Let’s talk famous presidential dogs! Have you ever noticed that just about every single President throughout history has had a canine companion? I think it must be in the rule book. Get sworn in, get a dog. Maybe it’s a way to make the most powerful man in the free world seem a bit more human, more down to earth. Just like celebrities with dogs. We see these super powerful and famous people snuggling their pets, and they seem more real to us, easier to relate to.
Plus, we all know pets can help soothe your savage soul. Who needs more soothing than the person who’s every decision could mean the difference between peace and World War III? Whatever the reason, dogs have been residents of the White House almost as long as people have! Here are some of the most famous presidential dogs.
Related: Crazy Facts About Dogs Around the World
Our 4 Favorite Most Famous Presidential Dogs
Spot “Spotty” Fetcher
Spot was an English Springer Spaniel, full name Spot Fletcher. Spot was the dog of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, who served from January 20, 2001, to December 21, 2000. Spot, who was named after Scott Fletcher, a retired MLB player for the Texas Rangers, was born on March 17, 1989, and passed away on February 21, 2004, after suffering several strokes and had to be euthanized.
Buddy
Buddy was a Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Buddy was the dog of Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, who served from January 20, 1993, to January 20, 2001. Buddy, who one of two pets in the White House during the Clinton administration, with Socks the Cat being the other pet. He was born on August 7, 1997, and passed away on January 2, 2002, after he was struck by a vehicle.
Fala
Fala was a Scottish Terrier, belonging to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, who served from March 4, 1933, to April 12, 1945. Fala was born on April 7, 1940, and passed away on April 5, 1952, after being euthanized due to failing health as well as deafness. A statue of the dog is currently showcased in Washington, D.C. at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
Rex
Rex as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who belonged to Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, who served from January 20, 1981, to January 20, 1989. Rex was born on December 16, 1984, and passed away on August 31, 1998, after being euthanized due to an enlarged heart as a result of mitral valve disease.
Fun trivia about famous presidential dogs
- George Washington had several different types of hound dogs with odd names like Sweetlips, Tipsy, and Drunkard.
- John Adams, our second president, actually had a dog named Satan!
- Abe Lincoln (our 16th president) named his dog Fido. Could that be where the trend began?
- Both Pierce (14th) and Hayes (19th) had 7 dogs each. Pierce was a fan of small dogs, while Hayes had everything from a Cocker Spaniel all the way up to a Newfoundland.
- Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th president, had a total of 9 dogs throughout his adult life. One is an incredibly famous yet mischievous bull terrier named Pete. Check out more famous pit bull owners!
- Coolridge (30th president) had 12 dogs, including one named Peter Pan.
- JFK, our 35th and perhaps most famous president of all time, had many dogs as well. One mutt named Pushinka was a gift from Russia and was actually the puppy of the Soviet space dog Strelka.