The Longest-Living Presidential Pets (And What Life Was Like In The White House)

For as long as the White House has existed, various animals have filled its halls and grounds. Dogs are the most common presidential pets; however, others – including cats such as the adorable Willow Biden – have frequented the famous property. While canines have been around since John Adams became the OG White House president, Abraham Lincoln was the first to bring cats, the well-loved Tabby and Dixie, along for his stay.

The White House has transformed into something of a menagerie at times, with pets such as parrots, ducks, and sheep having lived there. John F. Kennedy's family kept their two hamsters, Debbie and Billie, in addition to a cat and a canary. Theodore Roosevelt had the largest assortment of pets at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, including a pony, a lizard, guinea pigs, a macaw, and more.

Horses and birds are some of the longest-lived pets that have inhabited the White House. Andrew Jackson was known for housing a full stable of equine companions, while First Lady Dolley Madison kept her beloved parrot, Polly, with her during her time there.

Horses, one of the pets with the longest life spans of up to 30 years, have joined multiple presidents at the White House over the years. However, few are as notable as those that belonged to President Andrew Jackson, who was famous for his penchant for horse racing. In fact, at least one contested horse race culminated with Jackson fighting a duel. The president was a dedicated horseman who housed both work and thoroughbred racing varieties on the property.

Jackson brought so many horses with him that he had an entirely new stable built to keep them. Some of his most famous and most long-lived horses included Emily, Lady Nashville, and Bolivia. There is also a rumor that Jackson brought one of his most beloved equines with him too: Truxton. However, he would have been over three decades old by the time he lived at the White House. While the deaths of Jackson's horses aren't documented, it's likely they retired and lived out their remaining days on his properties after their time in the presidential stables.

Another beloved pet was Polly, the parrot owned by Dolley Madison, wife of 4th president James Madison. Polly was a macaw, which have a life cycle that can extend 50 years or more. She was often seen perching on Dolley's shoulder as the first lady performed her daily duties, to the point that local kids would turn up to watch Polly through the White House windows. Older guests remarked on the parrot's skill at speaking French — but also her penchant for biting.

Polly was such a beloved pet of Dolley's that a replica of her now lives permanently in Montpelier. The staff takes turns posing her in various positions around the estate, making the recreation as mischievous as Polly was in life. Polly was rescued from the White House during the War of 1812 by chief steward John Sioussat. She was one of the few precious possessions recovered from the burning building alongside a portrait of George Washington. Polly outlived James, and possibly Dolley (though the latter isn't confirmed).