White House Pets: A President's Best Friend

Gallery

1 of 9

President Franklin D. Roosevelt drives around Hyde Park with his dog Fala.
Library of Congress
2 of 9

President Dwight D. Eisenhower walks outside with his pet dog, Heidi, alongside him behind the fence.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum/NARA, National Park Service
3 of 9

Lyndon Johnson attends to business while holding mixed breed Yuki and cooling off in the swimming pool with his grandson, Patrick Lyndon, 1968.
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
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Gerald Ford with Liberty in the Oval Office, 1975.
White House Historical Association
5 of 9

Ronald Reagan and Rex, his King Charles spaniel, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, 1986.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
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George Bush enjoys a walk with Millie and Ranger at Camp David, Maryland, 1991.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
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Bill Clinton with his new Labrador puppy, Buddy, 1997.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
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President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush exiting Marine One. Mrs. Bush is carrying Barney while President Bush walks Spot.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
9 of 9

Bo, left, and Sunny, the Obama family dogs, on the South Lawn of the White House, August 19, 2013.
White House photo by Pete Souza

About this Gallery

"If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog," said Harry Truman. Portraits of presidents with their dogs in quiet moments of reflection or boisterous fun have played a role in forming perceptions of the character and personality of our presidents in recent years.