President Obama and Bo. Photograph Obama courtesy of White House Flickr.
Presidential-pooch expert Andrew Hager has written a new book, All-American Dogs. We called him up to learn more about the world of White House canines.
What’s your fave DOTUS?
John F. Kennedy’s dog Pushinka was born in the Soviet Union. Her mother, Strelka, was one of the first dogs the Soviets sent into space and brought back. In 1961, Nikita Khrushchev sent one of those “space puppies” to the White House, and Pushinka became part of the family. She even had puppies with Kennedy’s Welsh terrier. [The gift] led to more back-channel communication between Kennedy and Khrushchev. I’m not saying Pushinka saved the world, but I think it’s a lot harder to see someone who sent your family a puppy as evil.
Did you dig up any stories about naughty pups?
Roosevelt also had a German shepherd named Major. In 1933, Major bit and tore the pants of the British prime minister at a state dinner. They had to send someone to get the prime minister new pants before he could leave the White House.
Why do we care so much about presidential dogs?
It’s a chance for us to connect—at least in some subconscious way—to the presidency. Seeing the President toss a ball with his dog allows us this brief moment of connection with people who are among the most powerful people in the world. It seems like they have no relation to the life we live, but this is one area where they still kind of do. Granted, I don’t know how often Joe Biden is going out with a little plastic bag on his hand to pick up poop in the backyard.
This article appears in the August 2022 issue of Washingtonian.
Why Do We Care So Much About Presidential Pooches?
An interview with an expert on White House dogs.
Presidential-pooch expert Andrew Hager has written a new book, All-American Dogs. We called him up to learn more about the world of White House canines.
What’s your fave DOTUS?
John F. Kennedy’s dog Pushinka was born in the Soviet Union. Her mother, Strelka, was one of the first dogs the Soviets sent into space and brought back. In 1961, Nikita Khrushchev sent one of those “space puppies” to the White House, and Pushinka became part of the family. She even had puppies with Kennedy’s Welsh terrier. [The gift] led to more back-channel communication between Kennedy and Khrushchev. I’m not saying Pushinka saved the world, but I think it’s a lot harder to see someone who sent your family a puppy as evil.
Did you dig up any stories about naughty pups?
Roosevelt also had a German shepherd named Major. In 1933, Major bit and tore the pants of the British prime minister at a state dinner. They had to send someone to get the prime minister new pants before he could leave the White House.
Why do we care so much about presidential dogs?
It’s a chance for us to connect—at least in some subconscious way—to the presidency. Seeing the President toss a ball with his dog allows us this brief moment of connection with people who are among the most powerful people in the world. It seems like they have no relation to the life we live, but this is one area where they still kind of do. Granted, I don’t know how often Joe Biden is going out with a little plastic bag on his hand to pick up poop in the backyard.
This article appears in the August 2022 issue of Washingtonian.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Georgetown Cupcake Shut Down by DC Health Department
Bruno, the French Bulldog Taken at Gunpoint, Found Dead
Honest Tea Is Being Scrapped by Coca-Cola. Its Founder Has a Plan.
Why Is the National Archives Pursuing Trump’s Records? A Former Official Explains.
Donald Trump and Ketchup: A History
Washingtonian Magazine
August 2022: Taco Town
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Guest List: 5 People We’d Love to Hang Out With This August
Things to Do in the DC Area 8/8-8/14: Dance Parties, Watercolor Classes, and a Sausage-and-Beer Festival
The Tiny DC Art Space With a 20-Year History
Telling the Stories of 7,700 People Buried at Arlington Cemetery
More from News & Politics
Bruno, the French Bulldog Taken at Gunpoint, Found Dead
Austin Tice Abduction Anniversary Will Be Marked by National Press Club Event
Honest Tea Is Being Scrapped by Coca-Cola. Its Founder Has a Plan.
That Time Congressman Mark Pocan Did Magic Tricks for Uzi-Toting Guerrillas
Washington Wizards Reintroduce Classic Uniforms
Photos: Intense Flooding Around DC During Last Night’s Storm
Georgetown Cupcake Shut Down by DC Health Department
Summer Days at Some DC Public Pools Can Be Like a Party