Presidential pups

The Chinese Year of the Dog began Friday, and it's President's day weekend, so here's a look at White House top dogs.

It’s the Chinese Year of the Dog and Monday is President’s Day, so here’s a look at presidential pubs.

THE FIRST PET

So far, President Trump has not nominated a first pet to his cabinet. First lady Melania Trump’s communications director, Stephanie Grisham, told reporters in late 2017, “There are no plans at this time” to add a pet. The Trumps could be the first family in modern presidential history without a pet. The last petless president was James K. Polk, who served 1845-1849. William McKinley (1897-1901) was the last poochless president, but he did have cats and other pets. Lois Pope, a Trump booster from Florida, offered to give a goldendoodle puppy named Patton to Trump in early 2017. Pope wanted to get a puppy for Trump’s son Barron during the transition to life at the White House. So far, the dog hasn’t appeared with the Trumps.

Second pets

The Trumps may have passed on pets for now, but Vice President Mike Pence’s family has several. The Pences have lost two of their cats since they’ve been in Washington, D.C. A week after they mourned the loss of their 16-year-old cat Oreo, the Pences added more furry friends. For Father’s Day, they got a gray kitten named Hazel and an Australian shepherd puppy. Pence said he wanted a motorcycle for Father’s Day, so he named the pup Harley.

Arkansas has the highest percentage of dog ownership per household in the U.S. with 47.9 percent. The states with the lowest percentage of dog ownership are Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.

A goldendoodle is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever. Some have been trained as guide dogs. Some people say they cause less reaction in those allergic to dogs, but those claims are disputed by vets and allergists.

Ten states with highest percentage of dog ownership:

The vice presidential family pets in 2017.