Dogs of the White House

In honor of Election Day, I’m not writing about Election Day, but rather something far more unifying. Dogs! Specifically, the dogs that have occupied the White House. Here are some Presidential dogs from years past:

George Washington and American Foxhounds

In addition to being the “Father of our Nation,” George Washington is also considered to be the father of American Foxhounds. He raised more than thirty of these hunting dogs and they had names such as Sweet Lips, Drunkard, Tipler, and Tipsy.

Herbert Hoover and a Belgian Police Dog

I’ve never thought of Herbert Hoover as the most cheerful of people, but he certainly looks happy here with his favorite dog, King Tut. Unfortunately, King Tut did not like the White House, so was sent to live with a Congressman and his family.

Franklin Roosevelt and a Scottish Terrier

FDR’s dog Fala was probably the most famous of Presidential dogs. Originally named  Murray the Outlaw of Falahill, the playful little dog accompanied FDR on his travels and was said to receive more fan mail than most presidents.

John Kennedy and a Welsh Terrier

The Kennedy family had an assortment of animals during JFK’s time in the White House, ranging from horses to canaries. JFK’s favorite dog was said to be a Welsh Terrier named Charlie. Charlie liked to play Fetch. The Kennedys also owned Pushinka, a mixed-breed dog who was a gift from Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

George H. W. Bush and an English Springer Spaniel

George Bush’s dog Millie was the “author” of a dog memoir called Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush.

Barack Obama and a Portuguese Water Dog

The Obamas adopted Bo after a months long search for a hypoallergenic dog. (They also considered a labradoodle.) Bo was later nicknamed Bobama.

For more information, check out the Presidential Pet Museum.

Happy Election Day and remember to VOTE!

SUSAN BREEN is the award-winning author of The Fiction Class and the Maggie Dove mystery series. She is the 2024 winner of the Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition. Her new novel, MERRY, is forthcoming from Alcove Press in Fall 2025. She has two treasured cockapoos, Buster and Bailey.