Obama's Great First Dog Dilemma

by Caroline Howard (Subscribe to Caroline Howard's posts) Nov 13th 2008 8:00AM

"This is a major issue," President-elect Barack Obama intoned. He must be talking about the economy. Or General Motors. Maybe Iran? Not quite. It's the Great First Dog Dilemma. Look, the promise of pup must have either been a bribe ("You two promise to always look cute and wave at the cameras and we'll get you a dog") or a present ("Daddy gets the Oval Office and Malia and Sasha get a puppy"). Either way, the guy must have put his two little girls, ages 10 and 7, through the ringer for the past two years, more or less. Why else would the puppy promise pop up so quickly?

Obama Puppies

Asked what kind of dog he plans to buy for Malia and Sasha, Barack Obama said it's a tossup between a purebred and a mutt like him. Most importantly, it must be hypoallergenic. No worries, Mr. President-elect & Co. We've got it all figured out. Here, our countdown of the top 15 hypoallergenic dogs.

AOL / jupiterimages / Getty Images

#14: Maltese

Lap dogs for royalty and companions for the rest of us, Maltese are elegant, affectionate and playful. Unfortunately, they are prone to over-pampering, which can lead to obsessive barking and snappiness with outsiders. That won't work.

David Rogowski, AOL

#13: Portuguese Water Dog

These wooly canines can't spend enough time in the water. So while they are obedient and playful, unless the Obamas plan on spending a lot of time on the Potomac -- or let this guy take up residence in the White House pool -- it isn't a good match.

Alex Korab, AOL

#12: West Highland White Terrier

Who could resist that face? Well, the Obama family should. Here's the challenge of the breed: "Many experienced, as well as inexperienced, dog owners are overwhelmed by the [dogs'] demands." Pass.

Morgan Riehl, AOL

#11: Schnauzer

There are three sizes: standard, miniature and giant. All are considered good family dogs, but with the following caveat: "Like a mischievous and very bright child, they need consistent rules and a firm, but not rough, hand. They will get away with whatever they can and will "rule the roost" before you know it, if allowed." One world leader at time, please.

Photodisc

#10: Airedale Terrier

This pup will do wonders for the president-elect's military cred: Airedale Terriers were long considered the world's top war dog. They are obedient, calm and jolly. But they require weekly brushing and combing, which may aggravate Malia's allergies. Pass.

jupiterimages

#9: Bichon Frise

This adorable white powder puff is all a little girl could ask her. BFs are described as gentle, playful and affectionate. What could be bad? How about their notorious separation anxiety when left alone for even a few hours, often resulting in destructive chewing. Nope.

Getty Images

#8: Italian Greyhound

This tiny greyhound thrives indoors and is happiest with its (human) family. That is, unless the family includes rambunctious children. And talk about high maintenance. IGs require daily teeth brushing and need their nails ground down twice weekly.

Morgan Riehl, AOL

#7: Poodle

Do not be fooled. Poodles may look highfalutin, but they are way intelligent and well-behaved -- even funny. The hitch is that they're known to be fearful and aggressive with poor breeding or improper socialization. Or, what's often known as a shelter dog.

jupiterimages

#6: Shih Tzu

This little guy was breed for centuries in Chinese Imperial courts for one reason and only one reason: to be a companion and house pet. Fine, but lets save the ribbons and bows for Malia and Sasha.

David Rogowski, AOL

"We have two criteria that need to be reconciled," Obama continued. "One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic." And the other is that the family prefers adopting from a rescue shelter rather than a breeder. Their dilemma is not so very unusual; lots of children suffer from allergies and many families have a conscience. And while there is no such thing as a true allergen-free dog, there are loads of options that don't shed and have minimal dander. Some are short-hair canines, some no-hair, others not. Some are little, others not-so-small.

While Michelle is busy picking out schools, and Barack is surely distracted by, oh, assembling a Cabinet, we've come up with the perfect pooch (not to mention a list of faves of the future First Family). What do you think?

Comments (62)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

Michelle 11-13-2008 @ 12:28PM

I am so glad that Barack Obama is bringing attention to the issue of pet rescue! (One of the only things I actually agree with him on!) There are over 5 million cats and dogs euthanized in the US every year. I've volunteered at two animal shelters and rescued 3 dogs, so this issue is near and dear to my heart.

