Who's In the White House Now? The New Presidential Pets

In the tradition of past presidents, President George W. Bush brought with him an entourage of "First Pets" to scamper through the hallowed halls of the White House. Along with the Bushes, two dogs and a cat are residents of the world famous address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The two belonging to the president are Spot and Barney. Spot, an 11-year-old English springer spaniel, is the daughter of former First Pet Millie, owned by former President George H.W. Bush. Spot was born in the White House on March 17, 1989, and is the only second-generation presidential pet in history.

Spot sleeps on a chair in the First Couple's bedroom. The other presidential canine, Barney, is a Scottish terrier puppy. Although unusually well-behaved for a puppy, he's yet to be housebroken. According to White House sources, he may graduate to a sleeping spot in the Bush's bedroom upon completing his course in proper elimination.

The First Family also owns a cat, of which little is known except his name, India.

A Rich Tradition of Presidential Pets

The White House has been home to many unusual Presidential pets, from dogs and cats to elephants, tigers and bears. The tradition of First Pets began appropriately enough with George Washington, who owned 36 hound dogs, several horses and one parrot, named Polly.

Other presidents have had an interesting assortment of pets. Besides a mockingbird, Thomas Jefferson owned two bears, given as gifts by Lewis and Clark after their famous journey throughout the Northwest. John Quincy Adams owned an alligator and a number of silkworms. Martin Van Buren owned two tiger cubs. On the eve of the Civil War, James Buchanan owned an elephant, an eagle and a Newfoundland dog.

Which president owned the strangest collection of pets? Find out by reading about the Top 10 Strangest Presidential Pets.