Presidential Dogs from 1953 to 2008
Thursday, December 4th, 2008Over the last several decades many dogs have graced the White House with their presence. Maybe U.S. Presidents were following Harry S. Truman’s advice; “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” Americans are enthusiastic and interested in Presidential dogs. We watch as the presidential family is housebreaking a dog. We wonder whether the dog will run free outside or be trained to use a dog litter box. We wonder if the President does what many Americans do - research puppy housebreaking tips. We wonder who in the first family will be the person housebreaking the puppy. So, in recognition of America’s fascination with Presidential puppies, here is look at the many Presidential dogs that have lived at the White House from 1953 to the present.
George W. Bush 2001-2008
Two Scottish Terriers named Barney and Miss Beazley. English Springer Spaniel named Spot. Spot is the only dog to live in the White House during two administrations. Spot was born to Millie, President Bush Sr.’s dog, while he was President.

Miss Beazley, left, playing with Barney
Bill Clinton 1993-2001
Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Buddy. The Clinton family may have needed to read some puppy housebreaking tips - TV cameras caught Buddy relieving himself on the White House carpet.
George Bush 1989-1993
Springer Spaniel named Millie. Millie is famous – a book, in which she was the subject, allegedly sold more copies than the autobiography of President Bush. Millie’s puppy named Ranger.
Ronald Reagan 1981-1989
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Rex . Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky. Lucky took President Reagan for a ride when he dragged Reagan across the White House lawn in the presence of Margaret Thatcher.
Jimmy Carter 1977-1981
Mongrel named Grits. Grits was actually a gift to President Carter’s daughter Amy.
Gerald Ford 1974-1977
Golden Retriever named Liberty. Liberty gave birth to nine puppies while at the White House.
Richard M. Nixon 1969-1974
Spaniel named Checkers. Irish Setter named King Timahoe. King Timahoe was a gift to President Nixon from a member of his White House staff. Terrier named Pasha.
Lyndon B. Johnson 1963-1969
Mongrel named Yuki. White Collie named Blanco given to President Johnson as a gift. Five Beagles named Beagle, Little Beagle, Him, Her, and J. Edgar. Him, allegedly President Johnson’s favorite dog, was sadly run over and killed on the White House grounds. President Hoover gave Johnson a new beagle and Johnson named him J. Edgar.

President Johnson and Blanco shaking hand/paw
John F. Kennedy 1961-1963
Two Welsh Terriers named Charlie and Pushinka. Pushinka was given to President Kennedy by Soviet Premier Kruschev. While at the White House, Pushinka gave birth to four puppies named Butterfly, White Tips, Blackie, and Streaker. German Shepherd named Clipper. Irish Cocker Spaniel named Shannon given to JFK by the Prime Minister of Ireland. Irish Wolfhound named Wolf.

JFK and Family with their K-9 collection
Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953-1961
Weimaraner named Heidi.

President Eisenhower and Heidi
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If you have your mind set on a larger dog, there are a few large breeds that are not very active, but they do come with their share of challenges. For example, the Newfoundland and the Mastiff are great big, friendly dogs that don’t require much exercise. However, you should expect these dogs to weigh over 100 pounds, they both tend to drool, and the Newfoundland will need regular grooming because of its long coat.










This is the easiest and most efficient way of exercising your dog is taking him for walk. It is recommended that you take your dog for long walks twice daily. The length of the walk depends on the size, and fitness level of the dog. Find a local trail or park and progressively increase the length and speed of the walks on a weekly basis. Make this part of your daily routine because you owe it to your best friend.
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