President Coolidge and the First Lady loved animals and had a variety of them while in the White House, but their favorites were their two white collies Rob Roy and Prudence Prim.
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| President Coolidge, the First Lady, Rob Roy and Prudence Prim. |
The First Lady, Grace Coolidge, bought Rob Roy from a breeder in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1922 after falling in love with a white collie she saw performing in a circus. The dog's name was originally Oshkosh, but the First Lady renamed the puppy Rob Roy, after a popular cocktail.
Rob Roy went with the Coolidge's to the White House and was known to lead the President to the Oval Office each morning in a stoic manner. He hated squirrels, had a tendency to bark often and did not like elevators. Every time he had to ride on the elevator he would cling to the floor, hanging on for dear life.
Rob Roy was the President's favorite pet. He would trick the dog into chasing animals on the screen during the showing of films at the White House, and even once ordered a Senator to give his sausage to the dog during breakfast.
Rob Roy is the first dog to be part of an official First Family portrait. In 1924, the First Lady insisted Rob Roy pose with her for her official White House painting. The portrait hangs on the south wall of the China Room in the White House, and was said to be Jackie Kennedy's favorite White House painting.
Prudence Prim, about one year old, arrived at the White House in 1925. The First Lady was particularly fond of the well behaved dog. She would dress her up in a beautiful bonnet and bring her to her garden tea parties where Prudence would greet each guest.
Rob Roy and Prudence Prim were best friends. Prudence died from distemper in July 1927 and Rob Roy passed away after an unsuccessful surgery for stomach problems in September 1928.
"I am unable to understand how anyone can get along without some sort of pet." -Grace Coolidge
"Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House." -Calvin Coolidge
