Many dogs have called the White House home and have proudly served our country as top dog.  However today I’d like to pay tribute to two devoted presidential dog owners, whose best friends never set a paw in the White House.  Yet their devotion to their dogs was undeniable, namely George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

It is estimated that during his lifetime President George Washington had approximately 50 dogs, representing almost every group of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club.  He owned Dalmatians, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, Briards, various Spaniels, countless Terriers, and even many Toy breeds.  However, Washington is most famous for breeding today’s American Foxhound.

It is clear from his letters and journals that President George Washington was a loving and doting dog owner with a sense of humor, who took great delight in naming them.  There were Sweet Lips, Drunkard, Madame Moose, Tipsy, Taster, Truelove, Lady Rover and Ragman, just to name a few.  It is also obvious from his diaries that the founding father of our country may not have wielded the same authority over his dogs as he did with Congress.  One tale that has been handed down is about a hound named Vulcan who could not resist a ham being prepared for dinner.  As the story goes, Vulcan snuck into the kitchen at Mount Vernon and ran off with the ham as the servants chased him.  That evening when the butler had to explain to Martha Washington why the ham she chose was not being served, George laughed.

Although Washington took great pride in his dogs, none of them were ever welcomed into the White House.  That is because the White House was not completed until after Washington’s presidency had ended.  However, dogs did play an important role in Washington’s life.  According to Martha Washington’s grandson George Washington Parke Custis, despite his busy schedule Washington inspected his kennels every morning and evening, and spent time visiting with his dogs.

Abraham Lincoln, on the other paw, purposely kept his beloved pup away from the White House.  Fido was a yellow mixed breed dog with floppy ears, and Lincoln’s constant companion in Springfield, Illinois.  Before becoming President, the two could be seen regularly doing errands around town together.  In fact, Fido would patiently wait outside of businesses for best friend, and was often seen carrying packages home for him.  However, all that changed when Lincoln was elected President of the United States.

The residents held a huge celebration when Abraham Lincoln was elected President, complete with booming canons, exploding fireworks, and clanging church bells.  All that noise terrified Fido.  In addition, Fido was not a fan of trains, and would have to endure an arduous train ride if he was to move to the White House.  Not wanting to cause Fido further stress and expose him to the chaos of Washington, with a heavy heart and under protest of his sons, Lincoln decided that it would be best if his beloved dog remain in Springfield.  However, being a devoted dog owner, Lincoln was not about to leave his dear friend with just anyone.  After careful consideration, Abraham Lincoln selected John Roll’s family to care for the dog.  John Roll was the Lincoln family’s carpenter, and his two sons were very fond of playing with Fido.  The Roll family promised to take good care of the dog, and would return him to his loving family once Lincoln’s term was complete.

However, before entrusting Fido to the care of the Roll family, Lincoln gave them very specific instructions in regards to his care.  Fido had the run of the Lincoln household, and it was clear he should enjoy the same privileges while staying with the Rolls.  Fido was never to be tied up alone in the backyard.  Also, whenever Fido scratched at the door, he was to be allowed back into the house, muddy paws and all.  In fact, the Roll family were instructed that under no circumstance were they to scold Fido for tracking mud into the house.  The Roll family were also directed that the dog was to eat in the dining room with them at mealtimes and that the family was to share their table scraps.  Fido’s comfort and contentment was very important to Lincoln family.  Before heading off to Washington, the family even gave the Rolls their horse hair sofa, so that Fido would feel more at home.

Being the President’s dog, Fido enjoyed the life of a celebrity with anecdotes about him in the local newspaper, and Lincoln would receive letters updating him on his beloved dog.  When Lincoln was assassinated, Fido greeted mourners at the Lincolns’ Springfield home, and paid respect to his beloved owner.  Sadly, less than a year later Fido met the same fate as Abraham Lincoln and was assassinated at the hands of an angry drunk.

To learn more about these dogs, and others who faithfully served our country as top dog, please visit the Presidential Pet Museum.