In recent years, I've seen the popularity of "doodle" dogs grow. These are poodle mixes - "GoldenDoodles" or "Labradoodles." They usually don't shed and are known to be good family dogs. People pay up to $3,000.00 for what are essentially "mutts." But what happens when a dog becomes popular, is the shelters end up full of that breed because people buy them on a whim and then realize they are not ready for a dog.

So I'm hoping some shelter or rescue group in the US will come up with a dog for the Obamas that fits their criteria. Since he's the Messiah, I'm sure families around the US will follow his lead and start adopting pets as well, and maybe we will see a dent in the problem! (OK, couldn't resist, I know this is not a political thread . . .:) )

Margo 11-18-2008 @ 6:26AM

Hate to let you know but it is genetically impossible to create a hypo-allergenic dog by breeding a golden to a poodle. You do get less fur - but that is the kicker - it is fur and not hair. To get a truly hypo-allergenic dog it must have hair that grows. The last thing that President Elect and his family should consider getting is a designer dog. It defeats the purpose of supporting the pet overpopulation. Furthermore, unlike dogs that originiate from responsible breeders, we do health testing to ensure that both the mom & dad have good hips, eyes, and are free from inherent health issues. Designer dog breeders don't and couldn't care less. These back yard breeders have done nothing but support the pet overpopulation problem.

jenny 11-13-2008 @ 6:52PM

The Obama's should get Malia and Sasha a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier from any one of the Wheaten rescues out there. Wheatens are wonderful dogs, good with kids, very people friendly and best of all, hypo-allergenic. Someone will have to brush the dog regularly though, and not the person with the allergies. There has never been a Wheaten in the White House, so what better bred to trail-blaze the Oval Office with the new first family.

mafencik 11-14-2008 @ 2:31AM

mR. pRESIDENT-ELECT AND FIRST LADY ELECT: HERE'S AN IDEA FIND OUT WHAT THE LATEST 'DOODLE DOG' IS AND USE IT TO FIND THE NEXT ONE. I'M SURE LOTS OF PEOPLE WOULD LOVE TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THE LATEST. YOU MIGHT EVEN BEAT THEM TO THE PUNCH BY DEFAULT. ONLY A SUGGESTION MIGHT YOU.

LuLu and LoLLy 11-14-2008 @ 8:00AM

We are 2 Maltese dogs and we say Two Paws Up! for the new Prez Obama getting a dog for his pack and yay for calling attention to the rescue cause! LoLLy is a full bred Maltese dog, which is an outstanding hypo-allergenic dog, and she came from a rescue shelter! So we can personally tell the new Prez Obama that many outstanding doggies are to be found in rescue shetlers. Also, we hope that the new doggy gets her own Cabinet, just like the new Prez does. and that the new doggy will fill her cabinet with many outstanding treats! Love, Your PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy! http://www.luluandlolly.com

Perry 11-23-2008 @ 10:53PM

LuLu and LoLLy.. your brother "picked" me out of his litter of 7... he sat alone as the other 6 played,and when I walked into the garage where they were all kept, he ran over and laid himself on my feet. The woman said, sir.. you don't need to look, you have already been chosen... I knew from that minute I had found my Zachary!

LuLu and LoLLy 12-06-2008 @ 1:30PM

Dear Perry, We loved your post so much we did the Two Paws Up! dance until we passed out. We have a website where we do fun stuff and have an outstanding Dog Blog for animals only! and we are hoping Zach will come visit and send us a pikture and maybe some commentary if he feels like it! You can visit us at http://www.luluandlolly.com and if you click on "Dog Blog" then you can come visit with us! Thanks for sharing such a sweet story. ps We were on vacashon so we just saw this. You have made our day. :) Your PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy

Jonathan Horton 11-15-2008 @ 8:07PM

Carolina Howard,

You are very jealous. Work on the inside of yourself, and leave this wonderful, beautiful family alone.

Let it go lady. They are a fabulous African-American Family.
The world has already been changed forever with this Man.
History was made the day he had overwhelming Elictorial Votes.

He's a New Age Martin Luther King, Jr. Meaning, Fair & Sincere.

It's why you are allowed to have BLACK acquaintences, because you are obviously WHITE. A Black person would'nt say this about Obama. We ADORE him and his Family...........

raggdolly56 11-15-2008 @ 9:48PM

It amazing how everyone talks about Obama being black, remember he is WHITE too!!!!

ts 11-17-2008 @ 11:48AM

When did you lose your christiananty or your moral goodness and become color consciousness . God sees no color, deep down our blood is red in every person. No one is an exception to Gods grace.

