From our country’s Founding Father, George Washington, to our current Head of State, Barack Obama, dogs have been regular residents in the presidential White House. To date, a total of 31 U.S. presidents have found comfort in the loyalty and friendship of “man’s best friend.” In light of the upcoming presidential elections, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular presidential pets and the ways in which dogs have influenced public perception of past U.S. Presidents.
Have you ever wondered which dog breed is the most common presidential pet, and why? According to presidential records, the majority of dogs in the White House have been Hounds. George Washington owned 18 Hounds. Other presidents with Hounds include Herbert Hoover, John Tyler, and Lyndon Johnson. Known for their keen sense of smell and high stamina, Hounds typically exhibit strong hunting and guarding tendencies.
This dog-type includes numerous breeds, such as the Greyhound, Beagle, Afghan, and Bassett Hound. Each of these breeds has noticeable distinctions, but all are generally associated with being fierce protectors and displaying investigative qualities – sniffing out the truth, you might say. Considering such traits, one can see a strong similarity between the Hound and some of our nation’s greatest leaders.
Fast forwarding to modern history, the most popular presidential dog breed is the Scottish Terrier. Pet parents of this breed include Franklin D. Roosevelt and George W. Bush. Scottish Terriers are known for their independent, dignified, and aristocratic nature, and their boisterous bark makes them great watchdogs.
These noble and personable characteristics led Presidents Roosevelt and Bush to view their Terriers as colleagues and family members. President Roosevelt’s Scottish Terrier, Fala, accompanied him to numerous social and political events during his tenure in the White House. Fala was even given his own press secretary. President Bush once joked that his Scottish Terrier, Barney, was the son he never had.
Like Hounds, Scottish Terriers exhibit qualities that Americans seek in their nation’s leaders. A dignified stature and “watchful” composure, by no coincidence, have made the Scottish Terrier a common presidential dog breed.
Dogs in the White House have not only mirrored key personality traits in our Presidents, they have impacted the way Americans view those holding the office. Their loving and loyal attitudes make their owners more “relate-able.” With a dog by his side, the most high-ranking person in the country can actually seem like “just one of us.”
Here’s one example: During his presidential campaign in 1928, Herbert Hoover’s lack of appeal among voters was a concern to his advisors. Then they noticed that in a portrait with his Belgian police dog, King Tut, Hoover appeared more personable than usual. Immediately, autographed copies of the photo were printed and circulated to thousands of voters and newspapers. King Tut significantly impacted Hoover’s image and arguably helped him win the Presidency.
We don’t yet know which man and which dog will occupy the White House come 2013, but one thing is certain: dogs and humans share a deep and unique relationship, one that positively impacts individuals of all social classes and occupations. From the country’s youth to its most powerful leaders, millions of Americans hold Hounds, Scottish Terriers, and all dog breeds in high regard.
Heidi Ganahl is the founder, President, and CEO of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest and fastest-growing pet care franchise and a INC 5000 company. More info is available at campbowwow.com.
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