What was the name of U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s dog shown in the picture?

While U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) didn’t bring a dog with him to the White House when first elected (1981), it was during his second term that he obtained a Bouvier des Flanders puppy named Lucky shown in the picture. It was the first lady Nancy Reagan (1921-2016) who named the dog in honor of her mother, Edith Lockett (Lucky) Davis. The dog was a high energy canine that grew to be very large. As Nancy Reagan once characterized the dog, Lucky grew from a black “ball of fluff” to “be the size of a pony”.

This picture captured the occasion when Lucky was “walking” President Reagan when he was trying to have a conversation with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Neither leader seemed to mind though.

Though Lucky was affectionate, she never adjusted to life in the White House. After a stint in obedience school, the Reagan’s sent Lucky to their ranch in California where she could roam more freely.

Despite having little luck with Lucky, the Reagans acquired a second dog, This time they selected a smaller breed, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They named the dog Rex after the retired White House usher Rex Scouten. Like Lucky, Rex pulled on his leash, but his small size made him easier to handle.

Both dogs had long lives, with Lucky living for ten years and Rex for thirteen. Both dogs were buried at the Reagan ranch.