First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Best Friends

by Brooke Janis, Roy Rowan

Presidential History Unleashed—Fido to Fala, Millie to Bo

"If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog," Harry Truman once said. Perhaps that's why, for much of our Republic's history, there have been two top dogs at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—one with two legs, one with four. First Dogs , by distinguished journalist Roy Rowan and researcher Brooke Janis, tells the whole doggone story, from the days before there was a White House to Barack Obama’s newly adopted presidential pup, Bo.

Here's a lighthearted romp through American history, packed with drawings and paintings from early America, plus photographs, starting with Abraham Lincoln's Fido. Not only did these four-footed goodwill ambassadors humanize their distinguished masters, they offered them a little unconditional love in a loveless town.

First Dogs gives dog lovers and history lovers a new angle on presidential history and is more fun than you can shake a stick (or rubber bone) at.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Presidents, American History

163 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 1997

Reviews

[Cosette]

What I learned is that Trump is definitely screwed since he doesn't have a dog

[Grace Smith]

Imagine reading a book about First Dogs and finding out something so shocking you audibly yell out “WHAT?!” Did you know that Abe Lincoln’s dog was ALSO assassinated??

[Deb Todd]

Disappointing.

[Chris]

A dispassionate summary of canines in the White House. I’m not a fan of the Marley and Me tearjerkers, but you have to wonder if the authors were cat people. For all the heart they brought to the subject they could have been documenting First Stamp Collections. And don’t get me started on their “describing political cartoons to the blind” forays.

All that being said it was an enjoyable and quick read, but it left me wanting more. Some fascinating stories were just touched upon and delving into them could have made for a better book.

[Irene]

Picked this up on the bargain/sale shelf at the library as a stocking stuffer. A bit out of date (written in 1997 when the Clintons had just gotten Buddy) but still some interesting history lessons and anecdotes, and lots of fun photos. A good appetizer for the upcoming change this week from the Trump White House, which had no pets or warmth, to the Bidens and the first rescue dog.

[Cheryl Rowland]

A cute book that if you read it, you will learn many interesting facts about the Presidents and their dogs. in fact, did you realize that Teddy Roosevelt had the most animals only to be surpassed by JFK.

[Nancy Nash Keefer]

Cute book, but then, I love dogs.

[Lindsay Racen]

This was a completely random pickup that my mom snagged for us to share at the Lyndon Bains Johnson Library. I flipped through it briefly and found Heidi the weimaraner under President Eisenhower's section. This is the perfect quick read for dog-lovers and historians alike. It's witty and has some pretty hilarious fun-facts while still aligning with major historical events. With sketches and pictures of presidents and their furry friends, including the first photo of a First Dog ever, it's entertaining with just the right amount of critical analysis.

[Amy]

For my animal-loving 9 year old there was too much information on politics and not enough information (or pictures) of the dogs. She wanted more information than is available in the children's picture books available on the subject and though this is longer, it didn't really provide that much more (at the kind of facts kids would like to hear.)

[Bryce 11-12]

So awsome I learned a million dirferent things about dogs.
And a million things about the presidents.
I would reccomend it to anyone who wants to learn
about presidents and their dogs.

[Marilyn]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12407979

[Amelia]

This was a good little book for lovers of dogs and history. Most important fact, if you want to have a successful presidency you need to have a dog.

[Lorraine Sulick-Morecraft]

Only a few presidents were reluctant dog owners. FDR was the only prez to brave an English Setter, which alas, did not survive his term but ate platefuls of eggs for breakfast.

[Julieann]

fun stories. I would like to see an update about the presidents and their pets, after the Clintons (ie, starting with their First Dog, Buddy).

[Stacy]

Ok, don't say I didn't get into the election year spirit; I read this book. The writing is kind of corny but I appreciated the collection of historical photos assembled.

[Julie]

Fun read about the first dogs.

[Suzanne]

Fun, light, informative read! Recommend to any dog lover!

[Valerie]

I thought it was an interesting look at the Presidents through their pets

[Sherry]

a fun little book...quickly scanned