We’re all familiar with the Portuguese Water Dogs, Scottish Terriers, and English Springer Spaniels that have lived at the White House because their owners have been the most current presidents, but did you know that three Italian Greyhounds have also been residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (maybe more if, indeed, George Washington owned an IG named “Cornwallis”).

America’s tenth president, John Tyler, surprised his wife, Julia, with an Italian Greyhound he ordered from the consul of Naples in 1844, a young racing pup she named named “Le Beau” (“beautiful one” in French). Le Beau was indeed beautiful, but described as being tough on the White House’s furniture and rugs. Despite that, Julia proclaimed, “Le Beau is perfectly well and hearty and has the most unfailing attention.”

Later, “Grim” came along when Rutherford B. Hayes took up residence, and by all accounts, stole the heart of each family member.  The last Iggie we know of to have lived in the White House belonged to Woodrow Wilson, though some say that “Mountain Boy,” though well loved, technically never lived in the White House.

 Running Italian by Debra Jones is available as a poster, print, and greeting card here.