Jonathan Horton 11-15-2008 @ 8:07PM

Caroline Howard,
What if the Obama cute little girls both made Straight "A"s on their Report cards, thereby proving to daddy that they were responsible enough to be responsible for another FRAGILE life. Pets are like kids that never grow up, and don't deserve to be neglected or taken lightly.

Why did you have to Postulate - Speculate the Absolute Worse?

Are you envious of them? You Do Not know why daddy decided they deserved to handle another Life, - their New Puppy.

I voted for Obama, and I really Adore these people. The are an Ideal family, like the kind that need to be on the throw away picture in a new frame when you purchase it. They're simply Beautiful.

Jonathan Horton 11-15-2008 @ 8:49PM

Caroline Howard,

I agree with Halle Berry. You do sound Jealous. Obama is your new president, but He's Not Yet Authorized to make Power Decisions as President. He dose'nt yet have that Power, However, He does have the Power to make final Decisions about the First Family's Dog.

I'm inclined to believe, you would be the first to complain if he Saved this Dilima to deal with once he's signed on the dotted line to Accept the POWER as Your President. Let him get it over with.

GM, The Economy and Iran will be waiting for him and Hilary after January 20 , 2008. And I know he'll do well.

Jonathan Horton 11-15-2008 @ 3:00AM

MafeNcik,

You are JEALOUS like Caroline Howard, because you made it a CHEEZY Point to Lower Case the "M" in Mister, and the "P" in President. Let it go person.

He's BLACK and He's your President too. Work on the inside of yourself, and you'll won't care to be negative about others. You'll began to love life more.

Obama is the New Age Martin Luther King, Jr.
How so Wonderful..........and later, there'll be Another and Another...

The two most POWERFUL People in the world are Black. "Oprah Winfrey" and "Obama" Don't we Love America?

ninainindia 11-15-2008 @ 6:17AM

I don't know what your problem is with all these messages and reading so much negativity into a light hearted post. But saying Oprah Winfrey and Obama are the most powerful people in the world? I'm sorry but if you think that you are crazy. Obama hasn't achieved anything yet, he has been elected, now he has to prove himself. And Oprah? She's a talkshow host, she has no power in the world.

JHZ 11-15-2008 @ 7:24AM

Jonathan Horton,

Why don't you calm yourself down?? RELAX...the Obamas are NOT being attacked here...why in the world are you bringing RACE into this?? Give me a break. Calling mafencick, "JEALOUS" because the "m" in mister and the "p" in president weren't capitalized?? Are you for real? They obviously had their "caps lock" button pressed and hit the shift key while typing and didn't proof read...not a big deal. Since grammar is so important to you, I would like to point out that your own postings are just FULL of capitalization errors, spelling errors, grammatical errors, etc...should we all attack you as well?? Who cares? How in the world is that an attack on Obama? Again I say, RELAX.

Oh, and your comment, "it's why you are allowed to have BLACK aquaintences, because you are obviously WHITE", is one of the stupidest things I have read in a long time...stop playing the race card, get your defenses down, and stick to the topic...this is about a puppy for crying out loud.

Judiebunny 11-17-2008 @ 11:07AM

If white people spoke the way you do we will would called racist. I think you are terrribly racist. Stop concentrating on "color" concentrate of person, their acts, and who they are.

Joanie 11-18-2008 @ 2:31AM

RE: your comment-- did you ever think that perhaps she did not know that her keyboard was set on "caps lock?" When one depressed the "shift" key with it set that way, you will get lower case. Her comments said nothing derogatory about the president-elect. Why don't you quit bringing up the race card. ...and why don't you think about how to be part of this nation's solution, instead of part of the problem!

microber5 11-23-2008 @ 12:21PM

AMEN!!!

Breanna 11-15-2008 @ 8:16AM

get a soft coated wheaten terrier there amazing im 13 and i love my dog his name is chester hes adorable and they are hypo allergenic.

Yorkymom 11-15-2008 @ 11:30AM

Yorkies! Not one, but two... one for Malia and one for Sasha! They are loving, smart, do not shed and wonderful little companions. True 'lap dogs' and playmates for the girls.

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