Special Sub-Topic: Presidential Pets Click Here To Play: Presidential Pets

Easy one to start: What President owned a Cocker Spaniel named Checkers?

Richard Nixon & Nixon. The Cocker spaniel, who was actually a gift to Nixon's daughter Tricia, was the subject of the famous 'Checkers Speech' Nixon (then running for Vice-President) gave on television in 1952 to defend the existence of a 'slush fund'. The success of the speech was considered by many to be the reason President Eisenhower decided to keep Nixon as his running mate.

Which First Daughter had two pets who didn't get along: dog Grits and Siamese cat Misty Malarky Ying Yang?

Amy Carter. Grits Carter was a black and white mutt given to Amy by her teacher. He was reluctantly returned to the generous teacher after he 'christened' several White House carpets.

Theodore Roosevelt had a pet named Admiral Dewey. What species was the Admiral?

Guinea pig. The Roosevelt White House was the home of many pets, such as Pete the bull terrier, Rollo the Saint Bernard, Manchu the Pekingese, and Eli Yale the Macaw.

Buddy, the dog of Bill Clinton, was named for whom?

Bill's uncle. Sadly, Buddy the Labrador retriever was killed in an auto accident in 2001.

What President had a mockingbird named Dick?

Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson owned several dogs, his favorite of who was Buzzy. Buzzy was a native French sheepdog called a chien berger de Brie.

Caroline Kennedy's horse, Macaroni, was a gift from whom?

Vice-President Johnson. It pays to be the offspring of the President. In 1962, Caroline received a white mutt named Pushinka from Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev. President Kennedy referred to her puppies as 'pupniks'.

Which President had a ram named Old Ike?

Woodrow Wilson. Old Ike was one of a herd that mowed the White House lawn during World War I. Talk about conserving energy!

This President's 170-pound Newfoundland, Lara, is so far the largest dog to occupy the White House.

James Buchanan. Buchanan, our only single President, was the loving father of Lara, a huge Newfoundland who was noted for lying for hours with one eye open and one eye closed.

What President's dog, Fido, was the first First Dog to be photographed?

Abraham Lincoln. Fido, the family mutt, had his portrait taken at F. W. Ingmire's studio in Springfield, Illinois, just before his family left for the White House. The photo is still on display at the Illinois State Historical Society.

What was the name of President Ford's golden retriever, who gave birth in the White House?

Liberty. It was a national news event when Liberty Ford gave birth to eight puppies. Liberty, who was a surprise gift, followed her dad everywhere.

Which First Daughter became upset when her father wanted to include the family dog, Yuki, in her wedding pictures?

Luci Johnson. Yuki was a stray mutt found by Luci Johnson at a Texas gas station. He attended cabinet meetings, witnessed the signing of the Wholesome Meat Act, and danced with the President at Luci's wedding. He was with his dad when he died on his Texas ranch in 1973.

What breed of dog was Heidi Eisenhower?

Weimaraner. Poor Heidi had to be returned to the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, because she left puddles all over the White House.

What color was Socks Clinton, Bill Clinton's cat?

Black. He was black with white hands and a white belly.

This famous Scottish terrier had to be ousted from the Presidential limousine that his dad rode to his third inauguration in.

Fala. Fala Roosevelt is probably the most famous First Dog. His likeness is featured on FDR's memorial in Washington, DC.

Which President had a dog named Veto?

James Garfield. President Garfield showed his good sense of humor by naming his dog after his habit of vetoing bills, which he was often ridiculed for.

What breed of dog was Rex Reagan?

King Charles spaniel. This pampered pooch lived in a designer doghouse with photos of his famous parents on the walls.

Which President owned a goat named Old Whiskers, said to resemble him for his pointed beard?

Benjamin Harrison. Old Whiskers would often pull the Harrison grandchildren around the White House lawn in a carriage.

The whole nation mourned when this President's dog, Grim, was killed by a train.

Rutherford Hayes. Grim Hayes was a greyhound, the gift of Mrs. William DuPont of Wilmington, Delaware. He was one of many dogs to inhabit the Hayes White House.

What kind of animal was Poll Jackson, Andrew's pet?

Parrot. Short for 'Polly', I assume.

What is unusual about Ernie Bush, First Cat?

He has six toes. Learn all about Ernie and the other First Pets on the White House's cute website.