Sunny & Bo Memorial Archive
Honoring the loyal Portuguese Water Dogs who charmed millions as official White House Greeters, Ambassadors of Goodwill, and First Pets.
Memorial Card Studio
Customize, preview, and download a commemorative certificate.
Chronicles of the Obama Dogs
From the 2008 campaign promise through White House milestones to 2026.
Why Portuguese Water Dogs? Due to Malia Obama's childhood pet allergies, the family searched specifically for hypoallergenic breeds with hair rather than fur, making the intelligent and buoyant Portuguese Water Dog the ideal historic choice.
Portuguese Water Dog (Cão de Água Português)
Originally bred along Portugal's coast to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost gear, and act as couriers between fishing vessels.
Single-Layer Hair
Lacks an undercoat and produces minimal dander, making them safe for allergy sufferers like Malia Obama. Requires routine clipping.
Affectionate & Spirited
Bo was famously calm and regal during diplomatic visits, while Sunny was known for her vivacious, joyful, and spunky personality.
Working Athlete
Bred for aquatic endurance with webbed toes for swimming. Both dogs made regular use of the White House South Lawn to run and play fetch.
35–60 lbs | 17–23 in
Sturdy, robust frame with natural muscular balance. Bo featured distinctive white markings ("tuxedo chest"), while Sunny was solid midnight black.
PWD Care & Routine Interactive Estimator
Famous Presidential Canines Across History
From Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fala to Sunny and Bo.
| Pet Name | Breed | Administration | Historic Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Sunny & Bo | Portuguese Water Dogs | Barack Obama (44th) | Held official schedules, visited wounded troops, greeted foreign dignitaries & holiday guests. |
| Barney & Miss Beazley | Scottish Terriers | George W. Bush (43rd) | Starred in pioneering White House "Barney Cam" holiday internet webcasts. |
| Buddy | Chocolate Labrador Retriever | Bill Clinton (42nd) | Famed companion alongside Socks the Cat in the book "Dear Socks, Dear Buddy". |
| Millie | English Springer Spaniel | George H.W. Bush (41st) | "Authored" a #1 New York Times bestselling book titled "Millie's Book". |
| Fala | Scottish Terrier | Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd) | Subject of the iconic 1944 "Fala Speech"; commemorated in statue at FDR's DC Memorial. |