National Checkers Day

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: Activities
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 23
Holiday emoji:: 🐶

National Checkers Day observes a unique moment in American political history every September 23. This day commemorates Richard Nixon’s famous 1952 ‘Checkers’ speech, where a gifted cocker spaniel became central to his defense. Reflect on the intersection of politics and pets, and consider how personal narratives shape public perception.

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Expected National Checkers Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history suggests that National Checkers Day, though niche, can inspire unique deals. Look for pet supply retailers like PetSmart and Chewy to offer discounts on dog toys, treats, and accessories, perhaps with a patriotic theme. Bookstores such as Barnes & Noble might feature sales on political biographies or books about presidential pets. Online memorabilia shops could highlight items related to Richard Nixon or historical political campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 23 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Checkers Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCheckersDay. Share photos of your own ‘First Fido’ or a favorite presidential pet, inviting followers to share their stories.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalCheckersDay. Tweet historical facts about the ‘Checkers’ speech or share polls about the most famous presidential dog.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCheckersDay. Post a video discussing the speech’s impact or host a live Q&A about political history.

National Checkers Day Hero

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon (1913–1994) served as the 37th President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. Before his presidency, as a vice-presidential candidate in 1952, he delivered his famous 'Checkers' speech, a televised address that saved his political career. In it, he emotionally referenced a cocker spaniel named Checkers, gifted to his children, as the one gift he would never return. The speech became a landmark moment in political communication.

History of National Checkers Day

On September 23, 1952, Vice President candidate Richard Nixon delivered the “Checkers Speech.” Nixon needed to defend himself after being accused of improprieties involving a fund set up by his supporters to compensate him for campaign costs. His position on the Republican ticket was also at risk, so he traveled to Los Angeles and gave a half-hour television address.

During his address, Nixon emphasized that no matter what anyone thought, he planned to keep one gift. The gift was a black-and-white dog christened “Checkers” by the Nixon children, thus giving the speech its famous name.

The “Checkers Speech” was viewed or heard by about 60 million Americans, the greatest television viewership at the time, and it sparked an outpouring of popular support. Almost every President in history has had a dog as a member of the First Family. It’s no surprise considering Americans’ affection for dogs and the fact that dogs can calm almost any crisis — which is necessary for the most powerful position in the world.

National Checkers Day timeline

1789

The First Dog of the United States

George and Martha Washington own many dogs, including American Foxhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, and a Greyhound.

1944

You Can't Criticize my Little Dog

After being criticized and accused of spending thousands of government money to rescue his dog, Roosevelt stated in a speech, "you may criticize me, my wife, and my family, but you can't condemn my little dog."

1952

The Checkers Speech

Richard Nixon delivers the historic speech that sparks National Checkers Day, to the American people.

1998

First Pets Featured in a Book

"Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets" is a children's book authored by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United States.

National Checkers Day FAQs

When is National Checkers Day?

National Checkers Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 23, marking the anniversary of Richard Nixon’s pivotal 1952 speech. It’s a day to reflect on political history and the charm of presidential pets.

What was the 'Checkers' speech?

The ‘Checkers’ speech was a televised address given by then-Vice Presidential candidate Richard Nixon on September 23, 1952. He used the speech to defend himself against accusations of impropriety regarding a political fund, famously stating he would not return a cocker spaniel named Checkers, a gift to his daughters.

How many U.S. presidents have had dogs?

A vast majority of U.S. presidents have had dogs, with over 30 presidents owning at least one canine companion during their time in office. These presidential pets often become beloved public figures themselves, adding a personal touch to the White House.

Why is it called 'Checkers' Day if it's not about the game?

National Checkers Day is named after Checkers, the cocker spaniel gifted to Richard Nixon’s children, which became central to his 1952 speech. The holiday has no connection to the board game; it’s purely a commemoration of that specific historical political event.

How To Celebrate National Checkers Day

Read about the "Checkers" speech
The "Checkers" speech, regarded as a watershed moment in American political oratory, illustrates how quickly attention may be shifted from one issue to another. Nixon regained the public's trust in a single speech. Students of oratory, political science, journalism, and history, as well as historians, are still studying the "Checkers" speech today.
Discuss little politics
If you have children or young adults in your life, National Checkers Day is an excellent opportunity to teach them American politics and the importance of television in global politics.
Dress up your dog or pet
Make a simple outfit for your dog using your creativity. You may go old school with a monocle and top hat, or you can channel Ronald Reagan with an 80's outfit. Take some photographs, post them on social media with the relevant hashtags, and then sit back and laugh.

5 Cool Facts About The First Dogs In The White House

George Washington created a breed
According to the American Kennel Club, our first president was an enthusiastic fox hunter who desired a superior dog that was fast, clever, and had a great sense of smell, so he crossed his Black and Tan Coonhounds with French Hounds to produce the American Foxhound.
The notorious Pete
According to the Presidential Pet Museum, Roosevelt loved his pet, characterizing him as "ridiculously devoted," and frequently made excuses for Pete's conduct.
The Roosevelt dog-lovers
Teddy Roosevelt wasn't the only Roosevelt with a soft spot for puppies, Franklin D. Roosevelt owned eight dogs while serving as president!
Gentleman Rob Roy
According to WhiteHouseHistory.org, Rob Roy, popularly named after a popular cocktail during prohibitions, was the first dog to be a part of an official First Family photo portrait and accompanied First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge in her official White House photo.
Beloved Millie
Millie, an English Springer Spaniel owned by Barbara and George H. W. Bush has been dubbed "the most famous White House dog in history."

Why We Love National Checkers Day

Dogs are patriotic
Dogs have had an important role in molding American history and politics, particularly during wartime. Dogs have played an important role in almost every battle in which America has been involved.
They teach us to be more human
Dogs are kind, caring, and sympathetic; they forgive and never carry grudges. A dog is always present in the moment, no matter what they are doing. If you observe your dog throughout the day, you will see that he is a better person than most humans.
Presidents are just like regular people
Every dog at the White House receives a lot of attention, much like their owners and other celebrities. The presence of a dog helps the First Family and “the most powerful person in the world” appear more normal, accessible, and sympathetic.