Presidential Pets: An Infographic History of Animals at the White House

vetstreet.com FIRST PETS A Look Back at Presidential Pets Throughout History America is full of pet lovers. So it is no surprise that our nation's leaders have been as well. From the exotic to the house-trained, a wide variety of animals have stood by our presidents. Presidential Pets at a Glance Dogs really are man's best friend - especially if that man happens to be a serving U.S. president. While in office, more American presidents have owned dogs than any other animal. 68% 30% 30% OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED DOGS OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED HORSES OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED BIRDS 20% 9% 9% OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED CATS OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED GOATS OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED EXOTIC ANIMALS 9% 7% 5% OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED COWS OF U.S. PRESIDENTS DIDN'T OWN PETS OF U.S. PRESIDENTS OWNED REPTILES (AS FAR AS WE KNOW) Pet-Loving Presidents Nearly all U.S. presidents have owned animals while in the White House, but some had favorites. BIGGEST DOG LOVER BIGGEST CAT LOVER BIGGEST EXOTIC-ANIMAL LOVER Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) 12 DOGS uting Tem Rutherford B. Hayes 1877-1881) Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) 5 BEARS, SNAKES, LIZARDS, A ZEBRA, 5 CATS Burn arm During Term A HYENA, A WILDCAT, A COYOTE AND A RACCOON Leaders of the Pack There are certain animals that have been popular with American presidents throughout history **** *** 12 PRESIDENTS OWNED O PRESIDENTS OWNED 4PRESIDENTS OWNED Most Popular Dog Most Popular Unconventional Pet Most Popular Bird Terriers & Spaniels Canaries Goats Both Terriers and Spaniels heve been favorites, with 12 presidents having owned at least one. Recent presidential breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (owned by Ronald Reagan) and the Scottish Terrier (owned by George W. Bush). Five U.S. presidents reportedly kept canaries during their presidency. Mockingbirds and parrots have also been popular feathered pets in the White House Four U.S. presidents owned a goat during their presidency. Though, the last recorded presidential goet was beck in 1893, when Benjamin Harrison left office. Living and Breathing State Gifts As the head of state, a president oftentimes receives gifts from foreign dignitaries and world leaders. Occasionally those presents come with special feeding and care instructions. Various foreign dignitaries The Sultan of Oman The King of Siam ) Calvin Coolidge Martin Van Buren ) James Buchanan A herd of elephants. Lion cubs, a wallaby, a pygmy hippo and a bear A pair of tiger cubs. y@Vetstreet SOURCES PRESIDENTIAL PETS MUSEUM. WHTEHOUSEGOV vetSTREET vetstreet.com YOUR PET YOUR VET