11 White House Pets, from Bo and Sunny Obama to William Johnson Hippopotamus
The President and the first family are part of many crucial American traditions. They pardon a turkey every year for Thanksgiving, they light the national Christmas tree, and host a massive Easter egg hunt without fail. (And, of course, there's the whole upholding-democracy thing.) But perhaps the most interesting tradition that proves they’re just like the rest of us normies is the acquisition of a White House pet. This longstanding custom goes all the way back to George Washington, who kept dogs and even a parrot inside the White House during his tenure. By now, it’s safe to say 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has been home to a lot of animals. Although the pets have ranged from pygmy hippopotamuses to spotted cats, we’re sure each animal has been privy to some classified information — man, if those cats could talk. Without further ado, here are a few presidential pets that we’d reelect into office any day.
Getty Images1/12The Kennedy family dogs
In addition to German shepherd Clipper, the Kennedys had dogs named Charlie and Pushinka, who was controversial because she was given to Caroline Kennedy by Nikita Khrushchev, who led the Sovet Union during the Cold War. (Agents felt it necessary to inspect the dog for any bugging devices — yes, really.) The Kennedys also kept ponies, parakeets, and deer at the White House.
The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images2/12Feller Truman
How could you give up a puppy this adorable? Apparently really easily, as President Truman gave the gifted puppy away. It was understandably a cause of national uproar.
The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images3/12Millie Bush
Mildred “Millie” Kerr Bush was an English Springer Spaniel. She was a pretty famous fixture during George H.W. Bush’s tenure in the White House, and is even credited as the author of a book – Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush. Unsurprisingly, the work of “nonfiction” went on to become a New York Times bestseller.
Getty Images4/12Fala Roosevelt
FDR’s famed Scottie, Fala, became a White House staple. The beloved dog was somehow left on an island during a presidential visit, and Roosevelt allegedly sent a navy ship to retrieve him – that’s dedication.
NY Daily News via Getty Images5/12Laddie Boy Harding
Although many past presidents raised dogs in the White House, Warren G. Harding's dog Laddie Boy was the first canine celebrity in office. The Airedale received regular coverage by the American media. His furry presence in the news resulted in him being thrown lavish birthday parties at the White House.
Getty Images6/12Him and Her Johnson
Although Lyndon B. Johnson had numerous dogs, hamsters, and birds, he’s most well known for his beagles – Him and Her. Johnson was often photographed with the adorable canines but got himself into deep trouble with the American public when he was photographed lifting Him by the ears on the White House lawn.
Getty Images7/12Herbert Hoover’s dog — and gators
Yes, gators. Hoover’s son, Allan, owned a pair of alligators. Although they were mostly kept under surveillance, the two were known to appear roaming around the White House grounds. Hoover’s beloved Belgian shepherd, King Tut, probably wasn’t too into his scaly companions.
Getty Images8/12Calvin Coolidge’s myriad animals, including dogs, a donkey, and … a hippo?
Coolidge was known as a quiet president, and once famously said “I have never been hurt by anything I didn’t say.” Perhaps he was telling his secrets to his flock of animals instead of the public. Coolidge was the owner of numerous dogs, birds (including canaries, geese, thrushes, and mockingbirds), cats, raccoons, a donkey, a bobcat, and most famously a pygmy hippopotamus named Billy. William Johnson Hippopotamus — AKA Billy — was given to the president as a gift, and eventually spent most of his days at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.
AFP/Getty Images9/12Socks Clinton
Socks was infamous during his time in the White House; there are even photos of President Clinton hanging out with Socks outside — the cat had his own leash, too.
10/12Buddy Clinton
The Clinton family united Americans by proving you can be a cat person and a dog person simultaneously. How democratic!
Getty Images11/12Bo and Sunny Obama
The country waited with bated breath as the Obamas picked out their politically savvy First Dog Bo in 2009. They finally agreed on the Portuguese water dog, who had to be hypoallergenic (Malia has allergies). They loved him so much that the family brought another Portuguese water dog, Sunny, into the home in 2013.
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