An official website of the State of Georgia.
We all love our dogs like members of our own family. They provide immediate fun and greet us at the door with more joy than anyone else in our homes. Strangely, there's been some compelling findings on people actually looking like their dogs. Some photographers have caught on, and have done hilarious photoshoots that make humans and dogs look like siblings. So what if Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites were dogs? We've compiled a list matching our parks with different breeds. Can you guess each one?
- General Coffee
-
Australian Shepherd
A representative farm of the wiregrass agricultural history of Georgia, General Coffee State Park is a unique place to learn about the farming practices of Georgia in the late 19th century. Which dog is best for herding goats, sheep, and donkeys? The Australian Shepherd. They are an intelligent breed of dog, and are great at outsmarting livestock on the farm. While you may not see an Australian Shepherd on your next trip to General Coffee, there are plenty of other animals for you to pet, feed and take selfies with while exploring the grounds.
- Richard B. Russell
-
Border Collie
With a 27-hole disc-golf course, Richard B. Russell is our favorite Georgia State Park for banging some chains with your furry best friend. And no dog loves frisbees more than the border collie. Since the start of the World Frisbee Dog championships in 1975, a border collie has won the title more than any other breed. The disc golf course at Richard B. Russell is open daily and requires a $4 fee per round to play.
- FD Roosevelt, Little White House
-
Scottish Terrier
There is not a more famous presidential dog than Fala the Scottish Terrier, President FD Roosevelt's favorite four-legged companion. Fala was known as a friendly dog and he traveled across the world with the President, including on ships like the USS Baltimore. At the Little White House, visitors can tour the home where FDR would stay while treating his polio at Warm Springs. Be sure to ask the tour guides about the relationship between FDR and his dog and purchase Fala merchandise from the gift shop.
- Seminole
-
Portugese Water Dog
Lake Seminole has some of the best fishing in the Georgia. The Portugese Water Dog was bred to heard fish into fishermen's nets off the coast of Portugal and along the other fishing towns and cities throughout the Atlantic ocean. We don't necessarily recommend letting your pooch swim in the water (watch out for gators), but Seminole State Park is a perfect base camp for your next fishing adventure.
- Fort Mountain
-
Dalmatian
Atop Fort Mountain's highest point sits a stone fire tower built by the CCC in the 1930's. Fire lookouts would be assigned to spot smoke caused by wildfires. They determine the location of the fires using an Osborne Fire Finder, and would radio their local firefighters in the valley below. So which dog is synonymous with firefighters? The dalmatian of course! Interestingly, Dalmatians are known as the fire fighting dog because they would clear the way in front of horse-drawn fire equipment carriages in the late 19th century.
- Cloudland Canyon
-
Bichon Frise
Name a dog that looks more like a cloud. The Bichon Frise is the softest creature we could find. However, as soft as the name Cloudland Canyon may sound, the trails themselves are not easy. To view the waterfalls, hikers must brave 600 hundred of stairs to reach the valley below. Bichon Frises and other dogs are allowed, but the grated stairs might not feel great on their paws. We recommend softly petting your cloud-dog and looking out at the views from a park bench along the overlook trail.
- Hamburg
-
German Shepherd
This park was named after the other Hamburg: Hamburg, South Carolina. It was a popular trade location with the grist mill that operated at Hamburg State Park. However, Hamburg, South Carolina was named after the German city we all recognize, and for that reason we have to align this state park with the German Shepherd. Fun fact: German Shepherds are the second most registered breed by the American Kennel Club. Another Fun Fact: Hamburg State Park might be the second most remote Georgia State Park (behind Stephen C. Foster), making it a peaceful place to stretch out and relax by the lake.
- Black Rock Mountain
-
Tibetan Mastiff
A dog meant for the high altitudes, the Tibetan Mastiff is the perfect match for Georgia's highest state park, Black Rock Mountain. This dog was bred to protect monasteries in mountainous nations like Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia. At Black Rock Mountain State Park, the rangers protect the grounds rather than dogs, but it is an awesome spot to take your dog for a hike. Be on the lookout for large North Geogia dogs AKA black bears.
- Fort King George
-
English Setter
Fort King George State Historic Site is a reconstructed English Fort on the coast of present day Darien. And because of the site's English roots, Fort King George is the English Setter. Fort King George was occupied by British troops from 1721-1736 and it is the oldest British outpost in Georgia. The English Setter is one of the oldest dog breeds on this list. Records go back to as far as the 16th century of English people breeding these dogs for bird hunting.
- Mistletoe
-
Reindeer
You know why.
