You may not have to have a dog to be president but most holders of that high office do. Particularly beginning in the 20th century, pets and especially dogs, are seen as a reflection of the owner’s humanity and better angels.

Dogs also are apolitical creatures, they love everyone and most people love them back. Spoiling your presidential pooch gives you an everyman quality. Whereas treating your dog badly, will hurt you significantly in the eyes of your constituents - just remember the negative press that Lyndon Johnson received for pulling his beagle’s ears.

Beginning with Theodore Roosevelt, who became president in 1901, all US presidents but two had dogs while they were campaigning or in the White House. You can see a complete list of Presidential Pets on Infoplease.

So, how about the candidates who are running for president in 2008? Will they continue the tradition? According to several sources, the candidate with the most pets including 14 dogs is Senator John McCain. Barack Obama, who has no pets, is apparently getting pressure from his daughters to get a dog, if he wins the election. Joe Biden of Delaware has a cat and Connecticut’s Chris Dodd says he would like a dog - but family allergies you know -  hmm! Hilary Clinton, John Edwards, and Dennis Kucinich all have dogs. On the Republican side, besides McCain’s menagerie, Mike Huckabee has a dog, Romney’s dog just died, and Giuliani has no pets.

Posted by Barbara.