GREAT DANE - OFFICIAL STATE DOG
                 Act of Aug. 17, 1965, P.L. 331, No. 178              Cl. 71
                                  AN ACT

     Selecting, designating and adopting the Great Dane as the
        official dog of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

        Whereas, the dog has faithfully and voluntarily performed
     invaluable physical, psychological and economic service to
     mankind as guardian of home and industry, companion to youth and
     aged, hunter, herder, hauler, guide to the blind and
     indispensable aid to our armed forces on the battlefront until
     he is today known as "Man's Best Friend"; and
        Whereas, the Great Dane is prominently depicted in the
     Governor's reception room painting by Pennsylvania artist Violet
     Oakley as the "Best Friend" of the founder of this Commonwealth,
     William Penn; and
        Whereas, the Great Dane came from England just as did William
     Penn and later was further developed by Germany just as was
     Pennsylvania by the "Pennsylvania Dutch"; and
        Whereas, the Great Dane has held a consistent and honored
     position in many other foreign countries as well as throughout
     the United States, thereby further typifying the varied peoples
     who have contributed to the greatness of this Commonwealth and
     Nation; and
        Whereas, the Great Dane represents both the great hunting and
     industrial parts of Pennsylvania, having begun as a hunting
     breed just as Pennsylvania began as a hunting Commonwealth,
     later also becoming a leading working breed, just as
     Pennsylvania became a leading working Commonwealth; and
        Whereas, the outline of the Great Dane's head resembles the
     outline of the Commonwealth's boundaries; and
        Whereas, the Great Dane is known as the King of his species,
     just as Pennsylvania's State Bird is known as the King of its
     species; and
        Whereas, the physical and other attributes of the Great Dane,
     to wit: size, strength, beauty, intelligence, tolerance,
     courage, faithfulness, trustworthiness and stability exemplify
     those of Pennsylvania; and
        Whereas, naming an official dog of the Commonwealth would
     recognize the steadfast service and loyal devotion of all dogs
     in Pennsylvania and provide a symbol of the great Home side of
     Pennsylvania; and
        Whereas, naming the Great Dane would pay tribute to
     internationally known Pennsylvania, artist, Violet Oakley, for
     her historic works which beautify the entire Capitol; therefore

        The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     hereby enacts as follows:

        Section 1.  The Great Dane is hereby selected, designated and
     adopted as the official dog of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
        Section 2.  This act shall take effect immediately.