George Washington Was a Dog Person
Most American presidents have been dog people. Even the ones who might not have liked dogs have often found it convenient to keep a mutt or two in the White House for appearances’ sake, and to project a wholesome image. However, few American presidents were as fond of Man’s Best Friends as George Washington. America’s first president was a big time dog lover. During his lifetime, he had dogs from just about every group recognized by the American Kennel Club today.
Greyhounds, French hounds, Newfoundlands, spaniels, terriers, and Briards were just some of the breeds kept by Washington at one time or another. He maintained a pack of fox hunting hounds in a well-kept kennel that had a spring running through it to supply the dogs with fresh water. He personally inspected it twice it a day, every morning and evening. As seen below, Washington’s love of dogs even led him to temporarily halt the war in order to return an enemy’s lost dog.
