A Presidential Problem of Canine Proportions
The Atlantic
February 26, 2026
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The White House has long been home to mischievous canines whose antics have caused chaos across administrations. From John Adams' dog named Satan to more recent incidents involving Joe Biden's German shepherds, Major and Commander, presidential pets have consistently defied expectations, biting dignitaries, chewing on clothes, and causing diplomatic dilemmas. These stories highlight the challenges of keeping dogs in high-stress environments, where their natural instincts often clash with the decorum expected of life in the executive mansion.
The history of presidential dogs reveals a pattern of problematic behavior. Theodore Roosevelt's bull terrier, Pete, chased French ambassadors up trees, while Franklin D. Roosevelt's German shepherd, Major, bit the UK's prime minister and was sent away for his poor conduct. Calvin Coolidge's fox terrier, Peter Pan, ripped skirts and was eventually given away. More recently, Biden's dogs caused controversy when Major bit someone shortly after being rescued from a biting incident. Commander faced similar issues and was temporarily removed in 2023.
Despite these challenges, presidential pets are often kept for strategic reasons. They are seen as tools to humanize politicians and connect with voters on an emotional level. Dogs have played significant roles in political campaigns, such as Hoover's Belgian shepherd, King Tut, who was used to enhance his image. FDR turned a dog-related scandal into a successful speech, while Nixon famously saved his career by introducing his cocker spaniel, Checkers, during the "Checkers Speech" in 1952.
The article raises questions about whether it's ethical to keep dogs in such stressful environments. Dogs like Biden's and others before them have faced criticism for their behavior, which may stem
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/26/2026