Dogs have been a part of the White House for centuries, offering companionship, loyalty, and a touch of relatability to even the most powerful leaders. While many U.S. presidents have had dogs, some were truly devoted to their four-legged friends—spoiling them, taking them on official business, and even making them part of their political identity.
Here’s a ranking of the top 10 U.S. presidents who had a special love for their dogs.
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt – Fala, the First Dog of the Nation
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s love for his Scottish Terrier, Fala, is legendary. Fala traveled with Roosevelt, sat in on important meetings, and even had his own press appearances. When political opponents falsely accused Roosevelt of spending taxpayer money to retrieve Fala from the Aleutian Islands, he gave a famous speech defending his beloved dog.
Fala was so beloved that he was buried near Roosevelt’s grave, and to this day, a statue of Fala stands beside Roosevelt’s at the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C.
2. George Washington – The Father of American Dog Breeding
George Washington didn’t just own dogs—he bred them. Considered the father of the American Foxhound, Washington was passionate about dog breeding and had an entire pack of hounds with names like Sweet Lips, True Love, and Vulcan.
His love for dogs extended beyond sport—he personally cared for them and documented their lineage. His writings reveal his deep admiration for their intelligence and loyalty.
3. Lyndon B. Johnson – The Beagle President
Lyndon B. Johnson was famous for his beagles, Him and Her, whom he often walked around the White House. The dogs frequently appeared in official photos, and Johnson loved talking about them.
Despite a controversial moment when he lifted one by the ears (which he insisted they enjoyed), Johnson’s genuine affection for his pets was clear. He even had dog houses custom-built for them on the White House lawn.
4. Theodore Roosevelt – A White House Filled with Dogs
Theodore Roosevelt’s White House was practically a zoo, but dogs held a special place in his heart. He owned multiple breeds, including a Manchester Terrier named Blackjack and a St. Bernard named Rollo.
Roosevelt believed that a home wasn’t complete without a dog. His children also had pets, making the Roosevelt White House one of the most animal-filled in history.
5. Barack Obama – Bo and Sunny, the Celebrity Pups
Barack Obama’s presidency was marked by the famous Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny. Bo was a gift to Obama’s daughters, and the fluffy pup quickly became a White House favorite.
Bo and Sunny attended official events, met world leaders, and were frequently seen playing on the White House lawn. Obama’s visible affection for them made them some of the most well-known presidential pets of the modern era.
6. Calvin Coolidge – A True Dog Lover
Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace, had multiple dogs, including Rob Roy, a white collie who often accompanied them. Coolidge loved his dogs so much that he allowed them to roam freely in the White House.
Coolidge also had an extensive collection of pets beyond dogs, but his genuine love for canines set him apart from many other presidents.
7. Dwight D. Eisenhower – A Dachshund Devotee
Dwight D. Eisenhower adored his Weimaraner, Heidi. She was a loyal companion and spent much of her time at the White House. However, Heidi had a mischievous side and reportedly had an accident on a White House rug, leading her to be sent back to the family farm.
Despite this, Eisenhower’s affection for Heidi was well-documented, and he remained a devoted dog owner.
8. Joe Biden – A German Shepherd Enthusiast
Joe Biden has owned multiple German Shepherds, including Champ and Major. Major made history as the first shelter dog to live in the White House.
Biden’s love for dogs is evident in his public appearances and speeches, where he often talks about them. Despite some controversy surrounding Major’s behavior, Biden remains a passionate advocate for pet adoption.
9. Herbert Hoover – The Dog Campaigner
Before Herbert Hoover even took office, his campaign used a photo of him with his Belgian Malinois, King Tut, to help soften his tough image. The tactic worked—people loved seeing Hoover as a dog lover.
Once in office, Hoover continued to show his love for animals, keeping multiple dogs in the White House. His connection with his pets was one of the few personal aspects the public admired about him.
Related: The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Empty Nesters
10. Richard Nixon – The Checkers Speech
Richard Nixon’s famous “Checkers Speech” saved his political career and made his dog, Checkers, a national icon. Accused of financial misconduct, Nixon defended himself on live TV, saying that the only gift he accepted was his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Checkers.
Although Checkers never lived in the White House, Nixon’s emotional connection to his dog made him one of the most well-known presidential pet lovers.
Honorable Mentions
- Harry Truman had dogs but famously said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
- John F. Kennedy had several dogs, including a German Shepherd named Clipper.
- George W. Bush adored his Scottish Terrier, Barney, who had his own White House web page.
These presidents didn’t just own dogs—they truly loved them. Whether it was Roosevelt’s loyal Fala, Johnson’s beagles, or Biden’s German Shepherds, these leaders showed that a dog’s loyalty is one of the greatest gifts of all.
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