Dogs in the White House: George Washington

Dogs have played a major role in the lives U.S. presidents all the way back to George Washington. An avid hunter, Washington bred hounds as a favorite hobby. He is even credited with creating a special breed, known as the Virginia Hound. Some of his dogs were named Sweet Lips, Venus, and Truelove, showing his affection, and others were named Drunkard, Taster, and Tippler, perhaps showing his affection for other pursuits. Thirty-two presidents were dog owners, and some of their pets became household names.