Dogs have held a Presidential presence throughout history.  The executive officers of our country have consistently exhibited a fondness for dogs.  They have often chosen a canine friend to be by their side as they lead the country.  And this is one decision that both parties seem to agree upon.  Democrats and Republicans alike vote for dogs as the White House Presidential pet of choice.

Fifty years of Presidential First Dog(s):

George W. Bush - Spot, an English Springer Spaniel (off0spring of Millie, dog of George W's father, former President George H.W. Bush)

Bill Clinton - Buddy, Chocolate Labrador Retriever, named for Bill's uncle who died shortly before Buddy's adoption.  Buddy was killed by a car in Jan. 2002.  Maybe Bill needs to be more careful in letting his dog roam!

George H.W. Bush - Millie, Springer Spaniel.  Ranger, one of Millie's puppies.

Ronald Reagan - Rex, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Lucky, Bouvier des Flandres.   Various dogs back at the ranch.

Jimmy Carter - Grits, unknown heritage.  Possibly named for one of Jimmy's favorite southern foods?

Gerald Ford - Liberty, Golden Retriever.  Misty, Liberty's pup (born in the White House).

Richard Nixon - Vicky, poodle.  Checkers, Cocker Spaniel.  King Timahoe, Irish Setter.  Pasha, Terrior.  Four dogs, he couldn't have been all bad!

Lyndon B. Johnson - Yuki, Mutt.  Beagle and Little Beagle, Beagles.  Blanco, White Collie.  Him and Her, Beagles.

John F. Kennedy - Charlie, Welsh Terrior.  Shannon, Irish Cocker Spaniel.  Clipper, German Shepherd.  Wolf and Pushinka, Mutts.

Dwight D. Eisenhower - Heidi, Weimaraner.

And that's just the last fifty or so years!  Many past Presidents also chose and loved canine friends.  And many of these dogs had a profound impact on their President and master.  Some even created their own place in the history books.  But all have helped to provide a source of comfort and retreat to the highest office in the land.