Presidential Dogs in the White House

"You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog," said Harry S. Truman, the 33rd  U. S. president, who apparently didn't have friend, because he didn't get a dog, at least not while he was in the White House.  But plenty of other POTUS made room for the first DOTUS. Thirty-two of forty-four presidents had dogs.

Although Lincoln is know more for feline affection, he had a very spoiled dog named Fido who had his own horsehair sofa. Read a post about Fido here.

JFK may have had the most dogs while in the White House - fourteen.

Welsh Terrier Charlie

The most famous presidential dog was Fala Roosevelt, a Scottish Terrier.  Fala and the President were constant companions.  The press turned the dog into a media darling. Who wouldn't snap this picture?

And of course there's Bo'bama.  The President is trying to be a dog person, but he still has a lot to learn.

Bo'Bama and the President 

Warren G. Harding's Airedale, Laddie Boy,  sat in his own chair during cabinet meetings.  The Hardings threw birthday parties for their dogs.  

Teddy Roosevelt had lots of dogs, but he's most well known for his little rat terriers.

Jack with one of the Roosevelt children

Calvin and Grace Coolidge were frequently photographed with their canine menagerie. This is the Coolidge family with Rob Roy and Prudence Prim.

Herbert Hoover loved German Shepherds. Here Pat accompanies Mr. and Mrs. Hoover down the steps.

President Hoover and King Tut

Liberty, Gerald Ford's Golden Retriever, attended all oval office meetings.

Gerald Ford and Liberty

Millie Bush was famous.  She had her own book.

George Bush Senior and Millie

Barney, George W. Bush's Scottie, was his best friend in Washington.

George W. Bush and Barney

LBJ brought his Beagles to Washington, and got a lot of flack for pulling on their ears, like in this photo.

Beagles Him and Her

Nixon had lots of dogs, including an Irish Setter named King Timahoe, and a Poodle named Vicki. But Cocker Spaniel, Checkers, was the most famous Nixonian pooch.  You can read the President's Checker's speech here.

President Nixon and Checkers

The Presidential Pet Museum is the best source for more information about all First Dogs of the United States.