Presidents tend to have a lot in common. They are married to spouses who work to carry on American values, with whom they live in the same house [1] and with whom they assumedly sleep in the same bed [2]. They raise largely successful children who don't work for them [3] and who they've never mentioned wanting to sleep with [4]. They are hardworking and smart, available at all hours [5] to fight for America. They rarely take time off for leisure [6], save for brief reprieves with literature [7]. And they have a dog — or two.

Much of the same cannot be said of our current president, Donald Trump. In fact, Trump is the first president in more than 100 years to be dogless [8]. This gaping hole in Americanness shouldn't be that shocking given Mr. Trump's contrarian, "Drain the swamp!" style.

Several presidents have gone dogless, but the last president to be without a dog was William McKinley, who was commander in chief from 1897 to 1901. However, according to the Presidential Pet Museum [9], McKinley did have pets: he had a parrot, two angora kittens, and roosters. Does Trump have any pets? The Presidential Pet Museum believes not [10].

Also of note before McKinley is Andrew Johnson [11]. He didn't have a dog, was impeached in 1868, and apparently "left flour out at night for a family of white mice playing in his room" amid the political drama. Pet food for thought.

One fluffy, silver lining is that Trump has reportedly attempted to get a dog in recent months, specifically a Goldendoodle named Patton. As the New York Post reported in January [12], Trump was set to adopt the pup from friend Lois Pope, but Pope kept the dog after forming a connection with it herself. Pope claims Trump listed his constant traveling as a reason he'd be a poor owner. Hmm.

Further proof that Trump seems to be anticanine? He loves insulting people by saying they failed or choked "like a dog" on Twitter.

Mitt Romney had his chance to beat a failed president but he choked like a dog. Now he calls me racist-but I am least racist person there is

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 11, 2016 [13]

.@EWErickson [14] got fired like a dog from RedState
and now he is the one leading opposition against me.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2016 [15]

Wow was Ted Cruz disloyal to his very capable director of communication. He used him as a scape goat-fired like a dog! Ted panicked.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2016 [16]

Union Leader refuses to comment as to why they were kicked out of the ABC News debate like a dog. For starters, try getting a new publisher!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2016 [17]

.@GlennBeck [18] got fired like a dog by #Fox [19]. The Blaze is failing and he wanted to have me on his show. I said no - because he is irrelevant.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 17, 2015 [20]

I hear that sleepy eyes @chucktodd [21] will be fired like a dog from ratings starved Meet The Press? I can't imagine what is taking so long!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 13, 2015 [22]

Obama called Reverend Wright his friend, counselor & great leader--then dumped him like a dog!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2012 [23]

Robert Pattinson should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again--just watch. He can do much better!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2012 [24]

Egypt is a total mess. We should have backed Mubarak instead of dropping him like a dog.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2012 [25]

We're anxious to know what will become of Trump's presidential pet ownership, but we do know one thing: getting a dog might help solve his failing disapproval ratings. As the Washington Post observes [26], a presidential dog offers good publicity and bipartisan relatability. It also provides personal benefits like stress reduction and loyalty.

Might not want to let that sleeping dog lie, President Trump.