Our furry friends are just as much a part of our family as our little ones. They give us unconditional love and are oh, so cute. If we’re having a bad day, our pups are always there to cheer us up. That’s why when President Biden announced that his eldest dog, Champ, had passed away, we couldn’t help but feel for their family. Losing your pet is like losing a member of your family. Biden may have been the first President who had rescue pups, but he certainly wasn’t the first to have a pet in the White House. Here’s a roundup of First Family pets throughout the years…let us be the one to tell you, some of these will probably surprise you.
President Biden
President Biden had two rescue dogs that he brought with him to the White House. Major (pictured on right) and Champ (pictured on left). Biden announced the passing of Champ on June 19, 2021. Here’s what he had to say about his sweet boy.
“He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family…We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always.”
President George H. W. Bush
President Bush had two adorable Scottish terriers during his time in the White House named Barney, left, and Miss Beazley, right. They also had a cat named India and an English springer spaniel named Spot who was actually the offspring of his father’s dog, Millie.
President Obama
President Obama had two male and female Portuguese Water Dogs during his time in the White House. Bo, right, and Sunny, left. Bo unfortunately passed in May of 2021. Obama shared a sweet message to commemorate their furry friend.
“He tolerated all the fuss that came with being in the White House, had a big bark but no bite, loved to jump in the pool in the summer, was unflappable with children, lived for scraps around the dinner table, and had great hair.”
President George W. Bush
President Bush had two adorable Scottish terriers during his time in the White House named Barney, left, and Miss Beazley, right. They also had a cat named India and an English springer spaniel named Spot who was actually the offspring of his father’s dog, Millie.
President Clinton
Unlike the majority of the U.S. Presidents, President Clinton not only had a dog (Buddy, a chocolate labrador retriever), but also a family cat named Socks. We just have to say, this may be our favorite Presidential pet photo, it’s just so adorable
President Reagan
President Reagan’s first pup was a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky. It was gifted to his wife, Nancy, from Kristen Ellis and named after her mother. Their second dog was a gift from Ronald to Nancy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Rex.
President Carter
President Carter had a Siamese cat named Misty Malarkey Ying Yang, an Afghan hound named Lewis Brown and a Border Collie mix gifted to the family called Grits. Unfortunately, Grits was soon returned due to his misbehavior
President Ford
President Ford had a dog we’re all probably pretty familiar with, a Golden Retriever named Liberty. His wife, Susan, also had a miniature sealpoint Siamese cat named Shan.
President Nixon
President Nixon had three dogs. Pasha a Yorkshire terrior, Vicky a French poodle, and King Timahoe an Irish setter.
President Johnson
From birds to dogs, President Johnson had a ton of pets. He was quite the beagle lover with four of his own. Two of his beagles, Him and Her are pictured above.
President Kennedy’s Pets
Last, but certaintly not least, we had to include President Kennedy and his wide array of pets. Our favorite, by far, being his daughter’s Pony, Macaroni. According to The White House Historial Association, he also had “sheep, dogs, cats, a macaw, guinea pigs, rats, a snake, and many more animal friends”
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