American Dogs

A Newfoundland in the White House with President Buchanan

The Newfoundland that had the run of the White House from 1857-1861 was the beloved pet of our 15th president, James Buchanan (1791-1868). The 170-pound... continue »

First War Dog to Carry Messages in World War I

The first war dog to carry messages for the Allies in World War I was a Belgian Sheepdog named Taki. The French military began working... continue »

The German Shepherd: From Sheep Dog to Dog of Many Skills

The German shepherd is known today as a handsome, well-built dog with high intelligence and strong loyalty. The breed has been used successfully as a... continue »

Diabetic Alert Dog Permits Teacher to Live Normally

Ija is a trained service dog (diabetic alert dog) who signals her owner when blood glucose levels are changing and then alerts her as to... continue »

National Mutt Day Advocates for Mixed Breed Shelter Dogs

National Mutt Day, celebrated on July 31, was created by animal advocate, author, and editor Colleen Paige to raise awareness of the number of mixed... continue »

Working Dogs Kept Telephone Lines Open on Mount Rainier

Throughout history, working dogs have been important to civilization. The use of sled dogs to keep communications open during winters on Mount Rainier is just... continue »

Gold Rush Dogs Traveled via Shipboard

Dogs were very much a part of the California gold rush. While it is easy to see how dogs would be brought along by hopeful... continue »

The Clinton Pets, Buddy and Socks

Bill Clinton grew up with dogs, so it was only natural that at some point the Clintons would add a dog to their family. The... continue »

Roosevelt Dog, Blaze, Makes News

Blaze, a 130-lb. English bullmastiff that Colonel Elliott Roosevelt (1910-1990) acquired in Europe during World War II, needed to get back to the United States. ... continue »

Dog Jack, Mascot and Volunteer for the Union

Jack, a young mastiff, was to become one of the best-known mascots of the Civil War because his story was reported by a reporter with... continue »

The Carter Family and Amy’s Dog, Grits

Amy Carter was age 9 when the Carter family moved into the White House. The family arrived with Amy’s Siamese cat, Misty Malarkey Ying Yang. ... continue »

Sandy, the Canine Star of Broadway’s Little Orphan Annie

The story of how the first dog who played Sandy in Annie is as dramatic and heartwarming as the story of how little orphan Annie... continue »

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