Since we’ve been talking about presidential candidates for the past few weeks, I thought it’d be fun to talk about Presidential Dogs.

Obama’s dog is named Bo, which states that they want their dog to be as competitive as they are, just as domineering. Thus, Bow would be obedient to his owners, yet the leader in a group of animals and highly competitive.

George W. Bush had two Scottish Terriers and one dog named Spot.  Spot would be able to be easily trained, playful and athletically inclined. Spot would know when to take charge and when to obey. This would be a smart dog and able to keep up with his masters during walks and other strenuous activities.  Spot is nicely balanced between being smart and lovably nurturing.

The Terriers were named Barney and Ofelia.  Between the two, Ofelia was the dominate dog, and highly likeable. Barney would want to be the best dog out there and yet did not fight to be the dominate pet as it wasn’t important to him. Both dogs would be easy to like, however, it would be faster to like Barney first.  Ofelia is independent and wants to do what she wants, while Barney would tend to rescue other animals and take care of them.

Bill Clinton also had dog, a Labrador Retriever named Buddy, but it was his cat named Socks who got the media’s attention.  The two animals did not get along.  Buddy wanted to have fun and is playful, while Socks definitely wanted to be the alpha animal.  Socks would be easily trained and know when to take charge and when to obey. This would be a smart cat and with leadership abilities, much like his owners. Socks would continuously be learning.  This cat would definitely be the head of the gang of neighborhood cats, if allowed to play with others. Socks, like Spot and Bow, know how to nurture and to give love to others.

George Bush senior had a female Springer Spaniel named Millie and her son, Ranger. Millie would have been protective as any parent yet highly independent. Millie would be able to entertain herself well and for long hours as well as be an effective parent to her son Ranger. Ranger does not need to be the dog in charge, yet wants to be remembered and treated well.  Ranger would be the first one out the door as he gets bored easily and wants constant change.

Ronald Reagan started with Lucky, Bouvier des Flandres, who was sent to the ranch once she grew too big and was replaced by Rex, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.  He also had many dogs and horses at his ranch. Lucky would have just been fun, yet hard to discipline.  Rex would want to have his own way but be smart enough to follow the lead of his owner.

Jimmy Carter’s daughter was gifted with Grits. But this dog was true to his name and wanted constant change and took his actions to the extreme, which got him returned to the person who gave him away initially.  Grits was a challenge to handle and was replaced by a Siamese cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang who was all about herself. Thus, she was easy to care for as this cat was all about her and getting what she wanted.

Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named Liberty.  Liberty is all about family and sex, so it is no surprise that she gave birth to a litter of pups while at the White House.   Liberty would be pleased beyond measure with her pups, as parenting is a natural for her.   Liberty just wants to nurture her offspring and would not be interested in becoming an alpha dog.

Richard Nixon dog was Checkers, when he was a Vice-President. Checkers wanted to do what Checkers wanted to do, and Checkers would have been in charge.  When Nixon became President he had two dogs, a Poodle mix named Vicky and an Irish Settler named King Timahoe.  Vicky would have been one sharp dog and highly trainable, while King Timahoe would have been late at coming when called and into other animals more than people.

Lyndon Johnson had multiple dogs, almost his own herd, and in multiple breeds such as beagles and collies. His most well known dog was a mongrel named Yuki. Who often had his ears pulled.  Yuki’s name states that Yuki can never get enough attention, so it is not surprising that this is the dog that caught the media’s eye. Yuki would be playful and smart, a well-balanced dog with good behaviors.

Almost each President throughout our history has had a pet in the White House and most often the pet was a dog. Perhaps dogs are a man’s best friends after all.