All We Know About Dogs In White House

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Dogs have been a significant part of the US First Family, often symbolizing a loyal companion to the President and watchful protector of his family. Even George Washington - the first US President and one of the most influential political leaders of all time - was a dog lover who kept multiple canines during his presidency. He was also a talented breeder, who created a distinct breed called the black and tan English Foxhounds.

These are some of the Presidential Dogs owned by recent US Presidents with interesting facts about them.


1. Champ, Major And Commander

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46th US President owned two German Shepherds when they first moved into the White House. The older of the two was named Champ was purchased by the Biden family after former President Barack Obama won his first Presidential Election in 2008. Sadly, Champ's stay at the White House was short-lived as he passed away on June 19, 2021, at the age of 12.

Meanwhile, Major, the other German Shepherd, is credited with being the first shelter dog adopted by an incumbent US President. Born in 2018, the seven-year-old is somewhat notorious for its aggressive behavior. After two biting incidents, Major was temporarily removed from the President's residence but returned after receiving training. However, Major was permanently removed after a third puppy was brought.

Commander, Biden's third Presidential dog, turned out to have even more behavioral issues than Major. The dog made headlines in 2023 when it was revealed that the dog has bitten at least 10 Secret Service agents within a year, with a total of 24 incidents reported by the White House staff. Commander was eventually removed and transferred to an undisclosed location on October 5, 2023.

2. Bo And Sunny

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Bo and Sunny were pets of former US President Barack Obama. While both belonged to the same breed, Portuguese Water Dog, Bo was a male dog and Sunny was a female.

Born in 2008, Bo was the only dog of the Obama family during their first presidential term. He was also previously adopted by another family, but he was untimely taken off the home after being unable to live with an old dog.

On the contrary, Sunny didn't arrive at the White House until Obama's second term. The decision to adopt the 2012-born pup came with criticism from the Humane Society,  as Sunny was bought from a breeder and not rescued.

3. Spot Fetcher, Barney And Miss Beazley

Spot Fetcher, Barney And Miss Beazley were three Presidential dogs during George W. Bush's two terms, although the three didn't serve the Bush family at the same time.

Spot Fletcher, an English Springer Spaniel, was the first Presidential Dog, born in 1989. Named after former MLB player Scott Fletcher, Spot was the daughter of another Presidential dog named Millie, a canine owned by George Bush Sr.

Besides Spot, the Bush family owned two more dogs during their stay at the White House: both Scottish Terriers named Barney and Miss Beazley. Barney became a media sensation due to his lively nature and ability to socialize with journalists.

Barney's half-niece Miss Beazley, Bush's third Presidential Dog, was adopted by the family a few weeks before his second presidency. Although Barney passed away in 2013 and Miss Beazley in 2014, the two dogs became immortalized with a bronze sculpture built at the George W Bush Presidential Center representing the canines.

4. Buddy

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A Labrador Retriever by breed, Buddy served as the Presidential dog during the term of Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001. The arrival of Buddy was particularly hard for the family's other pet, a cat named Socks. As a result, they were stationed in different areas of the White House to avoid conflict.

After the end of Clinton's presidency, the dog moved with the family to their home located in New York. Unfortunately, Buddy's life was cut short by a road accident in 2002; the tragedy took place on 2nd January. Although the Secret Service agents guarding the former president's home were quick to take him to an animal hospital, he was declared dead shortly after.

5. Millie

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Millie was a female English Springer Spaniel, named after the Bush family's close friend Mildred Caldwell Kerr. Often considered one of the most famous Presidential dogs, Millie made headlines in 1992 when George H. W. Bush, also known as George Bush Sr, called the dog more intelligent than his political opponents: Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

While it might be hard to believe, Millie is actually a published author, due to her writing credits for the children's book, Millie's Book. When Bush Sr. lost the election for his second presidency, Millie shifted with the family to Maine. She eventually passed away in 1997, but her legacy continues to this day. A dog park, located in Houston, has also honored Millie with a park named after her.

6. Rex And Lucky

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During Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981–1989), two beloved dogs, Rex and Lucky, became members of the First Family. Lucky, a black Bouvier des Flandres, was gifted to Nancy Reagan in December 1984 by a family friend. Named after Nancy’s mother, Edith Luckett Davis, Lucky quickly grew from a tiny puppy to a 70-pound dog.

On the other hand, Rex was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, that was adopted by the former President in 1985. The adoption took place shortly after Lucky was sent to the Reagan ranch in California due to her energetic nature.

Both dogs enjoyed their time at the White House but spent their later years at the Reagan ranch. Lucky passed away in 1995, while Rex lived until 1998.

7. Grits And Lewis Brown

Grits, a mixed-breed puppy, was gifted to Jimmy Carter's daughter Amy Carter in 1977 by her teacher. Named in homage to Carter’s Southern roots, Grits became a symbol of the family-oriented atmosphere of the Carter administration. However, his time in the White House was short-lived. Due to behavioral challenges, Grits was rehomed with a better-suited family.

