We all know that living with a pet every day has many benefits. One of them is the affection that we get from Fellnase and Co. that we should undoubtedly return to them. If one transfers this attention to the public world of politics, then it can turn into a powerful weapon of sympathy.
If a politician is photographed together with his pet, this creates a feeling of closeness and humanity. That is, of course, something that government groups and politicians’ press officers are only too happy to take advantage of.
But apart from their influence on the media, politicians’ pets also reflect that love for our four-legged companions knows no limits and regulations.
Dogs and cats in world politics
United States
The U.S. had a long tradition of American Presidents and their dogs in the White House. The “first dogs”, Bo and Sunny stole the hearts of many as they joined the former President’s family portrait. The “first dogs” are hypoallergenic which had been perfect for Malia Obama who had allergic conditions.
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Spain
When you talk about politicians’ pets, you quickly notice that most of them prefer dogs or cats. The President of Spain has shared his residence and family with a water dog named Turca since 2017. The animal appeared with him in public on several occasions.
Before that, Rico lived in Moncloa, the President’s residence. This energetic fur nose accompanied the ex-president Mariano Rajoy on his walks. Rico is a true pedigree dog, an English pointer with black and white fur.
During the reign of José Maria Aznar, Cico and Gufa lived in the residence. They were Cocker Spaniels who particularly enjoyed storming through the gardens of Moncloa. It was said that this was the president’s favorite breed, and he took the two for walks every day.
France
And what about other nations? In France, President Macron has often been accompanied by Nemo.
The French president adopted the mix of black Labrador and Schnauzer in 2017. Nemo feels at home in his environment and has even accompanied his reference person on some public occasions. He is only the latest in a long tradition of labradors with French presidents.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin is a special animal lover. He has shown more than once that animals and nature are important to him. But also privately he has two pets with whom he has been photographed several times. It’s Yume and Buffy. Yuma is an Akita Inu, who actually comes from Japan, and Buffy is a Bulgarian shepherd.
England
Have you heard of Larry the tabby cat? While he’s not a pet in itself, he’s lived in one of the most iconic state residences in the world for several years. Since 2011, he has made himself comfortable at 10 Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister.
This likable velvet paw was brought into the residence at Downing Street with the then Prime Minister David Cameron and is now known as Chief Mouser, the head of the mouse catcher. Larry is so popular that he even has his own Twitter account.