A Border Collie stares deeply the camera, muddy after a daily excursion to play or her cattle. Photo credit to stevelancaster on Pixabay.
A year ago today, the Clypian covered the attempt for the Newfoundland to be named as Oregon’s state dog; this year, two resolutions in the Oregon State Legislature name Border Collies and shelter dogs up for the title. A Senate Concurrent Resolution calls for the border collie, while one in the House nominates shelter dogs, sponsored by Rep. David Gomberg, D-Central Coast, on the behalf of the Oregon Humane Society.
Gromberg has worked with the Humane Society for years, and accepted the sponsorship readily. He himself has two rescued Samoyeds and four cats. Shelter dogs would supposedly represent Oregon’s “resilience, diversity, and love of the outdoors,” according to the original StatesmanJournal article.
Meanwhile, the Senate resolution is sponsored by Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena, as requested by Ron Folck, an Eastern Oregon rancher. Folck was behind a similar push in 2011 for the Border Collie to be state dog. He believes the breed would represent Oregon’s past, present, and agricultural future, specifically citing “their strong work ethic and extraordinary ability to herd livestock.”
Some are annoyed at this struggle over a decision, claiming that the legislature’s time should be preoccupied with more important matters.
The American Kennel Club lists the Border Collie as the 39th most popular dog breed in the country, with reference to their affectionate, energetic, and remarkably smart personality. The breed is “Remarkably smart workaholics; not averse to a good cuddle.”
For anyone looking to adopt a shelter dog, there are over 20 available at the Willamette Humane Society, not including the several available at the Marion County Dog Control. Prices vary at the Humane Society depending on age, while the dog control has a solid fee of $175. More dogs can be found by searching through AdoptAPet, or Petfinder.
Eleven states already have state dogs; Alaska has the Alaskan malamute, Louisiana the Catahoula leopard dog, and Texas the blue lacy. Past dog breeds suggested for Oregon include labrador retrievers, the most plentiful dogs withing Oregon limits, welsh corgis, and German shepherds.
Alaska Alaskan malamute
Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog
Maryland Chesapeake Bay retriever
Massachusetts Boston terrier
New Hampshire Chinook
North Carolina Plott hound
Oregon to be determined
Pennsylvania Great Dane
South Carolina Boykin spaniel
Texas Blue lacy
Virginia American foxhound
Wisconsin American water spaniel
