Hail to the Paws: Presidential Dogs in the White House

In Samuel Gallu’s 1975 play Give ‘em Hell, Harry, Truman’s character says, "You want a friend in life, get a dog!" While the quote is erroneously credited to the actual President Truman with the saying going something like, “If you want a friend in Washington, DC, get a dog!” the sentiment is still the same. There’s just something about dogs that puts everyone, from kitchen staff to world leaders, at ease and in a good mood despite the current pressing issues of the day. 

The idea of presidential pets living in the White House is as American as apple pie and baseball. Out of all the 46 presidents of the United States, only two have not kept pets while in office, James K. Polk and Donald Trump. The most popular pet kept is a dog, as 34 out of 46 US presidents have owned a dog while living in the White House. However, dogs are just one type of animal. Various presidential pets may surprise you with their diversity and include ponies, bears, eagles, and even a hippo and wallaby. 

Let’s learn about some notable White House dogs that have had the privilege of calling the White House home with the Commander in Chief by their side. 

Dogs in Chief: Presidents and Their Dogs

Throughout American history, presidential dogs have captivated the attention of the nation. There’s never a dull moment when a dog is around, and there’s no exception when it comes to romping around the White House. The First Dogs connect with Americans in special ways. Here are some presidential dogs in the White House that helped humanize the office.  

First Gentleman of Virginia, John Ward Dunsmore

George Washington, American Foxhounds & more

George Washington is considered the father of our country but also the founder of the American Foxhound, one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. George Washington loved to hunt and kept meticulous records of his breeding program utilizing a variety of imported English and French hounds, especially those that were gifts from Marquis de Lafayette. Washington called over 30 American Foxhounds by name in his journals, and it was documented that he had even more throughout his lifetime. Notable names include Sweet Lips, Tipsy, Taster, and Drunkard. As the state dog of Virginia, American Foxhounds are a reminder of its Revolutionary roots as America built its own identity.

Washington’s love of dogs went beyond American Foxhounds. He called Newfoundlands, Dalmatians, Greyhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds,  Spaniels, Toys, and Terriers to make an additional 17 canine companions. 

Franklin Pierce and Japanese Chins, Library of Congress

Franklin Pierce, Japanese Chins

Dogs can serve as gestures given from one country to another. After the closing of a treaty with Japan which opened trade relations, Admiral Perry brought Franklin Pierce seven tiny dogs thought to be Japanese Chins, also called “sleeve dogs” at the time because they fit into a kimono sleeve. President Pierce immediately loved the dogs and gave away all but one to his friends, also high-ranking officials. 

Lincoln's yellow mutt, Fido, 1860, F.W. Ingmire

Abraham Lincoln, Fido, Mutt

Abraham Lincoln developed a close bond with his yellow mixed breed dog, Fido, right before he became president. In the 1850s, it was unusual to treat a dog like a pet as we do in modern times since they were considered more like livestock. Their bond turned heads and caused some disagreements with his wife, Mary Todd, especially when Fido would track his muddy paws throughout their house and sleep on their horsehair sofa.

Fido never actually lived in the White House due to fear his bad manners would disrupt daily life, but his legacy as a beloved presidential pet lived on. He stayed behind in Springfield with a local carpenter. Fido attended Lincoln’s funeral and was recognized by the public, and his photographs and likeness were distributed memorializing Lincoln. Sadly, less than a year after the president was assassinated, Fido succumbed to injuries from a brutal attack. 

Laddie Boy the Airedale Terrier “hosting” the 1923 White House Easter Egg Roll 

Warren G. Harding, Laddie Boy

Presidential pets can serve more roles than just the family dog. Laddie Boy the Airedale Terrier was Warren G. Harding’s faithful pooch and served as the embodiment of Harding’s campaign slogan, “Return to Normalcy.” Laddie would “write” letters to children, fetch golf balls out on the links, had free reign of the White House grounds, and even sat in a hand-carved seat at Cabinet meetings.

When Harding was on his deathbed, it was said that Laddie Boy howled for three days knowing something was not right. After his passing and when First Lady Florence Harding’s health was failing, she gave Laddie Boy to live with Secret Service agent Harry Barker who took care of him for the rest of his lifetime. Laddie Boy was one of the first First Dogs to be covered by the news media and became a beloved White House fixture. 

Rob Roy and First Lady Grace Coolidge, Howard Chandler Christy, 1924

Calvin Coolidge, dogs everywhere

Grace and Calvin Coolidge kept so many animals at the White House that he could have had his own National Zoo on the grounds. The Coolidge dogs over time included Collies, a Shetland Sheepdog, a German Shepherd, an Airedale Terrier, two Chow Chows, a Boston bulldog, and more. Rob Roy, a white Collie, was a favorite of First Lady Coolidge and rarely left her side, even attending tea parties. President Coolidge wrote that Rob Roy was “a stately gentleman of great courage and fidelity” in his autobiography. Rob Roy is also the first (and only) dog to be featured in an official White House portrait of First Lady Coolidge, which currently hangs in the China Room. 