Meanwhile, the family's second dog, an Afghan Hound named Lewis Brown, joined the Carters later during their tenure. While Lewis did not make as many public appearances as other presidential pets, his presence reflected the family’s love for animals.

8. Liberty And Misty

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During Gerald Ford’s presidency from 1974 to 1977, Liberty and Misty became a part of the First Family. Liberty, a Golden Retriever, was gifted to Ford in 1974 by his daughter Susan as a puppy. The female pup quickly became a White House icon, as she was often seen accompanying the president on walks and lounging in the Oval Office.

Liberty was especially close to President Ford, who often spoke fondly of her. She provided comfort during stressful times, even famously serving as an “escape route” when the president wanted to end lengthy meetings.

Liberty's puppy Misty was born in the White House in 1975; she inherited the gentle personality and charmed everyone with her playful antics. Although Misty’s time in the White House was brief, she symbolized the joy and warmth pets bring to a family.

9. Vicky, Pasha, And King Timahoe

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Richard Nixon's presidency was never free of political challenges, but his best pals Vicky, Pasha, And King Timahoe certainly helped keep his image as clean as possible. A poodle, Vicky was the smartest among the three and quickly became a favorite of First Lady Pat Nixon, often accompanying her on walks around the White House grounds.

The other two, Pasha and King Timahoe were a Yorkshire Terrier and an Irish Setter. Pasha developed a strong friendship with the Nixon daughters, Tricia and Julie.

King Timahoe was perhaps the most iconic of the Nixon dogs. Named after an Irish village linked to Nixon’s heritage, he was a large companion who frequently accompanied the president. Famous for his iconic red coat and playfulness, Timahoe became a beloved figure among staff and visitors.

10. Him And Her, Yuki

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The 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson was a known dog lover. His first two dogs, beagles named Him and Her, became part of the Johnson family before he assumed the presidency. Born in 1963, these two were regular fixtures on the White House lawn, even joining President Johnson during meetings and public appearances.

Him and Her became particularly well-known after a controversial photograph showed Johnson lifting Him by his ears - a moment that drew criticism from animal lovers but also highlighted how the dogs fitted in his daily life. Despite the backlash, the two were beloved to the family.

The third dog Yuki was a mixed-breed dog found by Johnson’s daughter, Luci, at a Texas gas station on Thanksgiving Day in 1966. The dogs stayed in the White House until the end of Johnson’s presidency in 1969. Him and Her passed away during Johnson’s tenure, while Yuki returned to the Johnson ranch in Texas.

Some Facts About Presidential Dogs

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Here are some interesting facts about Presidential Dogs for canine lovers to:

i. 47th US President Doesn't Have A Dog

45th and 47th US President Donald Trump did not have a presidential pet during his first tenure - he doesn't intend to get one this time either. When asked about it, Trump remarked that he didn't feel he had the time to care for a dog and thought it would seem "phony" for him to get one purely for the sake of tradition..

The President did not grow up in a household with pets and does not appear to be particularly fond of animals in general. But, President Trump isn’t the only president to forgo the tradition of having pets in the White House. Besides him, notable US Presidents - including Andrew Johnson, Millard Fillmore, and James K. Polk are some of the few Presidents with no documented pets during their time in office.

ii. Spot Fetcher Was The Only Dog To Live Under Two Presidents

Spotty was born in the White House in 1989, she was the daughter of Millie, the Presidential Dog of late George H. W. Bush. Soon after her birth though, Spotty was adopted by Bush Sr's son and also former US President George W. Bush.

After Bush won the 2000 US Elections, Spotty was taken to the White House again. Fetcher was already a senior dog when she moved to the President's residence with her human family in 2001. She was 14 years old when she suffered a series of life-threatening strokes; the Bush couple was forced to euthanize their beloved pet to ease her suffering.

iii. JFK's Dog Pushinka Was The Daughter Of A Space Dog

Pushinka, a mixed-breed dog, was often considered a symbol of hope for the relationship between the US and Russia during the Cold War era. Born in the Soviet Union in 1960, Pushinka was the offspring of Strelka, a spacefaring dog and one of the first animals to return safely from orbit.

Pushinka entered the Kennedy family in 1961 as a gift from Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to President John F. Kennedy. This gesture of goodwill during a tense period in U.S.-Soviet relations delighted the Kennedys, and Pushinka quickly became a beloved member of the First Family. Though there were initial concerns about Pushinka carrying surveillance devices (prompting a security inspection), she soon settled into life at the White House.

Pushinka bonded with JFK’s Welsh Terrier, Charlie, and their companionship led to the birth of four puppies, nicknamed the "pupniks." After JFK's assassination in 1963, Pushinka continued to live with Jacqueline Kennedy and the children. When the family moved to New York, Pushinka joined them, spending her later years in a loving home.

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