Pets in the White House, Part Two: Johnson to Eisenhower

This is Part Two of our series on pets in the White House. This article continues with President Andrew Johnson through Dwight D. Eisenhower (1865 – 1961). Find Presidential Pets – Part One and Presidential Pets, Part Three for a list of the newest pets in the White House!

Andrew Johnson 1865-1869

While he didn’t have too many pets in the White House, President Andrew Johnson was known to occasionally leave flour out for a family of mice playing in his room during the days of his impeachment, earning him the nickname “the friend of the mice.”

This unconventional approach to rodent control stands out in White House history.

Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877

A true “horseman’s horseman,” Ulysses S. Grant had a collection of beloved animals. In his stables, you could find:

• Wartime companions: Jeff Davis, a constant during the conflict.
• Saddle-ready friends: Cincinnatus and Butcher Boy, always dependable for riding.
• Elegant carriage pulls: Egypt and St. Louis, adding a touch of class to their outings.
• A touch of speed: Julia, the racing horse, ready to test her mettle.
• Small but mighty: Reb and Billy Button, the Shetland ponies, bringing joy to young hearts.

Grant’s wife, Nellie, wasn’t without her own equine companions: Jennie and Mary, her cherished mares.

Beyond the horses, their pet family included:

• A loyal parrot: Adding its squawks to the lively household.
• Jesse Grant’s prized gamecocks: Showcasing his competitive spirit.
• Faithful, the Newfoundland: An ever-present furry friend, never leaving Jesse’s side.

Rutherford Hayes: 1877-1881

Beyond his political duties, President Hayes had a surprising assortment of pets in the White House:

• International Star: In 1878, he made history by welcoming the first Siamese cat to America, a gift named “Siam” from the American Consul in Bangkok.
• Farm Fresh: His love for agriculture extended to pedigreed Jersey cows, a testament to his appreciation for quality livestock.
• Loyal Guardians: Two shepherd dogs, Hector and Nellie, ensured the safety of the grounds. An additional goat rounded out the farm-like atmosphere.
• Feathered Friends: The melody of four canaries filled the air, while a Mockingbird added its unique repertoire.
• Hunting Companions: Two hunting pups and a spaniel named Duke were likely trained for outdoor pursuits.
• Playful Additions: Four kittens brought a touch of playful energy, while several carriage horses served for more formal outings.

Chester A. Arthur 1881-1885

There is no record that Chester had any pets during his term, but very little information exists about his administration, so we just can’t be sure.

Chester A. Arthur did not have any traditional pets like dogs, cats, or birds during his time in the White House. However, he was known to be very fond of horses. He did not own any personally, but he did enjoy using a pair of perfectly matched reddish-brown bays to pull his landau carriage. These horses were often described as “beautiful” and “perfectly matched,” and Arthur seemed to take pride in their appearance and elegance.

It’s worth noting that the definition of “pet” can be broad, and some might consider carriage horses companions of a sort. However, compared to many other presidents who had dogs, cats, birds, or even more unusual animals, Arthur’s lack of traditional pets stands out.

James Garfield 1881-1885

Garfield had a dog named Veto and his wife, Molly owned a mare named Kit.

His furry companions included:

• Veto, a Newfoundland dog: Named after the president’s power to veto legislation, Veto was a large, black dog who was beloved by the entire family. He was known for his gentle nature and loyalty, and even reportedly saved the White House from a fire by alerting staff with his barking.
• Kit, a horse: This was actually First Lady Lucretia Garfield’s mare, though the whole family enjoyed riding her. Kit was used for both pleasure riding and light carriage work.

There are also mentions of other animals belonging to the family, though details are scarce. These include:

• Gamecocks: These likely belonged to Garfield’s son, Jesse. Cockfighting was a popular sport in the 19th century, and it’s possible that Jesse raised and trained these birds.
• A parrot: No information is available about the species or personality of this feathered friend.
• Several carriage horses: These horses were used for transporting the president and his family around Washington D.C.

