Kansas Lawmaker Pushing ‘Toto’ Breed as Official State Dog

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas has a state bird, song, tree and nearly every other kind of animal, vegetable or mineral you can imagine. Now, one lawmaker wants to add an official state dog to the list.

According to a report in the Wichita Eagle, Kansas State Rep. Ed Trimmer, a Democrat from Winfield, has introduced a bill that would make the Cairn Terrier – made famous by “Toto” in the “The Wizard of Oz” – the official state dog of Kansas.

Brenda Moore of the South Central Kansas Kennel Club is pushing for the bill, telling The Eagle that the breed was chosen for its memorable role in the movie that made the state famous.

““Cairn terriers have a gusto for life. They are very smart and very loyal, although they can be a little bit of a digger – like all terriers can,” Moore told The Eagle. ““I’ve lived in Kansas all my life. I am a middle-aged woman and would like to say I’ve done something great for my state before I am dead and gone. I’m hoping this will go through.”

Trimmer said that he knows the state faces serious issues, and doesn’t want to spend a lot of time on the bill. But he adds that the bill was important to his constituents.

“Our constituents and their issues are very important to them and that’s why I introduced it for them,” said Trimmer. “If we are going to have a state dog, I think that (the Cairn Terrier) is the appropriate choice.”