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Many presidents have welcomed numerous pets into the White House, but Teddy Roosevelt may have been one of the presidents with the most pets during his presidency. His household included six children and many animals, including dogs, horses, guinea pigs, and even exotic animals, such as a bear. Teddy Roosevelt had over 40 pets during his presidency, including common household animals and exotic species. Read on to learn more about Teddy Roosevelt’s pets, their personalities, and what made them so unique.
Teddy Roosevelt’s Dogs
Dogs played an important role in Teddy’s life.
- Rollo: A massive Saint Bernard. He was known to be a gentle giant, always being extremely friendly with children and guests.
- Sailor Boy: A Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Teddy called him “a gentleman.” He was loyal, calm, and one of the more well-behaved dogs of the group.
- Pete: A mischievous Bull Terrier known for his bad temper. After a few too many incidents, Pete was sent away from the White House.
- Skip: A small mixed-breed terrier, said to be Teddy’s favorite and possibly the inspiration behind the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed.
- Manchu: A little Pekingese gifted to Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice Roosevelt, by the Dowager Empress of China.
- Jack: A Manchester Terrier who was a little anxious because he often hid when the White House got too busy.
Teddy Roosevelt’s Exotic Animals
Teddy Roosevelt didn’t just have a few dogs, he had an entire collection of exotic animals. During his presidency, the Roosevelt White House housed a great variety of pets that delighted the press and the public.
- Josiah: A badger who was known for being feisty and would sometimes nip at people’s heels.
- Jonathan Edwards: Named after one of Roosevelt’s ancestors, this black bear cub was among the more surprising animals in the presidential household.
- Eli Yale: A blue macaw who added color to the Roosevelt animal family. Parrots were rare pets at the time, making Eli especially unique.
- Algonquin: A pony that became famous for riding the White House elevator to visit Archie Roosevelt while he was recovering from illness.
- Maude and Mame: Maude was the family pig. While not as well-known as the other pets, she was a part of the Roosevelt family’s extensive animal collection. On the other hand, Mame was a pig named by the Roosevelt children after their nurse.
- Bishop Doane, Dr. Johnson, Admiral Dewey: These, and a lot of others, were guinea pigs kept by the Roosevelt children.
- Baron Spreckle: A hen who lived at the White House during Roosevelt’s presidency. She added to the mix of creatures that made the White House mansion feel more like a family farm.
Teddy’s Relationship With Skip
Among all of these animals, Skip, the terrier, held a special place in Teddy’s heart. He was given to him by his hunting guide, John Goff, and Skip ended up always being by the president’s side. He joined Roosevelt on hikes and hunting trips and was a loyal companion to the entire family. Skip is believed to have been a key influence in the development of the breed now known as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.
A Brief Look at FDR and His Dog Fala
While Teddy Roosevelt’s household was filled with different animals, his cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), was known primarily for one pet: Fala, a Scottish Terrier. Fala was a loyal and beloved companion during FDR’s presidency and even attended important presidential events.
Fala became famous, especially after rumors spread that FDR had sent a Navy ship back to retrieve the dog. The president addressed the story with humor in a campaign speech, which only made the public love Fala even more. Fala outlived the president and is honored alongside him at the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to presidential pets, few can compete with Teddy Roosevelt’s variety of household pets and exotic animals. With six kids and a love for nature and animals, the Roosevelt family turned the White House into a lively, pet-filled palace. All of the curious stories about Teddy Roosevelt’s pets are still remembered today, showing how much animals were a part of Roosevelt’s life and why his pet collection remains one of the most memorable in presidential history.
See Also:
- How to Take Care of a Dog: Vet-Approved Tips for Kids
- Pit Bull Discrimination: Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation
