It is one of the most endearing and iconic presidential traditions, dating back to Thomas Jefferson’s beloved pet bulldog, Hem wolf. Come read on to know more about the Presidents and Their Dogs!
George Washington
The first president of the United States was also the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first elected president. Washington’s beloved pet was a miniature greyhound named Speed. In 1796, Speed died at the age of eight. Washington wrote: “I have lost the dearest creature in my family.” The widower was devastated. The first president had fallen in love with Speed, the family dog.
John Adams
The second president of the United States was also the second vice president of the United States. John Adams’s family gifted him a Newfoundland retriever, which he called “Nelson”. Nelson died in 1818, while Adams was still in office. Adams was inconsolable. He was left alone without Nelson, a feeling he described as “the saddest moment of my life.”
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. The first two letters of his many pet names were T.J. and Jeff. Jefferson’s beloved dog was a St. Bernard named “Patsy”. Jefferson was an avid dog fancier and wanted Patsy to have a mate. He even proposed to his daughter Maria that he marry her. However, Maria didn’t reciprocate his feelings.
James Madison
The fifth president of the United States was also the fourth vice president. Madison’s pets included an Irish Setter named King. King was Madison’s companion for eight years. King was fed special Irish broths to keep him healthy. Madison even gave King his bed. King was left at Madison’s place after Madison became president.
James Monroe
The fifth president of the United States was also the sixth secretary of state of the United States. Monroe was an avid dog lover. He had several dogs, including a French Spaniel named “Fanny. Monroe was such a devoted dog owner that he even gave orders to his secretary that there should be no work while his Fanny was in the room.
William McKinley
The ninth president of the United States was also the 25th governor of Ohio. William McKinley’s favorite dog was a boarhound named “Brodie”. When McKinley was campaigning for the presidency, he often visited Brodie at the White House. Brodie was also given the presidential red carpet when he was invited to official functions.
Theodore Roosevelt
The 26th president of the United States was also the first one in office to ride in an airplane. Theodore Roosevelt’s main companion was a Fox Terrier named “Strongheart”. Roosevelt was an active outdoorsman and Strongheart accompanied him on many of his outdoor activities. Strongheart even received his service flag when Roosevelt was in office.
William Howard Taft
The 27th president of the United States was also the only person to become both a supreme court justice and a president of the United States. Taft’s favorite pet was an English setter named “Nip”. Nip accompanied Taft on many of his outdoor activities, and even slept with Taft at night.
During a state visit, Taft brought Nip to Buckingham Palace. There, Queen Mary asked the pet to find her a gift on his way back. Nip brought back a large box, and the Queen opened it to find a pair of slippers.
The Presidents and Their Dogs
The Presidents and Their Dogs is a fascinating, endearing, and iconic presidential tradition. Celebrate dog-loving presidents with these awesome facts about Presidents and Their Dogs. Let us know if you have loved any of the dogs among the Presidents and Their Dogs.
