President Bush's Dog Barney was a 'real Jerk'

Barney the dog in front of the White House
Barney the dog in front of the White House

Sunny, the Obamas' puppy, made headlines this week for jumping on a toddler at the White House and causing her to fall. The Portuguese water dog was just being playful with 2-year-old Ashtyn Gardner during a viewing of the Christmas decorations.


But Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush, said on the "Today" show that the Bush family's Scottish terrier, Barney, caused much more trouble than Sunny. "Barney was a real jerk," she said, much to the surprise of Willie Geist and Al Roker, the show's anchors.


Barney was a biter, according to Hager. He once bit a reporter at the White House, and he bit a family friend on two occasions. "He was a little temperamental," Hager said. "I feel bad saying that, but he didn't like strangers." The 12-year-old Scottish terrier died earlier this year from lymphoma.


But Barney isn't the only presidential pooch known for his bite. Teddy Roosevelt's bull terrier, Pete, had a reputation for nipping at ankles and once ripped the pants of the French ambassador.


Jump over here to see a video of Hager as she talks about testy Barney.



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