IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Nothing says National Dog Day quite like these presidential pups

“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog!” former President Harry Truman once said.
A handout image released by the White House shows Bo (L) with new friend Sunny (R) the Obama family dogs, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 19, 2013. (Photo by Pete Souza/The White House/Handout/EPA)
A handout image released by the White House shows Bo (L) with new friend Sunny (R) the Obama family dogs, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 19, 2013.

Did you know? George Washington is considered the “father of the American foxhound,” and he bred more than 30 of his favorite type of canine. Richard Nixon saved his political career by delivering an impassioned address about his Cocker Spaniel named Checkers. And when Chelsea Clinton left home for college, her mom Hillary gifted her then-presidential father Bill with a chocolate Lab named Buddy to provide solace. 

“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog!” former President Harry Truman famously said. Through 44 presidential administrations, this saying has rung true, and it has special resonance on Aug. 26 — National Dog Day.

Now in its 11th year, the special day commends the hard work of those dogs warming homes like the White House — where a pup known as "Feller" once provided comfort and companionship to Truman — while at the same time shining a light upon the vast number of canines still in need of being rescued.

In this March 15, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama pets the family dog Bo, a Portuguese water dog, outside the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)
In this March 15, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama pets the family dog Bo, a Portuguese water dog, outside the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.
President Lyndon Johnson lets his beagle Him peer from open window as the president toured the Johnson City area, Nov. 2, 1965. (Photo by AP)
President Lyndon Johnson lets his beagle Him peer from open window as the president toured the Johnson City area, Nov. 2, 1965. 
Richard M. Nixon fondled family's black and white cocker spaniel \"Checkers\" at his home in Washington on September 28, 1952. (Photo by AP)
Richard M. Nixon fondled family's black and white cocker spaniel \"Checkers\" at his home in Washington on September 28, 1952.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt lifts his dog Fala as he prepares to motor from his special train to the Yacht Potomac at New London, Conn., Aug. 3, 1941. (Photo by AP)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt lifts his dog Fala as he prepares to motor from his special train to the Yacht Potomac at New London, Conn., Aug. 3, 1941. 
President Bill Clinton is greeted by his dog Buddy as he returns to the White House Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, 1998. (Photo by Ron Edmonds/AP)
President Bill Clinton is greeted by his dog Buddy as he returns to the White House Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, 1998.
President Ronald Reagan is pulled along by his pet dog Lucky while he and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher take a stroll in the White House Rose Garden on Feb. 20, 1985 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Barry Thumma/AP)
President Ronald Reagan is pulled along by his pet dog Lucky while he and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher take a stroll in the White House Rose Garden on Feb. 20, 1985 in Washington, D.C.
President Gerald R . Ford often sits with his dog Liberty in the Oval Office. (Photo by Gerald Ford Museum/AP)
President Gerald R . Ford often sits with his dog Liberty in the Oval Office. 
President George W. Bush walks off Air Force One carrying the family pets Barney (R) and Ms. Beazley as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Aug. 13, 2006. (Photo by Jim Watson/AFP/Getty)
President George W. Bush walks off Air Force One carrying the family pets Barney (R) and Ms. Beazley as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Aug. 13, 2006.