National Checkers Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about White House’s First Dogs

National Checkers Day is on September 23, also known as “Dogs in Politics Day,” and commemorates political canines or candidate puppies, First Fidos, or Revolution Rovers. Checkers Day has nothing to do with the popular board game; it commemorates Richard M. Nixon’s 1952 ‘checkers’ speech.

The background of National Checkers Day

On September 23, 1952, Vice Presidential candidate Richard Nixon gave the “Checkers Speech.” Nixon was forced to justify himself after being accused of impropriety involving a fund established by his supporters to cover his campaign expenses. His position on the Republican ticket was also in jeopardy, prompting him to travel to Los Angeles and deliver a thirty-minute television address.

Nixon emphasized during his speech that regardless of what others believed, he intended to keep one gift. The gift was a black-and-white dog named “Checkers” by the Nixon children, thereby lending the famous speech its title.

The “Checkers Speech” was viewed or heard by approximately 60 million Americans, the highest television audience at the time, and it prompted an outpouring of support from the general public. Almost every president throughout history has had a dog in the White House. It’s not surprising, given Americans’ fondness for dogs and the reality that dogs can calm almost any crisis — a requirement for the world’s most powerful position.

5 COOL FACTS ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE’S FIRST DOGS

According to the American Kennel Club, our first president was an avid fox hunter who desired a superior dog with speed, intelligence, and a keen sense of scent; therefore, he bred his Black and Tan Coonhounds with French Hounds to create the American Foxhound.

According to the Presidential Pet Museum, Roosevelt adored his pet, characterizing him as “ridiculously devoted,” and frequently made excuses for Pete’s conduct.

Franklin D. Roosevelt possessed eight dogs during his presidency. Teddy Roosevelt was not the only Roosevelt with a soft spot for puppies.

According to WhiteHouseHistory.org, Rob Roy, whose name was derived from a popular cocktail during the Prohibition, was the first dog to be included in an official First Family portrait and accompanied First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge in her official White House portrait.

Barbara and George H. W. Bush’s English Springer Spaniel, Millie, has been labeled “the most famous White House dog in history.”

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NATIONAL CHECKERS DAY DATES