A missing presidential pup raises questions about image, empathy, and leadership style.

Dogs have always been a trusted piece of the White House backdrop, softening even the toughest leaders and humanizing political power. So when Donald Trump refused to have one, it stood out—not just because it broke tradition, but because it said something about how he views optics, tradition, and even connection. These ten points break down why his dog-free presidency was unusual, why it wasn’t an accident, and what it may reveal about his approach to leadership.