Overall, Garfield’s pets seem to have been a source of enjoyment and companionship for the family during their short time in the White House. You can read about the Surprise Election and Political Murder of President James A Garfield in this fascinating book.

Grover Cleveland 1885-1889

Grover Cleveland, known for his non-consecutive terms as president (22nd and 24th), was quite the animal lover and had a menagerie of pets during his White House stays. Here’s a breakdown of their many pets:

Cleveland’s Dogs:

• Three Dachshunds: Gifted by a U.S. Consul in Germany, these were a relatively new breed in the U.S. at the time.
• Cocker Spaniel: Name and details unknown, but likely enjoyed plenty of playtime.
• Collie: Another dog bringing cheerfulness to the White House.
• St. Bernard: A prize-winning St. Bernard named Kay, known for her size and playful personality.
• Foxhounds: Used for hunting on the White House grounds, adding excitement and a touch of rural life.
• Hector: Mrs. Frances Cleveland also had a Japanese poodle called Hector.

Other animals:

• Exotic fish: Hundreds of them, including Japanese goldfish and paradise fish, adorned aquariums at the White House.
• Canaries and Mockingbird: Belonging to First Lady Frances Cleveland, these feathered friends offered musical entertainment.
• Ponies: Two Shetland ponies named Reb and Billy Button brought joy to the younger members of the family.
• Game chickens: Belonged to son Jesse Grant, a testament to their interest in cockfighting, a popular sport back then.
• Parrot: Added its squawks and personality to the household, though details about its species remain unknown.

While not exactly “traditional” pets, the carriage horses used by the family deserve mention. They served a practical purpose while also offering opportunities for leisurely outings.

Benjamin Harrison 1889-1893

Harrison had a favorite animal named “Old Whiskers” who happened to be a goat. Whiskers was so much trouble that Harrison once had to chase the feisty animal down Pennsylvania Avenue when it escaped the White House grounds. He wasn’t all trouble, though. Old Whiskers was often hitched to a cart so that he could carry the Harrison grandchildren around the White House lawn.

Benjamin Harrison’s time in the White House was certainly not without furry (and not so furry) friends! Here’s a look at his animal companions:

Harrison’s Dogs:

• Dash: This mixed-breed collie, initially gifted to his grandchildren, developed a closer bond with the president himself. He even had a fancy doghouse built next to the White House!
• Other mixed-breed dogs: Several other unspecified dogs resided with the family, likely belonging to his children and grandchildren.

Other animals:

• His Whiskers: This mischievous goat belonged to one of Harrison’s grandchildren and became infamous for escaping the White House grounds with the children in tow, pulling them in a cart down Pennsylvania Avenue!
• Opossums: Gifted to his grandchildren, these unusual pets add a unique touch to the animal family.
• Parrot: Unfortunately, details about this feathered friend are unknown.
• Gamecocks: Belonging to son Jesse Grant, these gamecocks represent another historical link to a popular, yet controversial, sport of the time.

Interestingly, some sources point to the possibility of horse ownership, but details are unclear. Carriage horses used by the family are not uncommon for presidents, though not considered “pets” in the traditional sense. Overall, Benjamin Harrison’s White House saw a lively collection of dogs, goats, opossums, and other animals, reflecting a love for pets and a somewhat untamed atmosphere compared to other presidencies.

William McKinley 1897-1901

A Mexican double-yellow-headed parrot made up McKinley’s menagerie. McKinley’s pet situation was relatively modest compared to some of his predecessors and successors. He focused on one main pet, Washington Post, with potentially a couple of additional animals not central to his household.

McKinley’s feathered friends:

• Washington Post: This wasn’t your average bird. McKinley owned a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot gifted to him in 1898. Nicknamed “Washington Post,” this clever parrot could whistle “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and was even appointed the official White House greeter!
• Rooster: While details are scarce, it’s known that McKinley received a rooster as a gift shortly after moving into the White House. This likely wasn’t a regular pet but possibly kept for symbolic or practical reasons.

