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    With all the responsibility that comes with running a country, a president could use someone to help him de-stress every once in a while. We're not talking about their First Ladies, though — we're talking about those all-important and adorable First Dogs. Everybody knows that a slobbery smile and one wag of a tail solves most of the world's problems. Meet some of the famous first pups that ruled the White House with their carefree canine dispositions.

    First Dog: Bo Obama

    Term: 2009–Present 

    Breed: Portuguese Water Dog 

    President: Barack Obama

    Ruff-sponsibilites around the White House: Accompanying Barack and Michelle to the annual Easter Egg Roll, keeping Malia and Sasha company, creating photo opportunities for journalists in the U.S. 

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    First Dogs: Her and Him 

    Term: 1963–1969

    Breed: Beagle

    President: Lyndon B. Johnson

    Ruff-sponsibilities around the White House: Chasing squirrels off the White House lawn, greeting guests, answering questions from the press

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    First Dogs: Barney and Mrs. Beazley

    Term: 2001–2009

    Breed: Scottish Terrier

    President: George W. Bush 

    Ruff-sponsibilites around the White House:  Starring in feature "films" around the Oval Office, taking George W. Bush on his daily walk, helping with the White House's annual Christmas decorations

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    First Dog: Liberty

    Term: 1974–1977

    Breed: Golden Retriever

    President: Ford 

    Ruff-sponsibilites Around the White House: Keeping the commander-in-chief company in the Oval Office, swimming laps in the pool in Camp David, sending fans personalized photographs with an autographed paw

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    First Dog: Buddy 

    Term: 1993–2001

    Breed: Labrador Retriever

    President: Bill Clinton

    Ruff-sponsibilites around the White House:  Keeping Bill on his best behavior, helping Hillary write a children's Christmas book, keeping Chelsea company when their parents were abroad

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    First Dogs & Their Breeds: Gaullie the Poodle, Charlie the Welsh Terrier, Pushinka the mutt, Shannon the Irish Cocker Spaniel, Wolf the Wolfhound and Schnauzer mix, Clipper the German Shepherd

    Term: 1961–1963

    President: John F. Kennedy 

    Ruff-sponsibilities around the White House: Helping watch JFK, Jr., and Caroline, building a new play area in the West Wing, vacationing with the family

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    First Dog: Milred ("Millie")

    Term: 1989–1993

    Breed: English Springer Spaniel 

    President: George H. W. Bush 

    Ruff-sponsibilites around the White House:  Writing a memoir, learning about foreign affairs, founding a dog park in her home state of Texas 

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    First Dog: Feller

    Term: 1945–1953

    Breed: Blond Cocker Spaniel

    President: Truman

    Ruff-sponsibilities around the White House: Working to turn Truman into a dog lover, keeping the White House's doctor company, changing opponents' views of Truman into positive ones 

  • Photo by Diana Walker/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
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    First Dog: Rex

    Term: 1981–1989

    Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

    President: Reagan 

    Ruff-sponsibilites around the White House:  Lighting the National Christmas Tree, hanging out in a custom-made dog house, keeping the ghost of Abe Lincoln inside the Lincoln room

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    Next: Happy 51st Birthday, Bo Obama!

    First Dog: Laddie Boy 

    Term: 1921–1923

    Breed: Airedale Terrier 

    President: Harding

    Ruff-sponsibilities Around the White House: Attending cabinet meetings, conducting mock interviews, posing for a sculpture of himself that was to be shown at the Smithsonian Institute