The strangest pets that have ever lived in the White House
The White House has been home to some of the quirkiest, most unique pets in American history. These animals, from a raccoon to a cat with a website, have had their moments of fame, and some even made their way into popular culture. Here’s a look at 15 of the most intriguing four-legged (and sometimes more) residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Rebecca the Raccoon (Calvin Coolidge)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 1926, a raccoon named Rebecca arrived at the White House, originally a gift for President Calvin Coolidge’s Thanksgiving dinner. But Rebecca quickly won over the Coolidge family, living in a custom-built house on the grounds. She even made an appearance at the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Pushinka the Pup (John F. Kennedy)
Credit: Instagram
Pushinka, a white mutt with an impressive pedigree, was gifted to the Kennedys by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1961. The dog’s mother, Strelka, had been one of the first dogs in space. The Kennedy children loved Pushinka and even had puppies with the family’s other dog, Charlie.
Fala, the Scottish Terrier (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Fala was more than just a dog to Franklin D. Roosevelt; he was a companion through some of the most challenging times in American history. Fala traveled with FDR during World War II and earned the affectionate nickname “The Informer” from the Secret Service due to his habit of revealing FDR’s schedule.
Billy Possum (Herbert Hoover)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Billy Possum, a wild opossum, made his way to the White House in 1929 after wandering onto the grounds. First Lady Lou Hoover adopted it, and Billy was an instant hit. He lived in a pen once home to Rebecca the raccoon. Eventually, Billy was “borrowed” by a Maryland high school that lost its opossum mascot—talk about a bizarre souvenir!
Major and Champ (Joe Biden)
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When Joe Biden moved into the White House, he brought along his two German Shepherds, Major and Champ. Major made history as the first shelter dog to live at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Sadly, after a few biting incidents, Major left the White House. Champ remained until his passing in 2021, while Commander, another German Shepherd, took over as the new canine resident.
Socks the Cat (Bill Clinton)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Socks was the Clintons’ beloved stray cat, adopted by Chelsea Clinton. During the Clinton presidency, Socks became a media sensation, even getting his own fan mail and website. While the first family’s dog Buddy didn’t always get along with Socks, the cat became a symbol of the Clintons’ domestic life and was often seen in iconic White House photos.
Millie the Springer Spaniel (George H. W. Bush)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Millie was a beloved member of the Bush family and arguably one of the most famous White House dogs. Millie was frequently photographed with President George H. W. Bush, lounging in the Oval Office or frolicking on the White House lawn. Her puppies, including Spot, also went on to live at the White House, making Millie a multi-generational star.
Old Ike the Ram (Woodrow Wilson)
Credit: presidentialpetmuseum
During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson had a flock of sheep grazing on the White House lawn. Their primary purpose was to trim the grass and save on groundskeeping costs. But Old Ike, the tobacco-chewing ram, became a celebrity in his own right. He was often spotted with the rest of the flock, helping to raise money for the Red Cross by auctioning off their wool.
King Timahoe (Richard Nixon)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
President Nixon had a few pets during his time in the White House, but the most memorable was his Irish Setter, King Timahoe. The dog was a gift from Nixon’s staff and became a prominent figure in the Nixon family photos. King Timahoe was often seen accompanying the president on trips and even participated in holiday card photos.
Polly the Parrot (Andrew Jackson)
Credit: Reddit
Andrew Jackson’s parrot, Poll, had a penchant for swearing—no surprise considering Jackson himself was known for his fiery temperament. Poll’s colorful language became infamous, and when Jackson passed away, the parrot’s profanities were so disruptive at his funeral that it had to be removed.
Macaroni the Pony (John F. Kennedy)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Macaroni was a Shetland pony given to President John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline, by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. The pony was a hit on the White House grounds, becoming a popular sight as it roamed freely. It was even featured in a spread for Life magazine.
Him and Her the Beagles (Lyndon B. Johnson)
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President Lyndon B. Johnson’s two beagles, Him and Her, were constant companions during his presidency. They were a common sight on the White House lawn, where LBJ would often walk them. In 1964, Him made headlines when LBJ was photographed lifting him by the ears, causing a public outcry that required an official statement defending the president’s actions.
Tiger the Cat (Abraham Lincoln)
Credit: Library of Congress
Abraham Lincoln’s family had several pets, but Tiger, a yellow mixed-breed cat, was particularly beloved by the president. Although he didn’t stay at the White House long (Lincoln left Tiger behind when he moved to Washington), Tiger gained fame as one of the first presidential cats.
The Roosevelt Menagerie (Theodore Roosevelt)
Credit: Library of Congress
President Theodore Roosevelt was an animal lover with an extraordinary collection of pets during his time in office. He had many kinds of animals, from dogs to a pony, snakes, and even a hyena. His son Archie even had a pet badger named Josiah, which was said to nip at his legs but never his face—a little odd, but part of the Roosevelt charm.
Billy the Pygmy Hippo (Calvin Coolidge)
Credit: Smithsonian Archives
Calvin Coolidge’s collection of exotic pets included a rare pygmy hippo named Billy. Billy was a gentle giant who lived in the White House until he was donated to the Smithsonian. Billy’s contribution to the zoo world was profound, as he fathered 23 babies, helping ensure the survival of his species in American zoos.