First Pets: Four-legged or Feathered Friends of President John Tyler

Holding the position of U.S. president is no walk in the park, many have had furry, scaly, and feathered friends by their sides, providing companionship or at least a laugh. President John Tyler took full advantage of this way to relax while in the White House.

Born in 1790, Tyler studied law at the College of William & Mary and went on to serve in the House of Representatives from 1816 to 1821. He then served as governor of Virginia. According to the White House Historical Association, he vehemently believed that the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted strictly and never so much as dialed back the strength of his conviction. Never a huge fan of Andrew Jackson, Tyler joined Whig leaders Henry Clay and Daniel Webster to begin a campaign against the president. In 1840, as vice president under William Harrison, Tyler stepped into office. However, he was not prepared for what happened next: President Harrison died barely a month into his term, leaving Tyler as president for the remaining term.

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Tyler had a number of animal friends to keep him company during his time in the White House. The Presidential Pet Museum reported that Tyler had several dogs while in office. First, he had two wolfhounds. These dogs had to be imported and were intended as gifts for his second wife, Julia. In addition to these, he also had an Italian greyhound. Named Le Beau, the dog was a gift from the consul of Naples.

The president also had a pet canary. Tyler named the charming bird Johnny Ty, clearly as an homage to himself. He and his wife wanted a companion for the bird and so decided to find a mate for him. They introduced him to a female canary and thought all would be well. However, Johnny Ty was found dead shortly thereafter. It turns out the new bird was actually a male, too.

Finally, Tyler's most beloved pet was his horse, The General. The president's love for this animal is best seen through the heartfelt memorial etched on the horse's headstone: "For 20 years, he bore me around the circuit of my practice, and in all that time he never made a blunder. Would that his master could say the same!" This sincere message was placed by the horse's grave on Sherwood, Tyler's estate.

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