Sumo, a Maltese bichon belonging to former French President Jacques Chirac, loved France’s official Presidential residence called the Elysée Palace. With lots of room to roam, including a large garden, Sumo freely followed Chirac as he made his rounds through the many rooms.

“He would take him everywhere,” said Bernadette Chirac, the former first lady. “That dog was very happy at the Elysee.”

Things changed dramatically when Chirac left office in 2007 and took up residence in a smaller but still luxurious apartment.

Sumo never adjusted to the change.

The dog also blamed Chirac.

Since leaving Elysée Palace, Sumo had become unpredictable, making “vicious, unprovoked attacks,” stated Bernadette.

Twice the dog bit Chirac on the leg and then lunged at his chest.

“He sprang at him. And a bichon can jump very high. He bit him in the stomach. I was scared because I saw blood. It’s terrible what little teeth like that can do.” said the former First Lady.

Sumo’s bite even led to a trip to the hospital for Chirac where he was treated.

The Chiracs tried to put Sumo on anti-depressants to help him adjust to his lesser surroundings. They did not work.

Left with no choice, the Chiracs found a new home for Sumo at a friend’s farm where the bichon can run freely and play with other dogs. Sumo must be happy. He has not bitten anyone since.

One dog trainer blamed Chirac for the dog’s behavior. He said Chirac was too lenient by allowing the dog to sit at the table and get on the bed.

Who would have thought that the man who ruled France for twelve years, and developed a reputation as strong on crime and terrorism, would be such a wimp to a small dog?