Some of the Presidents' Dogs Trivia Quiz

Answer: Greyhound

The greyhound can be a wonderful family pet and (in America) there have been valiant efforts made to re-home dogs who - for whatever reason - come from dog racing tracks. The average weight for an adult greyhound may range between 60 and 80 pounds (considering both sexes). Greyhounds do love to run, as a rule, but can be very content to serve as a couch-potato-couch-mate if given that opportunity, as well.

This dog breed brings a lot of positive attributes with it; understandably, it was among the very first "First Family".

Answer: Briard

President Jefferson is said to have owned two Briards. True to its "herding dog" ancestry, the Briard does better with a release of its natural high energy level - i.e., the dog needs a job! Adjectives including smart, confident, loyal, intuitive and faithful are used to describe the Briard. That does sound like what we have read about Thomas Jefferson, too, does it not?

Answer: Italian Greyhound

Both President and Mrs. Tyler were known to be animal lovers. Mrs. Tyler was President Tyler's second wife and she was often extolled for her stylish appearance. Of course, she would want a dog who could be just as impressive. The Italian Greyhound is a lot of dog in a small package. Breed standard puts all IGs between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder and between 7 and 14 pounds. AKC.org describes the IG as: "Sensitive and alert, playful, highly affectionate".

These dogs are sight hounds - although members of the Toy Group - and have a natural "chase" instinct.

Answer: Newfoundland

Tyler's dog, Lara, was said to have weighed "about 170 pounds" - this is a bit heavy by (American Kennel Club or AKC) breed standards of the 21st century. Considering both sexes, Newfies should weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. As mentioned, Lara was a black dog but the AKC breed standard for the Newfoundland lists acceptable coat colors to be black, brown, gray and white and black. President Tyler is certainly not alone in his appreciation of the breed; Newfies are often mentioned as wonderful companions, when circumstances can accommodate a BIG dog.

Answer: Manchester Terrier

Understandably, this Jack's favorite activity was said to have been terrorizing the family cat, Tom Quartz, although, some sources mention it was the cat who chased the dog. Manchester Terriers are described as bright and observant with a smooth, compact body that lends itself naturally to activity and agility. Very little grooming is required for this dog and it could be a wonderful pet dog - for the experienced terrier owner. What fun the White House must have been - for an animal lover - when the (Teddy) Roosevelt family lived there! Besides the dog and cat mentioned they owned a list that included (other) dogs, (other) cats, guinea pigs, birds, ponies, badgers, rabbits, chickens - and more.

Answer: Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is called "The King of Terriers". It is the biggest terrier but could also be because the breed can be superlative in so many ways. AKC.org writes this about the Airedale Terrier, "His size, strength, and unflagging spirit have earned the Airedale Terrier the nickname "The King of Terriers." The Airedale stands among the world's most versatile dog breeds and has distinguished himself as hunter, athlete, and companion." In the early 1920s there was probably more written about Laddie Boy than about President Harding. Well, more complimentary news, anyway. Laddie Boy had his own hand carved chair - where he sat during high level meetings and was very often included in "formal" pictures and portraits of the Hardings.

Answer: Weimaraner

An attractive Weimaraner is, indeed, a gorgeous animal. Their coat color is so unique and striking no wonder the Weimaraner is nick-named "Gray Ghost" - something that lovely simply can not be real. The Weimaraner is a true gun dog, a member of the Sporting Group, and its athletic build is not just for appearance.

They often have an abundance of high energy and really need a release for that energy. That was the case for Heidi, the dog who (very temporarily!) shared the White House with President Eisenhower.

Heidi was described as "nervous and high-strung" - she liked to jump and nip and never quite participated in the "house breaking routine". President and Mrs. Eisenhower loved that dog, though. Heidi spent most of her time at the Eisenhower's farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, thus proving politics are just not for everyone, right?

Answer: Poodle

The Kennedy's poodle, Gaullie, was a black standard (size) Poodle. The American Kennel Club (or, AKC) lists the height for the standard poodle to be more than 15 inches tall (at the shoulder) and weight (combining both sexes) between 40 and 70 pounds. Poodles are typically extremely intelligent, highly intuitive and effortlessly trained and can be the perfect companion.

A poodle's human companion should be prepared to do a bit of grooming, though; that gorgeous coat can require attention and exertion.

As mentioned the Kennedy family was one that loved their animals. According to www.presidentialpetmuseum.com: "JFK was ... the first president to request that the White House dogs greet him at the helicopter when he returned to the White House." That says a lot about his priorities.

Answer: Beagle

The Beagle is an amazing companion. Those words describing the Beagle in the question are just a few that would be used to describe this wonderful little hound dog. But heritage will not be denied; the Beagle was bred to be a hunting dog - and, a pack hunting dog, at that.

The qualities that make for a tireless and independent trail hound can also make for a stubborn and self-determining companion animal when it comes to training. All things considered, Beagles may not be the easiest dog for everyone to enjoy. Lyndon Johnson loved his dogs and it was said he gave them free run of the White House during his presidency.

His interest and admiration of his dogs garnered LBJ some very unflattering attention, though, when he attempted to get one of his dogs (it was the Beagle named "Him") to pose for photographers.

Answer: Labrador Retriever

President Bill Clinton's dog was a Labrador Retriever named "Buddy". Breed standards allow Labs to be registered in either black, chocolate or yellow. "Buddy" was chocolate colored - as is the dog shown in the photo. For many years, as the twentieth century became the 21st, the Labrador Retriever was the dog breed with the most annual new registrations with the American Kennel Club - thus, named "America's most popular breed of dog".

It would be difficult to not like almost any Lab; they are typically eager to please, easy to train and incredibly loyal.

When President Clinton adopted "Buddy" is was said that he wanted "to have one loyal friend in Washington" (D.C.). This quote and more info about "Buddy" can be found at: http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/pets/buddy/