National Dogs in Politics Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

A dog altered the trajectory of a presidential election in 1952. National Dogs in Politics Day commemorates not only this occasion, but also all of America's finest political dogs.

On September 23, National Dogs in Politics Day, we honor The First Dog of the United States (FDOTUS), who holds a special place in the affections of every American. Dogs and other pets have a lengthy history of residing in the White House; they have endeared us to their owners (the First Families) and have even swayed the votes of animal-rights advocates. Learn more about the history and current function of man’s best friend in politics.

The background of National Dogs in Politics Day

A dog altered the trajectory of a presidential election in 1952. National Dogs in Politics Day commemorates not only this occasion, but also all of America’s finest political dogs.

On September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon addressed 60 million viewers directly via television, which was still in its infancy at the time. Nixon refuted allegations that he had overused campaign contributions in his “Checkers Speech” By alluding to his children and the family dog, a black and white cocker spaniel named Checkers, Nixon touched a public wound making him seem more personable. Nixon was able to acquire the public’s trust, downplay the charges, and remain on the Eisenhower ticket through this speech.

Almost every President in White House history has had a dog as a member of the First Family. It’s not surprising, given Americans’ fondness for dogs and the fact that dogs can calm virtually any situation – a trait that could be useful for the world’s most potent position.

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Activities on National Dogs in Politics Day

Read the speech from “Checkers”

The “Checkers” speech, regarded as a turning point in American political oratory, demonstrates how readily attention can be diverted from one subject to another. Nixon regained the public’s faith following a single address. Today, orators, scholars of political science and journalism, and historians continue to study the “Checkers” speech.

Examine Buddy’s book.

First Lady Hillary Clinton wrote “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy,” a children’s book containing extracts from over 50 letters written to their first pets, Socks (cat) and Buddy (dog), while her husband was in office.

Outfit your companion

Use your imagination to create a fast costume for your dog. You can go retro with a monocle and top hat, or you can give it a 1980s suit à la Ronald Reagan. Take photographs, upload them to social media with the appropriate hashtags, and allow the hilarity to ensue.

5 Interesting Facts About Famous White House Dogs

Bo, a Portuguese Water Hound, moved into the Obama White House on April 14, 2009, after a comprehensive review of hypoallergenic options, as Malia was allergic.

Spotty, George W. Bush’s English Springer Spaniel, was born to Millie, George H. W. Bush’s dog, while they were in the White House. Spotty is the only dog to have resided in the White House for two non-consecutive terms.

Buddy died tragically after leaving the White House in an automobile accident while the Clintons were abroad, much to Socks, the Clintons’ cat, chagrin.

Millie, an English Springer Spaniel belonging to Barbara and George H. W. Bush, is considered “the most famous White House dog in history”; she has appeared in episodes of Murphy Brown, Who’s the Boss?, and Wings.

Rex, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel belonging to Ronald and Nancy Reagan, frequently refused to enter the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House. This chamber has long been believed to be haunted by Abraham Lincoln’s ghost, and it appears that Rex shared this belief.