Carriage horses: Though not considered traditional pets, presidents often used carriage horses for transportation. Whether McKinley owned or just regularly used such horses isn’t clearly documented. While not an extensive menagerie, William McKinley did have a unique pet in Washington Post the parrot, reflecting a preference for feathered companions during his White House residency.

Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909 Pets in the White House

Roosevelt was one of the biggest animal lovers of White House history. In fact, he owned the most pets of all the presidents with a count of 23! President John F. Kennedy resided in the White House with a total of only 20 animals. Both Presidents had a wide range of pets in the White House that included: dogs, birds, horses, ponies, hamsters, rabbits, pigs, snakes, guinea pigs and chickens.

Theodore Roosevelt was known for his love of animals and nature, and this certainly extended to his home life. Here’s a quick overview of his furry, feathered, and even scaly companions:

• Dogs: Several canine companions graced the White House grounds, including:
  • Sailor Boy (Chesapeake retriever)
  • Jack (terrier) Kermit Roosevelt’s terrier
  • Skip (mongrel)
  • Pete (bull terrier). Pete had a bit of a reputation for nipping, eventually finding his home at the Roosevelt estate in Long Island.
  • Sailor Boy, a Chesapeake Retriever
  • Manchu, Alice Roosevelt’s spaniel.
• Cats: While information about specific cats is limited, the Roosevelts did have several feline friends roaming the White House. We do know about two cats affectionately referred to as: Tom Quartz and Slippers.
• Guinea pigs: Believe it or not, the Roosevelt children had a collection of guinea pigs! Quite the historical ensemble! Their names were:
  • Admiral Dewey
  • Dr. Johnson
  • Bishop Doane
  • Fighting Bob Evans
  • Father O’Grady.
• Ponies: Young Quentin Roosevelt enjoyed riding two ponies named Algonquin and General Grant.
• Macaw: Eli Yale, a magnificent blue macaw named after the benefactor of Yale University, resided in the White House greenhouse before the West Wing was built.
• Horses: Bleistein, (Roosevelt’s favorite); Renown; Roswell; Rusty; Jocko; Root; Grey; Dawn; Wyoming; and Yangenka.
• Carriage Horses: General and Judge, were carriage horses.
• Reptiles:
  • a lizard named Bill
  • green snake named Emily Spinach
• Birds:
  • a hen named Baron Spreckle
  • a one-legged rooster
  • a barn owl

But, he wasn’t just a dog, cat, guinea pig, pony lover! The Roosevelts welcomed many other species into their home, including many exotics:

Theodore Roosevelt’s Bear Cub

Bear cub named Jonathan Edwards: The Roosevelt children did have a small bear cub named Jonathan Edwards, named after a famous theologian. He was gifted to Theodore Roosevelt Jr. in 1902 and described as “playful and good-natured” but also mischievous. Initially kept in a cage outdoors, the Roosevelts later allowed supervised playtime indoors. This famous bear was eventually donated to the Bronx Zoo due to concerns about safety and space when he grew larger.

In his book “The Green Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt in Appreciation of Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wild Places,” Roosevelt lists various animals received as gifts, including several bears, but doesn’t explicitly mention them living in the White House.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Hyena

He was a gift from Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia in 1904 and named Bill. Unlike the lion cub Joe, Bill did spend some time living in the White House, though not exactly as a “pet” in the traditional sense. We do know that he was a spotted hyena (sometimes mistakenly called a :laughing hyena: due to their vocalizations). Hyenas were often portrayed as cowardly and aggressive at the time, but accounts on Bill vary. Some sources say Roosevelt wasn’t overly fond of hyenas and found Bill unpleasant to be around. Others claim he grew fond of Bill, taught him tricks, and even allowed him to beg for scraps at the dinner table. It’s unclear exactly where Bill lived, but reports mention him residing in the White House grounds and a stable.

