Denied! Toto breed won’t become Kansas’ state dog

Proposal centered on pup from ‘Wizard of Oz’ fame fizzled out in House committee

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Image: Dorothy and Toto from "The Wizard of Oz"

MGM

What a nice little dog: In the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," Toto the dog was played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry, here with Judy Garland, who played Dorothy.

By Laura T. Coffey

TODAY contributor

updated 3/14/2012 2:52:25 PM ET

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Toto, do you have a feeling you’re not in a Kansas legislative spat anymore? That’s, um, because you’re not.

Much like the Wicked Witch of the West, a proposal to make the famed “Wizard of Oz” dog breed the state dog of Kansas melted away this week. Democratic state Rep. Ed Trimmer had introduced a bill to make Toto’s breed, the Cairn Terrier, an official state symbol, but the bill died in a House committee on Monday.

Slideshow: Top 10 dog breeds in America (on this page)

Trimmer said he’ll likely reintroduce the bill next year.

“We had great responses from kids,” Trimmer told The Wichita Eagle. “And, I think this will give me a chance to go into the classrooms and visit with them, let them know this is part of the learning process and sometimes when you ask the first time, and the answer is no, you have to learn how to ask again. If it is something you want, you have to be persistent.”

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, strongly opposed the legislation on the grounds that it would encourage puppy mills in Kansas “to churn out as many puppies as possible to meet the new demand for a ‘Toto.’ ”

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Brenda Moore, the obedience chairwoman with the South Central Kansas Kennel Club who first suggested the state dog idea to Trimmer, said Kansas’ puppy mill operators have been facing tougher penalties in recent years.

“We want people to know that dog breeders are responsible people and that if we do get a state dog, we will not capitalize on it,” Moore told The Wichita Eagle. “I don’t think Kansas should be labeled a puppy mill state anymore. ... There are a lot of dog lovers out there who would like to see Kansas have a state dog.”

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Need a Coffey break? Friend TODAY.com writer Laura T. Coffey on Facebook, follow her on Twitteror read more of her stories at LauraTCoffey.com.

Photos: Top 10 dog breeds in America

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Related story Top 10 dog breeds in America

America’s top dogs
Which breeds are the top contenders for man’s best friend? The American Kennel Club ranks the most popular pups of the year.

Shih Tzu
While sweet and playful, Shih Tzus are not afraid to stand up for themselves. As a matter of fact, the word Shih Tzu means "lion" in Mandarin. This portable pooch carries itself proudly, with its head well up and tail curved over the back.

Cherished by Chinese royals for more than a thousand years, the Shih Tzu was the prized house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty. During World War II, English soldiers discovered the breed and its popularity spread around the world. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
9. Poodle
The poodle holds the record for being the most popular dog for 22 consecutive years (1960-1982). Though the breed’s elaborately groomed show coat often creates the misperception that it’s a pampered aristocrat, the poodle is actually one of the high achievers of the canine world.

The stylish “poodle clip” seen in dog shows was designed by hunters to help the breed move through the water more efficiently. In fact, the English word "poodle" comes from the German pudel or pudelin, which means “to splash in water.” (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related slideshow Pampered pooches

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8. Dachshund
The breed lovingly known as the “wiener dog” has a strong personality with a dose of charm and a playful sense of humor. They can adapt to city or country life and can get all the exercise they need exploring a small yard in the suburbs or playing with other dogs in the dog park.

Dachshunds, meaning “badger dogs” in German, were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany with the goal of creating a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a burrow and eliminate the badgers for the farmers. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
7. Boxer
Easy to care for, intelligent, and faithful, the boxer is an affectionate and trustworthy pet for an active family. Boxers are known for standing up on their hind legs and batting at their opponent, appearing to box with itheir front paws.

People began importing them to America from Germany after World War I, and they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930s. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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6. Bulldog
The bulldog has been steadily rising up the list of AKC’s most popular breeds since it entered the Top 10 in 2007. A medium-size dog, they are not your typical lapdog, but would like to be! Bulldogs are calm, loyal family dogs that are happy to curl up on the sofa, eat two or three square meals a day, and have their bellies rubbed.

Said to have originated in the British Isles, the name "bull" was applied because of the dog’s connection with bull-baiting. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
5. Golden retriever
Slipping one place to fifth, golden retrievers are well-balanced, strong, active dogs with a kind expression, a gentle manner and an alert and self-confident disposition. They are intelligent, friendly and reliable, with an innate need to please their owners.

The breed originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and the dogs were used predominantly for hunting. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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4. Beagle
The beagle is the only breed to rank in the Top 10 every decade since the founding of the AKC. Originally developed to hunt rabbits, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses – which can lead to some mischief.

Beagles like to vocalize. In fact, the origin of the name "beagle" may have been derived from the French term "be’geule," referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game. The most famous beagle of all, Snoopy, was named the American Kennel Club’s “most popular dog in pop culture” in 2009. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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3. Yorkshire terrier
These playful dogs offer owners a big personality in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, this breed is terrierlike by nature — brave, determined, investigative and energetic. Yorkies are highly favored apartment dogs and lapdogs; they are very energetic as puppies and tend to be quiet and settled as adults.

In 19th century Yorkshire, England, Yorkies caught rats for workers in cloth mills. The breed’s coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must have spun their coats in the factories. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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2. German shepherd
Celebrated for their versatility, distinguished for their intelligence, and beloved for their devotion to their owners, German shepherds are active dogs that love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses.

Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, German shepherds also serve as guide dogs for the blind, guardians, and search-and-rescue dogs. However, they are best known for serving as devoted family friend and protector. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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1. Labrador retriever
In 1991, Labrador retrievers took over the top spot on AKC’s list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. from the cocker spaniel, and today celebrate their 20th anniversary in the top spot.

These gentle animals are happiest when with their owners, and require attention and love as much as food and water. Labs are high-energy, action-oriented dogs and can become easily bored without proper training and exercise – ideal for an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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