Pushinka slides down Caroline and John John’s White House playhouse slide

John F. Kennedy, a dog menagerie

John F. Kennedy and Jaqueline Kennedy (Onassis) kept a variety of dogs during their tenure in the White House along with a menagerie of animals, including horses, birds, hamsters, and more. The majority of their dogs were gifts from various dignitaries: Charlie the Welsh Terrier from Joseph P. Kennedy, Pushinka the mutt from Premier Nikita Khrushchev, Shannon the Cocker Spaniel from the Barry Family in Ireland, and Wolf the Irish Wolfhound from Father Thomas Kennedy in Ireland. They also kept Clipper the German Shepherd.

Charlie and Pushinka had a litter of mixed breed puppies that delighted Americans whom they called “pupniks” since Pushinka’s mother went into space on Sputnik 2. Traphes Bryant, Kennel Manager and electrician, trained the lively mutt to climb up daughter Caroline’s playhouse ladder and slide down with tasty peanuts. 

President Richard Nixon and Pat Nixon Walking Their Dogs at Camp David, 11/21/1972

Richard Nixon’s trio of dogs & Checkers

Richard and Pat Nixon owned three dogs and were very much a “dog family.” Pasha the Yorkshire Terrier and Vicky the Miniature Poodle belonged to their daughters, and Irish Setter King Timahoe, who understood Spanish commands, joined them during their time in the White House. They lived in a posh dog run that featured a heated doghouse behind the West Wing with three separate suites, one per dog, and were often found napping in the Oval Office. The dogs played an important part in softening Nixon’s harsh image, making him appear more relatable to Americans. 

One of the most famous dogs tied to the presidency without living in the White House was Checkers the Cocker Spaniel. Before becoming president, Nixon ran into allegations of campaign fund impropriety and went on television to defend himself. Taking after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech where he shared an anecdote about sending a destroyer to rescue his left-behind dog, Fala, Nixon said he insisted he would keep Checkers, a gift from a supporter, with the intention of grabbing viewers’ emotions as a distraction. Nowadays, a “Checkers speech” is a political speech catering to emotions rather than containing any material substance. Checkers lived with the Nixon family until he died four years before they moved into the White House. 

Lucky tries to fit on President Reagan’s lap on the way to Camp David in Marine One

Ronald Reagan, Lucky, Bouvier des Flandres & Rex, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

While White House dogs live in the lap of luxury, some large dogs think they belong in the President and First Lady’s laps despite weighing 70 pounds. First Lady Reagan received a Bouvier des Flandres she named Lucky after her mother from a 6-year-old girl with Spina Bifida who was the poster child for the March of Dimes, Kristen Ellis. Lucky loved to snuggle on Reagan’s lap on Marine One during trips to Camp David so much that she associated the helicopter with trips to her favorite place, running toward the copter with excitement when she saw it parked. Eventually, Lucky grew too big for the White House and moved back to California.

Their other dog, Rex, was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who joined them on Christmas as a gift from Ronald to Nancy and was named after White House Chief Usher, Rex Scouten. Rex formerly lived with commentator William F. Buckley who had Rex’s brother, Fred. Rex enjoyed a long life, moving back to California with them after Reagan’s presidential term ended.  

Barak Obama, Portuguese Water Dogs Bo & Sunny 

The White House welcomed the first Portuguese Water Dogs to live there with Bo and Sunny. Bo was a gift to Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, after he promised the girls they could get a dog after his campaign was over despite the outcome. Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic dogs suitable for Malia’s allergies and are eager to please, athletic, and affectionate, perfect for a busy, active White House environment.

Bo and Sunny were regular family dogs despite a packed schedule of presidential duties. Obama would take breaks and play with the dogs on the lawn, and Bo climbed up in Michelle’s lap while reading to an audience of children during a Christmas event. Bo and Sunny enjoyed a visible place in American culture, appearing at several official events and even as guests on talk shows. Sadly, Bo passed away from cancer on May 8, 2021.

Joe Biden, German Shepherds, Major and Champ

Joe and Jill Biden arrived at the White House on January 20, 2021 with Major the German Shepherd in tow, the first adopted shelter dog to live in the White House. Later that December, Champ the German Shepherd joined the family. He was named after advice Biden’s father gave him when he said, "Any time you get knocked down, champ, get up!" Biden had little stuffed animals of Champ made that he would give to visitors. Champ loved chasing golf balls on the Lawn and visiting people during important meetings.

Unfortunately, Major bit two people despite receiving training to help him live in a busy White House and now lives in a more quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle. This move received some criticism even though several previous presidents have made the same decision. Champ sadly passed away, and the White House is without a permanent pet for now.