Obama First Dogs

First Dogs have a long and amazing history – there have been First Dogs as long as there have been American Presidents. Most of Barack Obama's 43 predecessors in office had a First Dog at their side. The long tradition goes back 220 years, when George Washington, the very first President of the United States of America, took his oath of office. George Washington, a passionate hunter, loved American Foxhounds. Among his favourites were Drunkard, Sweetlips and Mopsey, to name just a few.

One of the most famous First Dogs in history is Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fala. The cute black Scottish Terrier won everybody's hearts with little tricks, and with her famous smile. Fala, who slept in a dog bed at the President's side and joined him on many of his travels, even joins her beloved master in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Another real star among the First Dogs of America is President Lyndon B. Johnson's Yuki, a cute mixed breed with a musical talent. Johnson and Yuki sang many duets together, entertaining guests in the White House. According to rumours, Johnson used to insist that Yuki is singing with a Texan accent. Bill Clinton broke the old First Dog tradition when he moved into the White House with his First Cat named Socks. But he soon amended the faux pas, and become best friends with a Labrador called Buddy.

And now there's the newest addition to the long line of First Dogs, those lucky, privileged fellows who're chosen to live and bark in the White House. Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, has become the most powerful dog in America, if not the whole world, at the tender age of only six months. His election was a huge affair, followed by the world press. Hot discussions were going on all around the globe. Should President Barack Obama go for a pure breed, or save a mixed breed from a dog shelter? Which type of dog is most suitable for the demanding position of First Dog, and which is most suitable for children? Everybody had ideas and suggestions, but little Bo made the race. And the cute little fellow has become everybody's darling in a flash. Within hours of moving into the White House, Bo had his own fan clubs and internet blogs. And without doubt there are already so many letters addressed to First Dog Bo en route to the White House in Washington that he'll soon require his own secretary. For now he's only a puppy, but soon Bo will have to stand his ground beside Mr President Barack Obama. So let's wish Bo, First Dog of the United States of America, all the luck in the world.