Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. What US president, while he was still vice-president, owned a Cocker Spaniel named Checkers?
Answer: Richard Nixon The Cocker spaniel, who was actually a gift to Nixon's daughter Tricia, was the subject of the famous 'Checkers Speech' Nixon (then running for Vice-President) gave on television in 1952 to defend the existence of a 'slush fund'. The success of the speech was considered by many to be the reason President Eisenhower decided to keep Nixon as his running mate.
2. Which First Daughter had two pets who didn't get along: dog Grits and Siamese cat Misty Malarky Ying Yang?
Answer: Amy CarterGrits Carter was a black and white mutt given to Amy by her teacher. He was reluctantly returned to the generous teacher after he 'christened' several White House carpets.
3. Theodore Roosevelt had a pet named Admiral Dewey. What species was the Admiral?
Answer: Guinea pigThe Roosevelt White House was the home of many pets, such as Pete the bull terrier, Rollo the Saint Bernard, Manchu the Pekingese, and Eli Yale the Macaw.
4. Buddy, the dog of Bill Clinton, was named for whom?
Answer: Bill's uncleSadly, Buddy the Labrador retriever was killed in an auto accident in 2001.
5. What President had a mockingbird named Dick?
Answer: Thomas JeffersonJefferson owned several dogs, his favorite of who was Buzzy. Buzzy was a native French sheepdog called a chien berger de Brie.
6. Caroline Kennedy's horse, Macaroni, was a gift from whom?
Answer: Vice-President JohnsonIt pays to be the offspring of the President. In 1962, Caroline received a white mutt named Pushinka from Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev. President Kennedy referred to her puppies as 'pupniks'.
7. Which President had a ram named Old Ike?
Answer: Woodrow WilsonOld Ike was one of a herd that mowed the White House lawn during World War I. Talk about conserving energy!
8. This President's 170-pound Newfoundland, Lara, is so far the largest dog to occupy the White House.
Answer: James BuchananBuchanan, our only single President, was the loving father of Lara, a huge Newfoundland who was noted for lying for hours with one eye open and one eye closed.
9. What President's dog, Fido, was the first First Dog to be photographed?
Answer: Abraham LincolnFido, the family mutt, had his portrait taken at F. W. Ingmire's studio in Springfield, Illinois, just before his family left for the White House. The photo is still on display at the Illinois State Historical Society.
10. What was the name of President Ford's golden retriever, who gave birth in the White House?
Answer: LibertyIt was a national news event when Liberty Ford gave birth to eight puppies. Liberty, who was a surprise gift, followed her dad everywhere.
11. Which First Daughter became upset when her father wanted to include the family dog, Yuki, in her wedding pictures?
Answer: Luci JohnsonYuki was a stray mutt found by Luci Johnson at a Texas gas station. He attended cabinet meetings, witnessed the signing of the Wholesome Meat Act, and danced with the President at Luci's wedding. He was with his dad when he died on his Texas ranch in 1973.
12. What breed of dog was Heidi Eisenhower?
Answer: WeimaranerPoor Heidi had to be returned to the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, because she left puddles all over the White House.
13. What color was Socks Clinton, Bill Clinton's cat?
Answer: BlackHe was black with white hands and a white belly.
14. This famous Scottish terrier had to be ousted from the Presidential limousine that his dad rode to his third inauguration in.
Answer: FalaFala Roosevelt is probably the most famous First Dog. His likeness is featured on FDR's memorial in Washington, DC.
15. Which President had a dog named Veto?
Answer: James GarfieldPresident Garfield showed his good sense of humor by naming his dog after his habit of vetoing bills, which he was often ridiculed for.
16. What breed of dog was Rex Reagan?
Answer: King Charles spanielThis pampered pooch lived in a designer doghouse with photos of his famous parents on the walls.
17. Which President owned a goat named Old Whiskers, said to resemble him for his pointed beard?
Answer: Benjamin HarrisonOld Whiskers would often pull the Harrison grandchildren around the White House lawn in a carriage.
18. The whole nation mourned when this President's dog, Grim, was killed by a train.
Answer: Rutherford HayesGrim Hayes was a greyhound, the gift of Mrs. William DuPont of Wilmington, Delaware. He was one of many dogs to inhabit the Hayes White House.
19. What kind of animal was Poll Jackson, Andrew's pet?
Answer: ParrotShort for 'Polly', I assume.
20. What is unusual about Ernie Bush, First Cat?
Answer: He has six toesLearn all about Ernie and the other First Pets on the White House's cute website.
Source: Author bullymom
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Leau before going online.
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