American Presidents and Their Dogs

By Southern Living
October 24, 2016
Credit: Public Domain/Handout/Courtesy The White House/Getty Images
Our Commanders-in-Chief have a soft spot for their canine companions. And it only takes a glimpse at these cute pups to show you why they won the hearts of their Presidents—and the hearts of Americans everywhere. From golden retrievers to Portuguese water dogs, we have loved watching the best presidential dogs frolicking on the White House lawn, enjoying D.C., traveling with the First Family, and taking naps in the Oval Office. Throughout history, our Presidents have brought their dogs with them as they took office, appreciating their pets’ good natures and calming presences. George Washington, our first President, had countless dogs (including a dozen hounds with names like Captain, Sweetlips, and Tipsy), and many other leaders followed suit. Well behaved and sometimes a little bit mischievous, these dogs seem to know that they’re living in the ultimate puppy paradise, where games of Frisbee happen between state dinners and cabinet meetings. These Presidential dogs are the unofficial mascots of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and we love the sweet comedic relief—from tail wagging to slobbery puppy kisses—that they bring to the highest office in the land.
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Bo and Sunny

Credit: Public Domain/Handout/Courtesy The White House/Getty Images

President Barack Obama
Bo (born in 2008) and Sunny (born in 2012) have been furry fixtures in President Obama’s White House. Portuguese water dogs are known for their intelligent and independent natures (and hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat, which is perfect for families with allergies).

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Barney and Miss Beazley

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President George W. Bush
Along with their adopted sibling, Spot, an English springer spaniel, Barney and Miss Beazley enjoyed many days roaming the White House lawns while former President Bush was in office.

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Spot

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President George W. Bush
Spot’s mother was Millie, President George H. W. Bush’s beloved dog. Both share the same brown and white spotted coat.

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Buddy

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President Bill Clinton
Buddy, a chocolate-colored Labrador retriever, joined the Clintons’ cat, Socks, during their years in the White House.

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Millie

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President George H. W. Bush
Millie, a friendly and playful English springer spaniel, gave birth to several puppies including Spot, who accompanied President George W. Bush and his family to the White House.

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Rex

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President Ronald Reagan
The Reagan family included Rex, Lucky, a Bouvier des Flandres, and several other beloved pups who loved to attend events with the Reagans.

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Grits

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President Jimmy Carter
Inspired by his Georgia upbringing, former President Jimmy Carter’s dog was named after a beloved Southern dish.

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Liberty

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President Gerald Ford
President Ford’s sweet golden retriever, Liberty, stole the hearts of Americans everywhere and often spent time in the Oval Office with the President.

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Major

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President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
F.D.R. had at least eight dogs, including Fala, a terrier immortalized in bronze at the Roosevelt Memorial in D.C. President Roosevelt also named the tallest of his pets—a Great Dane called President—after the country’s highest office.

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Rob Roy

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President Calvin Coolidge
President Coolidge had eleven dogs while in the White House, including three border collies, a Shetland sheepdog named Calamity Jane, and a terrier called Peter Pan.

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