Presidents and their pets: Donald Trump set to be first US leader in nearly 120 years to go without a dog

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Chloe Chaplain28 February 2017

In his first weeks in office, Donald Trump has made it clear to the watching world that he is not one to follow conventions.

And he has yet again surprised the public, this time by choosing to not have a dog during his time in office – making him the first President in nearly 120 years to do so.

Mr Trump was rumoured to be adopting a Goldendoodle names Patton from one of his Florida friend, Lois Pope.

But Ms Pope decided that she wanted to keep the dog herself and President Trump was, reportedly, indifferent.

She told the New York Post: “I told him [and] Donald said, ‘But, Lois, I can’t take the dog,’

“He said, ‘Look at what I do. I’m here, I’m in New York, I’m in Washington. What am I going to do with the dog?’”

Trump: The President looks likely to be the first to not have a dog in 116 years
AP

According to the Presidential Pet Museum – dedicated to preserving “information, artefacts, and items related to the presidential pets” – the last President to not have a canine friend by his side was William McKinley.

McKinley had roosters, a parrot named Washington Post and several kittens - but no dogs.

He served from 1897 to 1901- when he died of gangrene following an assassination attempt.

Pets: Barack Obama walking Bo
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Since McKinley, all US Presidents went on to have pet dogs including, most recently, Barack Obama.

The Obamas introduced two Portuguese Water Dogs - named Bo and Sunny - to their family in 2009 and 2013.

Sunny has made headlines twice - once in 2013 when, at a Military family event, Sunny knocked over a 2-year-old girl.

Pets: Michelle Obama with Bo and Sunny
@FLOTUS

In January 2017 Sunny also reportedly bit a White House visitor on the face. The injury required stitches.

In January 2016, a North Dakota man was arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap Bo, when Secret Service agents were notified.

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