Famous Labrador retrievers: real dogs behind the breed's legend

Part 1

Presidential Labradors: Buddy in the Clinton White House

If you've ever wondered why Labradors show up so often in the news, Buddy's story is a good place to start. Buddy was a chocolate Labrador retriever born on August 7, 1997, in Federalsburg, Maryland. Bill Clinton adopted him as a three-month-old puppy from Caroline County, Maryland, in December 1997. Clinton named him after his great-uncle, Henry Oren Buddy Grisham, who had died earlier that year and had been a major influence on him. Buddy lived at the White House until Clinton's second term ended on January 20, 2001, and the family's cat, Socks, never quite warmed to him.

Buddy walked with Clinton on the White House lawn, went along on trips to Camp David, and became something of a media favorite. Hillary Clinton wrote a children's book called Dear Socks, Dear Buddy, drawing on more than fifty letters children had sent to the two pets, and gave the proceeds to the National Park Foundation. Fan clubs and websites devoted to Buddy sprang up during his time in the White House.

Buddy died on January 2, 2002, after he was hit by a car while chasing a contractor near the family's home in Chappaqua, New York. He was four years old. Clinton got another chocolate Labrador, named Seamus, later that year.

Part 2

Working Labradors who made history: Sully and President Bush

If your own dog is a natural helper around the house, you are seeing a smaller version of what trained service Labradors like Sully do every day. Sully is a Labrador retriever born on July 14, 2016, and trained by the nonprofit America's VetDogs. He was matched with President George H. W. Bush in June 2018 to provide companionship and practical help after several hospitalizations. His training included fetching dropped items, opening doors, answering the phone, and summoning help in an emergency.

When President Bush died on November 30, 2018, Sully accompanied his casket, and a photo of the dog lying beside it drew wide attention online. Sully later visited the Capitol rotunda while Bush lay in state. In February 2019, Sully joined the Facility Dog Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he works with veterans during rehabilitation sessions.

• The American Kennel Club gave Sully its 2019 Paw of Courage award for his service to President Bush.
• The ASPCA named Sully the recipient of its 2019 Public Service Award.
• A life-size bronze statue of Sully, created by artist Susan Bahary, was unveiled in December 2019 at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.

Part 3

Why Labradors keep becoming famous

Part of the answer is temperament. Buddy was described as gregarious and playful, true to his breed, even as he clashed with the family cat. Sully was trained to fetch dropped items, open doors, answer the telephone, and summon help in an emergency. If your Labrador is eager to please and quick to bond with people, you are seeing the same traits that suited Buddy and Sully to public life.