Fun fact: The only public diamond mine in the world is in the State of Arkansas. The Crater of Diamonds is the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, and that brings people from all over the world to Murfreesboro, Arkansas.

Here’s another fun fact: The fabulous Labrador Retriever has finally gotten its due. This past April (2025), Arkansas officially designated the Labrador Retriever as its state dog when Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill into law, making Arkansas the first state to adopt the Labrador Retriever as an official state symbol.

The bill to designate the Labrador Retriever as the official canine of Arkansas was filed as House Bill 1886 (HB1886) on March 20, 2025. The lead sponsor was Representative Shad Pearce (R-Batesville), and Senator David Wallace (R-19) served as the primary sponsor in the Senate. The bill passed the House with overwhelming support (93 yeas, one nay, and six not voting),  and in the Senate, it also passed easily, with 32 yeas, two nays, and one present.

It was an easy passage: The Labrador Retriever is popular in Arkansas with a strong association with duck hunting, a major part of Arkansas culture.  During the legislative session, however, Senator Tyler Dees did point out (with tongue in cheek) that his Pekinese was disappointed not to be chosen.  He joked that after putting his Pekinese through field trials, they couldn’t get the dog off the porch into the rain, while a Labrador would jump at the chance to go outside.