White House Dogs Before the Obamas' Bo

White House historians detail the lives of presidential dogs from Teddy Roosevelt to Obama

By Paul Bedard

April 14, 2009 RSS Feed Print

Let's face it, if you could come back as an animal, choosing life as a White House doggie would have to be tops on the list. Being coddled, photographed, fed premium kibbles, and loved by all is not a bad way to go through the day, as the new Obama dog, Bo, is about to find out. He will join the list of 16 other first pups that have romped on the South Lawn dating back to Teddy Roosevelt's Skip, a short-legged mutt later recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Teddy Roosevelt terrier. You know the names—Laddie, Fala, Liberty, Millie, Buddy, Barney—and now you can see their stories presented in a new review by the White House Historical Association.

Click here for our First Dog Bo Obama Photo Gallery.

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Tags:
dogs,
White House,
Barack Obama,
animals

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What a wonderful addition to the family and such a thoughtful gift. In this day of heightened animal cruelty, maybe we could see human interest stories of Sasha and Malia learning the proper ways to take care of Bo, how much fun this can be, and the countless valuable life lessons that go with owning a pet (a friend, a member of the family and not just an object as in some households…) Nice photos and story. Blessings, from an animal lover with 2 rescued family members (Airedale Terrier found in a ditch, with his littermates at 2 weeks old, all puppies head to toe with mange, and a Belgium Shepherd rescued at 4 years old from a life of abuse and neglect.)

Nancy M. Pickut of NY 12:23AM May 23, 2009

say what prezz Obama got a dogg?1?!

well this is tight yo..

da dog is gorgeuuuss!!!

freddy of NV 1:54PM May 01, 2009

The choice of new dog is very cute looking. Bo should make a wonderful addition to the White House family. He looks like a dog who would like to cuddle which are my kind of animal companion. I hope you take pictures as Bo grows up.

Cynthia Stevenson of IL 3:38PM April 14, 2009

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