Dog Names Meaning Snow

Names that mean “snow” are a popular theme among pet owners. In fact, there are a number of well-known animals in pop culture that have names that translate to or related to the word “snow”. Perhaps the most notable example of this is Yuki, the rescued mutt owned by President Lyndon B. Johnson. On Thanksgiving Day in 1969, Luci, LBJ’s daughter, found a terrier mix at a gas station in Johnson City, Texas while she was on her way to her father’s ranch. Since LBJ was a dog lover (he owned two Beagles named Edgar and Freckles), Luci decided to bring the mutt home with her and give to her as a birthday present. He was named “Yuki”, which is the Japanese word for “snow”.

It took no time for LBJ and Yuki to hit things off; although LBJ loved all his dogs, it was well-documented that Yuki was his favorite. In fact, according to the book Why We Love the Dogs We Do: How to Find the Dog That Matches Your Personality, written by Stanley Coren, it was mentioned that President Johnson often ordered the White House kennel keeper to bring Yuki to his bedroom at night before he went to sleep. Lyndon Nugent, the president’s grandson, was also quoted saying that Yuki was most favored by LBJ and that they share a very close and important bond.

During his term as president, Johnson and Yuki were virtually inseparable. They were photographed swimming together in the pool and LBJ would often bring Yuki to the Oval Office as well as his cabinet meetings. At the wedding of his daughter Lynda, he was also seen dancing with his best four-legged friend. It was reported that he wanted Yuki to be in the family wedding pictures but his wife said no. There is also a famous 1968 image of the two howling and “singing” while then-Ambassador David Bruce looks on in amusement.

Opting not to run for a second term, LBJ left the Oval Office on January 20, 1969. As part of the tradition, he flew on the Air Force One to his ranch in Texas. Of course, Yuki was with him along for the ride. They lived a happy life together at the LBJ ranch until Johnson’s death in January 1973. After his passing, Yuki was adopted by Luci and her family. He passed away in 1979 at the age of 13 or 14.

Yuki had a cheerful disposition and was adept at making others laugh. He was so intelligent and well-trained that the Johnson family often jokes that they think Yuki might have come from a circus before he was rescued. His lovely personality was a big factor as to why he became LBJ’s most beloved dog.