Among North Carolina frankfurter aficionados, the state’s signature bright red hot dog is a thing of pride and beauty.

Not every state has an official dog. In fact, less than half of the United States have assigned a breed. However, North Carolina, along with several other Southern states, do have chosen dog breeds.

Ripken the bat dog, a black labrador retriever who ... Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC ...