When the leaders of the Western World had to make a tough decision, usually a public activity with their dog was used to calm citizens down. Here are 10 dogs that had the White House as their playground.

George Washington and the American Foxhound

America’s first President was a devoted dog owner who bred more than 30 hounds, including ones named Drunkard, Tipler and Tipsy.

Warren G. Harding & Laddie Boy

The Airedale Terrier enjoyed special privileges like a hand-carved cabinet chair to sit in during high-level meetings and a special birthday party at the White House with all the neighbourhood dogs attending.

Herbert Hoover and King Tut

In addition to this German shepherd, the 31st President owned two fox terriers named Big Ben and Sonnie, an elkhound named Weejie and an Irish wolfhound named Patrick.

Harry S. Truman and Feller

The 33rd President once famously said, “You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.” Dog lovers assailed the President for surrendering Feller, who came to be known as the Unwanted Dog.

John F. Kennedy and Shannon, Clipper, Charlie and Wolf

J.F.K. was the first President to request that his dogs come out to meet the presidential helicopter when he arrived at the White House.

Lyndon B. Johnson and Yuki

Found by Johnson’s daughter Luci, Yuki, a mixed breed, liked to perform in the Oval Office. In this photo, she sings with Johnson for the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain, David K.E. Bruce.

Richard Nixon and Vicky and Checkers

The cocker spaniel was the subject of Nixon’s most famous speech and was joined in later years by a poodle named Vicky. Checkers died in 1964, before Nixon becoming President of the USA, around the time that this photo was taken.

Ronald Reagan & Lucky

The Bouvier des Flandres was named after the First Lady’s mother. She had to be moved to the Reagan’s California home, though, because she grew too big for the White House.

Bill Clinton & Buddy

After receiving thousands of suggestions about the name of his newly adopted chocolate Labrador, Clinton decided to call him Buddy.

Barack Obama and Bo

The Portuguese water dog was a gift to President Obama from Senator Edward Kennedy and his wife Victoria.