The Story of Fido (Abraham Lincoln's dog) and the Lincolns

Fido was a beloved pet of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

Fido was a small, energetic dog who lived in the White House during Lincoln's presidency.

Fido was a mixed-breed terrier, likely a mix of Fox Terrier and Bull Terrier breeds.

Fido was known for his loyalty and affection towards Lincoln, who often took him on walks around the White House grounds.

Fido was a constant companion to Lincoln, even during the tumultuous years of the Civil War.

Fido's presence in the White House provided a sense of normalcy and comfort to the Lincoln family during a time of great turmoil.

Fido's loyalty to Lincoln was unwavering, and he remained by his side until the end of his presidency.

A unique perspective: Dog Food for White Dogs

Fido was a favorite of Abraham Lincoln and his younger sons, Willie and Tad.

Fido was known to wait for Lincoln outside the barber shop and would sometimes carry a parcel in his mouth when going home with his master.

He was a friendly dog by nature, but was frightened by loud noises and crowds.

Fido was left in the care of family friend John E. Roll in Springfield when the Lincolns decided to leave him behind due to the bustle of Washington.

Lincoln gave Roll an old sofa that was a favorite of Fido's, and left instructions that Fido be allowed to have the run of the house, not to be scolded for tracking mud, and to be allowed to wander around the family dinner table and be fed scraps.

Rough-coated yellow dogs like Fido were common at that time, and the name "Fido" is from the Latin "fedelitas" for faithful, which was likely high praise for the dog.

Fido must have arrived in the Lincoln household by 1855, as historians can produce an invoice for vermifuge, a "de-wormer", from the Springfield drugstore.

Fido must have arrived in the household by 1855, as historians can produce an invoice for vermifuge, a “de-wormer,” from the Springfield drugstore.

The Lincolns had owned another dog, Honey, when Lincoln was younger, which was also a rough-coated yellow dog like Fido.

Fido's name is from the Latin "fedelitas" for faithful, so naming the dog Fido was likely very high praise for the dog.

The most popular name for dogs at the time was Carlo, but Fido's name stood out as a unique and special choice.

Abraham Lincoln left Fido in the care of a local carpenter, John Eddy Roll, and his two boys, and gave them Fido's favorite horsehair sofa to make him feel at home.

Fido was there to witness Lincoln's funeral in Springfield in 1865 and was instantly recognized by the crowd.

A portrait of Fido was taken by F. W. Ingmire's photography studio, and John Roll even turned it into a carte de visite that was sold at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.

For more insights, see: Dog Names Female Start with S

The Lincolns decided to leave Fido with a trusted family friend, John Eddy Roll, before they left for Washington in 1861.

Abraham Lincoln's oldest friend in Illinois, John Eddy Roll, was the perfect person to care for Fido, and the Lincolns knew he would treat him well.

A sofa from the Lincoln home was given to the Rolls so that Fido would feel comfortable and have a piece of home with him.

Fido was allowed indoors and never tied outside, and he was never scolded for having muddy paws.

The Lincolns also made sure that Fido would be given scraps from the table when the family ate.

Fido seemed to adapt well with the Rolls and became a popular dog around town.

Lincoln's barber, William Fleurville, kept the president updated on Fido's condition in a letter sent in 1862.

Additional reading: Breeds of Dogs That Start with S