First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Best Friends

by Roy Rowan and Brooke Janis

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565129369
• ISBN13: 9781565129368
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Algonquin Books
• Length: 163 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.7" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

Dog Lovers

Calling all dog lovers--you know who you are!! Find your favorite easy chair and have your best friend fetch your slippers, then sit back and enjoy a wonderful read. Great fun for all ages with a little bit of history thrown in. Highly recommend this book.

Expanded Edition of "First Dogs" Delights

Everything's up to date in White House dogdom now that Roy Rowan and Brooke Janis have updated their celebrated history of American presidents' canine pets. Prime examples of four-legged fealty to chief executives (most of the time), beginning with George Washington's hunting hounds, have been supplemented by George W. Bush's Scottish terrier Barney, whom the 43rd president called "the son I never had," and the Obamas' Bo. The incumbent presidential dog was the subject of an unprecedented search. "At first," the authors wrote, the president "seemed to favor an underdog. He mentioned the possibility of canvassing canine shelters for a mixed breed or, as he put it, for a 'mutt like me.'" Because of daughter Malia's allergies the Obamas narrowed the field to non-shredders, a Labradoodle (part Labrador retriever, part poodle) and a Portuguese water dog. "This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary," Obama said. If such humor seemed questionable to some, the authors did not agree. "Let's face it, all the speculation provided a little doggone fun at a somber period when it was badly needed." After the Obamas decided on a Portuguese water dog--a strong, smart and loyal breed that the American Kennel Club says can "swim all day"--Senator Ted and Victoria Kennedy purchased a six-month-old brother of their own"Portie" for Malia and her sister, Sasha. Originally named Amigo's New Hope, the dog was sensibly rechristened Bo by the girls. "Remember what Cal Coolidge said," the authors concluded: 'Any man who does not like dogs,' and then he specifically added, 'and want them about, First Dogs American Presidents and Their Best Friendsdoes not deserve to be in the White House.'" Norm Ritter

What fun...

My whole family has enjoyed this book. My grandchildren pick it up every time they're here. I leave it on the coffee table so that friends who stop by can see it. It makes a hit with everyone. It's even more fun right now while our new president and his little girls are (as this is written)trying to decide on a dog to move into the White House ....