#5 Bo: Portuguese Water Dog – Barack Obama

If he were to win the presidency, Obama promised to buy his kids, Malia and Sasha, a dog. The first picture of Bo went viral on social media in 2008.

Bo ultimately gained enough fame to be the subject of four books, become a plush toy offered in the White House’s online souvenir shop, and have an official schedule.

Bo accompanied the First Family on Air Force One across the globe and interacted with several international leaders, much like FDR’s renowned dog Fala. He frequently stole the show when he accompanied Michelle Obama for her readings of children’s books, and it’s possible that the kids looked forward to him more than anybody else.

But being the first dog isn’t easy at all. So don’t let it deceive you. Bo and his sister, Sunny, were almost kidnapped at some point. Fortunately, the suspect was captured by the Secret Service before he could carry out his scheme.