This is the first of three episodes to feature all three of President Bartlet's daughters. The other two are Abu el Banat (2003) and Requiem (2006).
The title is based upon a quote from William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" (Act III, Scene I): "Cry 'Havoc', and let slip the dogs of war".
President Franklin Pierce was also from New Hampshire.
First appearance in the series of Ryan Pierce, played by Jesse Bradford.
Guest star William Devane and Martin Sheen co-starred together in the 1974 Made for TV film The Missiles of October (1974). William Devane is no stranger to White House roles. He also plays the Secretary of Defense in season four of 24 (2001) JFK in The Missiles of October (1974) and the President in Stargate SG-1 (1997) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).