The Cutest Presidential Pets Through History

Warren G. Harding and His Dog, Laddie Boy

Former President Warren G. Harding's Airedale, Laddie Boy, is acknowledged as the first first dog. The Hardings didn't have any kids, so they opted for a dog in their home state of Ohio. Laddie Boy had free rein in the White House and his own chair in the Cabinet. President Harding even wrote letters to children all over the country from the dog.

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Herbert Hoover and His Dog King Tut

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Former President Herbert Hoover's Belgian Malinois King Tut was one of many dogs he had over the years. King Tut played a part in Hoover's presidential campaign but didn't live in the White House for very long. He reportedly was unhappy there, so the Hoovers moved him back to their old house.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt and His Dog, Fala

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Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish terrier, Fala, is one of the most famous presidential pets in history. Fala went everywhere with the president. Fala also had an incredibly comfortable life in the White House. He was given a bone each morning on a tray, sent to him with Roosevelt's breakfast, and he got a full dinner each night. Fala outlived his famous father, but when he died a few years later, he was buried alongside his human.

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Lyndon Johnson and His Dogs Him and Her

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Former President Lyndon Johnson had two beagles named Him and Her. Johnson had other dogs, but these two were his most well-known. They used to make the rounds at the White House, trotting around the property with staff and visiting media. The Johnsons ended up with puppies while still in the White House, but both Him and Her died before the end of Johnson's term.

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George H.W. Bush, Millie, and Her Puppies

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Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, had an English springer spaniel named Millie who lived in the White House with them. Not only did they have Millie, but they also eventually had Millie's puppies!

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Bill Clinton and His Dog, Buddy

Image Source: Getty / MARIO TAMA

Former President Bill Clinton had two pets in the White House, and his chocolate labrador retriever named Buddy was one of them. Clinton named the dog after his great uncle, whom he adored. Buddy moved into the White House during Clinton's presidency — and did not love the Clintons' other pet.

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Bill Clinton and His Cat, Socks

Image Source: Getty / Smith Collection/Gado

Former President Bill Clinton's other pet in the White House was his tuxedo cat, Socks. Socks moved into the White House with the Clintons and pretty much ran the show. He's one of the rare cats that lived in the White House, but he spent Clinton's whole administration there. Though Socks was reportedly unamused when the Clintons brought Buddy into the White House, the two eventually coexisted and Socks lived a long 19 years as the Clintons' beloved pet.

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George W. Bush and His Dog Barney

Image Source: Getty / JIM WATSON

Former President George W. Bush had several animals at the White House, including Barney the Scottish terrier. This pup was one of Bush's most well-known pets and traveled with him everywhere. Barney was also a star in his own right — he starred in Bush administration holiday videos each year, as well as other fun publicity pieces for the family.

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George W. Bush and His Dog Spot Fletcher

Image Source: Getty / TIM SLOAN

The coolest thing about George W. Bush's dog Spot Fletcher is that this pupper lived in the White House twice! Yes, Spot was actually one of Millie's puppies — Bush's parents' dog who birthed the puppies while living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

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Barack Obama and His Dogs, Bo and Sunny

Image Source: Getty / Handout

Former President Barack Obama's Portuguese water dogs, Bo and Sunny, brought joy to the White House while the family lived there. The breed is hypoallergenic, which the family chose due to Malia's allergies. Bo arrived in the White House first, accompanying all of his humans on their daily duties. The family adopted Sunny in 2012 to keep Bo company and bring even more of a playful side to the home.

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