15 Presidential Pets Who Ran the White House Their Way

When it comes to the White House, there’s a long-standing tradition of presidents having pets who become almost as famous as their owners. From FDR’s loyal pup Fala to JFK’s adorable Macaroni the pony, let’s look back at some of the most well-known Presidential Pets.

George Washington

a multi-colored dog standing on a driveway

Washington had several dogs, but his American Foxhound, Sweet Lips, is most famous. Washington bred and raised American Foxhounds at Mount Vernon. If you’ve never owned a pet, research suggests you might score lower on traits like empathy or social connection.

Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson kept several animals at the White House, including two bear cubs sent as a gift from explorers Lewis and Clark. A 2020 study found that pet owners were more likely to be conscientious.

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln and his dog were never photographed together, unfortunately.

Lincoln had a dog named Fido, and two cats, Tabby and Dixie. He famously said his cat Dixie was smarter than most politicians.

Theodore Roosevelt

a happy dog wearing a green bow tie — GetStencil

Roosevelt had a full menagerie, including a small bear named Jonathan Edwards, a badger named Josiah, and a one-legged rooster. His Bull Terrier Pete is also well-remembered for allegedly biting a French ambassador. Dog owners tend to lean toward leadership traits; cat owners, on the other hand, are often more independent and non-conformist—like their cats, obviously.

Woodrow Wilson

Wilson had a ram named Old Ike, who served as the White House lawnmower by eating grass on the White House grounds. Pet ownership has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

FDR’s Scottish Terrier, Fala, is one of the most famous presidential pets. Fala was a constant companion to FDR and even featured in his speeches. Fala has a statue at the FDR National Historic Site. People who rescue animals often score higher in compassion and altruism.

John F. Kennedy

a young girl sitting on a pony in front of the White House — JFK Library

Kennedy’s White House included several pets. His Welsh Terrier Charlie and a horse named Macaroni were well-known.

Lyndon B. Johnson

a man with two small dogs jumping up to meet him — LBJ Presidential Library

Johnson’s two Beagles, Him and Her, were well-known and often photographed. Johnson famously caused a stir by lifting Him by his ears in front of the press. People who own dogs are more likely to be outgoing and active.

Richard Nixon

Nixon’s Cocker Spaniel, Checkers, became famous after Nixon mentioned him in a 1952 speech. The “Checkers Speech” helped Nixon’s political career and is one of the most memorable moments in presidential pet history.

Gerald Ford

Ford’s Golden Retriever, Liberty, was a fixture in the Ford White House. On September 14, 1975, President Gerald Ford’s golden retriever Liberty gave birth to nine puppies in the White House. They kept one, as shown here.

Jimmy Carter

Carter had a Border Collie named Grits, a gift from his daughter’s teacher, though Grits eventually went to live with other family friends. He also had several hunting dogs over his lifetime.

Ronald Reagan

Reagan had several dogs. This one is “Lucky” to be running with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

George H.W. Bush

a man walks across the White House lawn with a litter of puppies — The White House

Bush’s English Springer Spaniel, Millie, became famous when Barbara Bush published Millie’s Book, written from the dog’s perspective, which was a bestseller. Millie gave birth to her litter of puppies while she lived at the White House, and one of her puppies, Spot, even moved back to the White House with President George W. Bush.

Bill Clinton

a man with a cat sitting on his shoulder — William J Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

Clinton’s cat, Socks, was a beloved White House pet and became a public figure in his own right, especially popular among kids.

George H. W. Bush

The Bushes were known for their dogs.

George W Bush

Bush had two Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley, who often appeared in holiday videos and were favorites with White House staff and visitors alike.

Barack Obama

The Obama family chose Portuguese Water Dogs because they are hypoallergenic. Their first, Bo, was a gift from Ted Kennedy who loved the breed. “For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, gentle presence in our lives — happy to see us on our good days, our bad days, and everyday in between,” Mr. Obama wrote on Twitter. Credit…Doug Mills/The New York Times