Skip to main content
Bowl of the First Dog of the United States
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Bowl of the First Dog of the United States
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bowl of the First Dog of the United States

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.691088
Object Type Bowl, Pet
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium ceramic, glaze, plastic, adhesive
DimensionsOverall H 2 1/4 in x Diam 8 7/8 in (5.7 cm x 22.5 cm )

Physical DescriptionWhite ceramic dog bowl with a blue bedazzled exterior that has a central gold band containing a string of gold stars. Along both sides of the bowl are the words "America's First Dog", framed by the string of stars. In the front center of the gold band is golden circular a seal depicting the White House with a raised American Flag over red and clear bedazzled arching stripes. The words around edge of the seal are "Bowl of the First Dog of the United States". In the interior center of the bowl is the same gold seal as the front. Along interior back edge of the bowl are the words "America's First Dog", also in gold. There is a notch at the back of the bowl for easy lifting.
Historical NoteReceived while President Barack Obama was visiting Prague, Czech Republic on April 5, 2009 during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links