Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by Matt Staff
When we think of historical figures, we often picture them giving powerful speeches, leading revolutions, or creating masterpieces. But behind the scenes, many of these iconic individuals had a soft spot for animals. Let’s explore famous historical figures who were surprisingly devoted to pets.
1. Winston Churchill and His Poodle, Rufus
Britain’s wartime prime minister had a soft spot for animals, especially his miniature poodle named Rufus. Churchill even brought Rufus to meetings and insisted he be treated with the utmost respect.
2. Theodore Roosevelt and His White House Zoo
Roosevelt turned the white house into a veritable zoo with pets like snakes, a badger named Josiah, and even a bear. His deep love for nature extended into his presidency and personal life.
3. Frida Kahlo and Her Exotic Pets
The iconic Mexican painter surrounded herself with monkeys, parrots, and even a deer named Granizo. Her animals were more than companions; they often appeared in her surreal and symbolic self-portraits.
4. Florence Nightingale and Her Owl, Athena
The founder of modern nursing had a pet owl named Athena, which she rescued and carried around in her pocket. Nightingale´s affection for animals mirrored her compassion for people.
5. Marie Antoinette and Her Pugs
The French queen adored dogs and was especially fond of her pugs. Even when imprisoned, she reportedly kept a dog by her side for comfort.
6. Abraham Lincoln and His Goats
Lincoln´s children had two pet goats named Nanny and Nanko that roamed the white house. The president was amused by them and welcomed their playful antics.
7. Queen Victoria and Her Cavalier Spaniel
Queen Victoria´s beloved dog, Dash, was her loyal companion before and after she ascended the throne. She even commissioned a marble statue for him after his death.
8. Charles Dickens and His Pet Raven
The famous author kept a pet raven named Grip, which inspired Edgar Allan Poe´s “The Raven”. Dickens was fascinated by the bird´s intelligence and even had it stuffed after it died.
9. Napoleon Bonaparte and His Dog, Fortune
Napoleon´s wife, Josephine, had a pug named Fortune that famously bit the emperor on their wedding night. Napoleon tolerated the dog, knowing how important he was to his wife.
10. Pablo Picasso and His Dachshund, Lump
Picasso had a special bond with his dachshund Lump, who appears in several of his artworks. The dog lived with Picasso in the south of France and followed him everywhere.
11. Emily Dickinson and Her Newfoundland, Carlo
The reclusive poet cherished her large Newfoundland dog, Carlo, who accompanied her on long, solitary walks. She often mentioned him in her letters and poems.
12. John F. Kennedy and His Many Pets
Despite allergies, JFK kept a wide array of pets in the white house, including a pony, a rabbit, and several dogs. His family´s animals were beloved by the public and press alike.
13. Mark Twain and His Cats
The American writer was a devoted cat lover, owning up to 19 cats at one time. He believed cats were smarter and more dignified than humans, and far better company.
14. Alexander the Great and His Horse, Bucephalus
Though not a pet in the traditional sense, Alexander´s bond with his horse Bucephalus was legendary. He even named a city after the animal after it died in battle.
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These stories reflect a shared bond that transcends time, a love for animals that remains just as strong today. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 25 Photos That Show the Real Wild West or 15 Celebrities That Served in WWII.
