Sorry, Dorothy: Toto Gets the Axe as Kansas’ Official State Dog

Time ^ | March 14, 2012 | Erica Ho

[Altariel]

Toto won’t be following the yellow brick road to become Kansas’ official state dog anytime soon.

We’re not sure what Dorothy would think, but a bill that would make the cairn terrier — the breed featured as Toto in The Wizard of Oz — top dog in the state’s ensemble was effectively killed. It must be a dog-eat-dog state out there.

The animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was unhappy with the proposed bill, raising concerns over the effect on Kansas puppy mills. If the cairn terrier was made state dog, it might cause the mills to “churn out litter after litter of the breed.”

The movement for an official state dog only started in late January. Representative Ed Trimmer, who originally introduced the bill, says he plans on introducing it again next year. The state already has an official state reptile, a state bird, a the state insect and a state amphibian.

Brenda Moore, who works with the South Central Kansas Kennel Club, told the Kansas City Star that “There are a lot of dog lovers out there who would like to see Kansas have a state dog.” We’re sure you can also add Dorothy’s name to the list.

[Joe 6-pack]

In as much as the Greyhound Hall of Fame is located in Abilene, KS, that would seem the most logical choice to me.

[Altariel]

Try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_(dog)

[the OlLine Rebel]

That’s curious, too. Do they have many tracks? I think of Florida when I think Greyhounds. I was shocked to find CT had GH tracks when I moved there.

[brytlea]

Thank you, I think I must have not cut quite all of it. Silly old fingers! Maybe my dog was typing. :) Well, here is this and I think this IS a cairn...

[Joe 6-pack]

Dog racing used to be pretty big in KS. When I was first assigned to Ft. Riley, there was a billboard when I first entered KS announcing, "World's Fastest Canine - Abilene, KS".

I went there, and he was stuffed.

Actually, this is pretty interesting: History of Greyhound Racing in Kansas

[Realman30]

Toto was paid more than the Munchkins, Plus, had a dressing room.

[the OlLine Rebel]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Cairn that dark, even at shows (been ages). Maybe it’s just the lighting!

[the OlLine Rebel]

That’s more like it! LOL

[brytlea]

There was a link with small swatches of coat colors and the dark brindle did look that dark. It may not be a popular or preferred color. I don’t see them very often, and I have to admit when I think of cairn, Toto pops into my head first. I’ve seen that darned movie too many times. :)

[momtothree]

Cairns come in many colors... reds, blacks (like Toto), brindles, wheatens (blondes like mine) and even somewhat a mix. They are super dogs. Cairns are essentially “colored” Westies.