprimatur.