famous dogs

Uggie the Dog

Celebrate the Oscars with the Best Dog Movies!

The Academy Awards ceremony takes place this Sunday and we’re excited to see which fantastic films take home the big prizes! Unsuprisingly, some of our favorite movies of all time feature our favorite subject – dogs! Just in time for Oscar Sunday, we’ve rounded up our list of the best dog movies. These 14 films cover a wide range, but all feature unforgettable dogs who have touched our hearts.  Read post »

2015 Year in Dog - photo credits at bottom of page

2015: The Year in Dogs

As we approach the New Year, it’s time to review some of the highlights of 2015. No, we are not talking about the year’s biggest news stories, best movies, songs of the summer or most memorable sports moments. Dog Tails wants to review 2015 the way we know best – the Year in Dogs! Below are some of the most memorable dog stories of the past year. Enjoy, and a Happy New Year to hound and human alike!

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Asta and Balto

10 Cool Dog Names and the Stories Behind Them

The first task of any new pet parent? Pick a name! With so many options to choose from (and often so many people weighing in on the decision), it can be a challenge to find the perfect fit for your unique new friend. The DogWatch team has met a lot of dogs over the years, and we’ve compiled some of our favorite dogs names, along with the stories behind them. Maybe your dog’s new name is on this list, or it will inspire you to find your own unique name for your dog!
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America’s Most Famous Political Pets

It’s all politics this week at Dog Tails.  Tuesday was Election Day, and in honor of this annual tradition, Dog Tails is turning its attention to the pets of Washington, DC.

Small or large, young or old, cat or dog, Republican or Democrat, we salute all of the dogs who loyally follow their owners around the Oval Office or halls of Congress.  The DogWatch Hidden Fences team dove into the past and came up with a list of the most memorable political pets.  No matter which way you voted on Tuesday, we know you’ll love these famous furry friends!

Fala, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s dog

FalaFala is arguably the most famous political dog of all time.  The Scottish terrier moved into the White House in 1940, at the beginning of Roosevelt’s third term.  He soon became a regular fixture in the halls of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., begging for food and performing tricks for guests.

Fala also enjoyed traveling with his master, joining the President on his many trips across the country and around the world.  In fact, the two were so inseparable that Fala is depicted alongside Roosevelt in his memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC (see picture at left).  He is the only Presidential dog to be given such an honor.

Checkers, President Richard M. Nixon’s dog

Checkers, a cocker spaniel, never made it to the White House, but he still had a sizable impact on Presidential history.  In 1952, then-Vice Presidential candidate Nixon was embroiled in a financial scandal.  In an effort to save his candidacy, he gave a televised speech in which he spoke of his humble beginnings.

The most memorable line from the speech referred to his dog, Checkers, who had been given to Nixon for his then-6-year-old daughter by a campaign donor.  “Regardless of what they say about it, we’re going to keep him,” he said.  The address became known as the “Checkers Speech,” and not only did it save Nixon’s candidacy, but it is now a term used to describe any heart-tugging speech given by a politician.

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