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Being the leader of the free world has to be stressful. And even the most serious and distinguished men need some downtime to relax, get some fresh air and maybe throw the ball around. In comes one of the most important fixtures of the White House: the presidential pet.

Cats, gerbils and even horses are alright, but it’s really man’s best friend that helps their presidential owner kick back and spend some time with the family. Last night, we found out President Obama added another breed to the brood, a Portuguese Water Dog named Sunny, to be friends with mainstay dog Bo and play with Sasha and Malia.

Sunny’s celebrated arrival got us thinking about other presidential puppies and their owners, so we complied the cutest of the bunch here for you.

Enjoy!

Inspiration for the fast food restaurant? President Calvin Coolidge (second from left) (1872 – 1933) stands outdoors with his wife Grace, their two sons and their pet white collie Rob Roy, in the 1920s.

7th February 1941: American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 – 1945) in his car with his Scottish terrier, Mr Falla.

Harry S. Truman and Feller have a sad story. President Truman regifted the cocker spaniel, given to him as a Christmas present in 1947. Poor Feller became known as “the Unwanted Dog.” Photo Credit: TIME 

U.S. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy pose with their family on Christmas Day at the White House in 1962. They owned Welsh Terriers named “Charlie” and “Pushinka,” a German Shepherd name “Clipper,” an Irish Cocker Spaniel named “Shannon,” an Irish Wolfhound named “Wolf” and three Terriers named “White Tips,” “Blackie” and “Streaker.”

President Lyndon Baines Johnson kneels and pets his pet beagle ‘Him,’ as reporters look on on the White House lawn, Washington, DC, 1964.

President Richard M. Nixon smiles and pets his dogs (L-R) Irish Setter ‘King Timahoe,’ Yorkshire Terrier ‘Pasha’ and French Poodle ‘Vicky,’ outside the White House, Washington, DC, April 30, 1970.

President Gerald Ford sits with his daughter Susan on the floor of the White House’s Great Hall, watching their pet golden retriever ‘Liberty,‘ Washington, DC, c. 1978.

President Ronald Reagan and his Bouvier des Flandres “Lucky.” The President & Mrs. Reagan also had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named “Rex.” Photo credit: Doggy blogging

George H W Bush gestures for his dog, Millie, to return home after the first dog ran to Marine One on the White House lawn in Washington, D.C., April 10, 1989.

(AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander)

President Bill Clinton with his new dog, a three month old chocolate labrador puppy named Buddy. 

U.S. President George W. Bush tries to convince his dogs Spot and Barney to walk with First Lady Laura Bush before leaving for the Oval Office February 21, 2001 in Washington, DC.

We just like this picture: U.S. President George W. Bush tries to hold his dog Barney April 9, 2002 as he returns from Connecticut to the White House in Washington, DC.

Barack Obama, Malia and Sasha walk Bo during the dog’s introduction to the White House press corps.

Thanks for reading!

(All photos Getty unless otherwise credited)