Details of his fate are murky, but it’s likely Bill stayed at the White House for a limited time before being relocated (potentially a zoo or private animal reserve). Bill’s presence was certainly unusual, and his exact treatment and fate remain somewhat a mystery. However, he adds another unique chapter to the story of the Roosevelt’s diverse and fascinating menagerie of White House residents.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Coyote

Although not often mentioned due to the lack of detailed information, Theodore Roosevelt and his family also briefly had a coyote as a temporary guest in the White House. The story of the coyote comes from Ira R. T. Smith, who worked in the White House mailroom for over 50 years and wrote a book about his experiences.

It’s unknown who sent the coyote as a gift or how it came into the President’s possession. Details about the coyote are scarce, not even including its name, but Smith described the coyote as “playful as a puppy,” seemingly causing more amusement than alarm. Unfortunately, information about the coyote’s stay beyond being playful is also lacking. It’s likely sent to the National Zoo, a common destination for the Roosevelts’ more “exotic” animal gifts.

While the mysterious coyote might not have left a lasting mark on historical records, it adds another layer to the Roosevelts’ reputation for embracing unique and diverse animal companions. Their menagerie undoubtedly brought excitement and unconventional charm to the White House during their presidency.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Mysterious Wildcat

The myterious wildcat of Theodore Roosevelt’s White House seems to be shrouded in mystery. Unlike the hyena or coyote, which appear in various historical accounts, information about the wildcat is almost non-existent.

There’s only one known mention of a wildcat being gifted to President Roosevelt in late 1903. Unfortunately, the type of wildcat (bobcat, cougar, etc.) is never specified. President Roosevelt, being familiar with wild animals and the challenges of domesticating them, immediately sent the wildcat to the National Zoological Park (now the Smithsonian National Zoo). The source mentions the wildcat as a gift from S.J. Nease, and Roosevelt acknowledged the gift while emphasizing the animal’s need for proper care at the zoo.

Based on this single mention, it seems the “wildcat” was more of a gift politely declined than a truly integrated pet in the White House. The lack of further information leaves room for speculation, but it’s safe to say the animal didn’t leave a significant mark on the Roosevelt presidency or White House history.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Lion

While we’re not sure if this is the same “wildcat” listed above (and it’s possible), we do know that Joe, the lion cub was gifted by Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia as a diplomatic gesture. However, upon arrival in the U.S., poor little Joe was in poor health due to the long journey and needed extensive care. While reports say Joe wasn’t particularly friendly, he never actually made it to the White House. After receiving medical attention, Joe was deemed unfit for domestic life and sent to the National Zoological Park, where he lived out his days.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Badger

Josiah, the badger seemed particularly fascinating. A little girl, who shouted the animal’s name to the President, had thrown Josiah the badger onto the Presidential train in 1903 as it traveled through Kansas. Although the badger was bottle-fed, he had a tendency to nip.

“Josiah, the young badger, is hailed with the wildest enthusiasm by the children and has passed an affectionate but passionate day with us. Fortunately, his temper seems proof.”

President Roosevelt wrote this in a letter to Senator Lodge dated June 6, 1903

Needless to say, the Roosevelt White House was certainly lively and far from your average presidential residence! Each animal had its own unique personality and story, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the time.

William Taft 1909-1913

While not nearly as diverse as Theodore Roosevelt’s menagerie, William Howard Taft’s animal companions added a unique charm to his White House experience, with Pauline the cow capturing the hearts of the public.

His most famous animal companion was a cow named Pauline Wayne. This beautiful black and white Holstein (known for their friendly and calm temperament) was gifted to Taft by a Wisconsin senator while he was Governor-General of the Philippines.

Paula Wayne lived on the white house grounds and provided fresh milk for the Taft family, becaming a celebrity, posing for photos and attracting crowds of visitors. After Pauline grew too old to produce milk, eplaced by another cow named Mooly Wolly. She was largely considered the last cow to reside in the White House.

Taft was also known to be fond of horses. He likely used carriages pulled by horses for transportation and may have owned riding horses personally, though details are scarce. There is also limited information about specific dogs, but reports mention at least one dog residing in the White House during Taft’s presidency.

Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921

President Woodrow Wilson had a herd of sheep during his White House years. During World War I, he allowed the sheep to graze on the White House lawn. This was part of the family’s war effort; with sheep keeping the grass trimmed, no manpower was needed for that job. When they were shorn, the sheep’s wool was auctioned to raise money for the Red Cross. While not as extensive as other presidents’ collections, his furry and feathered companions brought a unique charm to the White House:

Old Ike was one of his favorites. This tobacco-chewing ram was brought to graze on the White House lawn to reduce groundskeeping costs during World War I. He became a public figure, even appearing in cartoons and news articles.

Other animals he had included:

• Dogs: He had two dogs during his presidency: Davie, an Airedale terrier, and Mountain Boy, a greyhound from his earlier years. He also received a bull terrier named Bruce towards the end of his presidency.
• Songbirds: The exact species are unknown, but Wilson enjoyed their melodies in the White House.
• Cats: Two felines named Puffins and Mittens roamed the halls, adding mischievous energy.
• His wife, Edith Bolling Galt, had two mares: Jennie and Mary.

Wilson initially considered having a rooster for crowing at dawn, but the idea was dropped. We’re sure because his wife likely had some say in the matter. Overall, Woodrow Wilson’s menagerie reflected his diverse interests and love for animals. While not as extravagant as some presidents, his pets added a touch of personality and history to the White House.

Warren Harding 1921-1923

Laddie Boy, an Airedale was a famous pet of Warren Harding and he Old Boy, an English Bulldog.  Mrs. Florence Harding kept a number of canaries. But, they didn’t have many pets in the white house.

Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929

Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace, were renowned animal lovers. Instead of a fruit basket or bottle of wine, a voter in Mississippi once sent them a raccoon to be enjoyed as part of their Thanksgiving dinner. The Coolidge’s promptly named her Rebecca and proceeded to take her on walks, at the end of a leash, on the White House lawn.

President Coolidge was so enamored of the raccoon that he built her a special house and visited her every day. What’s more, when the White House was being renovated and the Coolidge family had to move out for a short time, the President was so worried that Rebecca would miss them that he had a limousine sent to pick her up from the White House.

Coolidge was an avid animal lover and also had a number of other pets, including:

• Cats:
  • Smokey
  • Blackie
  • Timmy
  • Tiger. Tiger was a grey stripped stray who used to be carried around the White House by the president, around his neck.
• Dogs
  • Peter Pan, a Terrier
  • Paul Pry, an Airedale
  • Rob Roy, a white Collie
  • Calamity Jane, a Shetland Sheepdog
  • Tiny Tim and Blackberry – both Chows
  • Ruby Rough, a brown Collie.
  • Boston Beans, a bulldog
  • King Kole, a police dog
  • Bessie, a yellow collie
  • Palo Alto, a bird dog
• Birds:
  • Nip and Tuck, canaries.
  • Snowflake, white canary
  • Old Bill, a thrush
  • Enoch, a goose
  • Mockingbird belonging to Mrs. Grace Coolidge.
• Exotics:
  • Raccoons: Rebecca and Horace 
  • Donkey: Ebenezer
  • Bobcat: Smokey was given to them by dignitaries from other countries
  • Lion cubs: Two lion cubs named Tax Reduction and Budget Bureau.
  • Wallaby: Duiker
  • A pigmy hippo!
  • A bear

Herbert Hoover 1929-1933

President Hoover wasn’t just a political leader, he was a real dog lover! His canine companions included a veritable pack of loyal friends, each with their own unique personality:

• King Tut and Pat, former police dogs, brought a sense of security and companionship. Their stern gazes and impressive physiques likely ensured no troublemakers dared cross the White House gates.
• Big Ben and Sonnie, the lively Fox Terriers, added a playful energy to the household. Their small size and boundless enthusiasm must have brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
• Glen, the dignified Scotch Collie, likely offered a calming presence with his gentle nature and graceful gait. His thick coat was probably well-suited for Washington’s chillier days.
• Yukon, the Eskimo dog, brought a touch of the arctic to the White House. Imagine him dashing across the snowy lawns, a reminder of Hoover’s pre-political adventures.
• Patrick, the Wolfhound, with his tall stature and noble bearing, exuded an air of sophistication. He must have turned heads as he strolled alongside the President.
• Eaglehurst Gillette, the energetic Setter, was likely up for any adventure, be it a jog in the park or a game of fetch. His keen eyes and athletic build suggest he was always ready for action.
• Weejie, the Elkhound, with his distinctive yodel-like bark, probably added a unique musical note to the White House. His loyalty and friendly personality undoubtedly made him a cherished companion.

With such a diverse group of furry friends, these pets in the White House must have been a lively and heartwarming place during Hoover’s presidency. Each dog added their own special touch, reflecting the President’s multifaceted personality and his appreciation for companionship.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1933-1945

While Fala, the spirited Scottish Terrier, may be the most famous of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s canine companions, he was just one member of a remarkable pack that brought love and joy to the White House.

Immortalized in bronze alongside FDR at his Washington DC memorial, Fala captured hearts with his loyalty and playful antics. But he wasn’t the only pup to steal the show.

A Menagerie of Mutts:

• Major, the dependable German Shepherd, served as both protector and companion.
• Meggie, another feisty Scottish Terrier, added a playful spark to the household.
• Winks, the elegant Llewellyn Setter, brought graceful charm to their walks.
• Tiny, the fluffy English Sheepdog, offered cuddly comfort with his gentle nature.
• President, the imposing Great Dane, embodied strength and dignity.
• Blaze, Elliot Roosevelt’s loyal Mastiff, deserves a special mention, even though he didn’t officially reside in the White House.

These furry friends weren’t just pets; they were cherished members of the family, offering unconditional love and emotional support throughout FDR’s presidency. They even played a role in diplomacy, with Fala famously accompanying him on international trips.

While dogs were FDR’s clear favorites, other animals occasionally graced the White House, including a parrot and a pony. This diverse menagerie reminds us of the important role pets play in our lives, offering companionship, joy, and stress relief, even for presidents facing immense challenges.

Harry Truman 1945-1953

Truman was not known for his love of animals, so when a Missouri voter sent him a cocker spaniel, Truman called it Feller and left the animal to his own devices. Feller later earned the nickname, “Feller, the Unwanted Dog.”

In a final move that upset the nation, Truman decided he didn’t want to keep the dog after all, and gave the animal to his personal physician.

Alas, he did have other dogs, but not much is known about them:

• Mike: An Irish setter gifted to his daughter Margaret while Truman was Vice President. Truman disliked Mike and sent him to live with a family in Virginia.
• Hector and Nellie: Shepherd dogs owned by the Trumans before entering the White House. No details about their fate afterward are available.

Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953-1961

President Dwight D. Eisenhower wasn’t just a leader of nations; his White House saw two very different companions leave their mark.

Gabby the Vocal VIP: For those seeking avian company, Eisenhower had a parakeet named Gabby. This feathered resident flitted about the White House, filling its halls with cheerful chirps and the occasional whistle (rumored to be “Yankee Doodle Dandy”). Though sadly short-lived, Gabby found her final resting place in 1957 near the southwest corner of the executive mansion, a testament to her place in the presidential family’s heart.

Heidi: Eisenhower’s most famous animal companion was undoubtedly Heidi, his Weimaraner dog. Elegant and energetic, Heidi became a White House darling, capturing the public’s attention with her playful antics. Unfortunately, her enthusiasm also brought unintended consequences. Famously, Heidi once had an “accident” on a priceless rug valued at a staggering $20,000 in the 1950s! This luxurious faux pas, coupled with a tendency to jump on guests with muddy paws, ultimately led to Heidi’s “banishment” from the White House. But fear not, animal lovers! She wasn’t banished forever. Instead, Heidi found a happy ending, living out her days amongst the rolling hills of the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

• Presidential Pets Part One: Washington – Lincoln
• Presidential Pets Part Three: Pets in the White House from Kennedy – Biden
• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pets: From Ponies to Pigs
• Rin Tin Tin: Life and Legend