Obamas Pick A Dog

by Brett Singer (Subscribe to Brett Singer's posts) Feb 26th 2009 6:00AM

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The suspense is over! The most important issue facing our nation will soon come to a close! Drum roll, please...

Michelle Obama has revealed that she wants a Portuguese Water Dog.

Obama told People Magazine that it was down to either that or a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. When asked if the First Lady's preference is the deciding vote, an aide replied, "She is one of four votes in the process." Let's not forget, though, that she's the "soft power" in the White House.

Obama Puppies

Ruff Nomination Process Comes to an End
How could picking out a puppy like be "tougher than finding a commerce secretary?" Well, the final decision is here. Portuguese Water Dog. There were other contenders -- check them out.

Alex Korab, AOL

Goldendoodle

It's a mutt, like Obama (hey, he said it). It offers the best of two great family pet breeds: Golden Retriever (adaptable, trainable) and Poodle (personable, intelligent). Maybe next time.

Getty Images

Labradoodle

Another mixed breed that offers the shining personality and smarts of the poodle with the best of the Labrador Retriever -- friendly, energetic and great with kids.

Yoav Lemmier/AFP/Getty Images

Peruvian Hairless

This bald, toothless, hairless breed actually looks like a cross between a donkey and a bat. Not cute. Peru was even formally offered up this four-month-old pup, nicknamed "Ears."

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.

David Rogowski, AOL

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."

Morgan Riehl, AOL

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."

Photodisc

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.

jupiterimages

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. .

Getty Images

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

Sasha and Malia wanted to name the First Pooch either Fred or Moose, both of which were nixed by mom. "I'm like, 'No. Come on. Let's work with the names a bit," she said. (Republicans were hoping for the name Tax Cut.)

Also, when the First Lady told the girls that the dog was coming in April, Sasha replied, "April 1st!" Not one to be pinned down to a date, she then informed her 7-year-old that the dog would arrive in "April." During the campaign, the Obamas promised the girls a dog, win or lose.

A Portuguese Water Dog, the breed the First Family has selected

A Portuguese Water Dog, the breed the First Family has selected

The family is looking to get a dog from a shelter, which is a great idea but I wonder how easy that will be. It seems like getting a specific breed like this will be tough. Then again, this isn't you or I asking -- it's the Obama family. So maybe it won't be a problem.

Since the Obamas have said that they make the girls do chores, walking and poop scooping will be the responsibility of the First Daughters. (Lots of kids think they want a dog until they actually have to take care of it.)

Not familiar with the breed? Here are some choice details: It's known to be exceptionally loyal, spirited yet obedient and highly intelligent. And obviously, these dogs love the water. There are lots of cute photos online. You can read more about them at the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America's web site.

Photo Source: Flickr, License Info

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Comments (62)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

Karen 2-26-2009 @ 2:39PM

Whew!! we can all give a big sigh of relief now. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING! This actually made news????

MP 3-02-2009 @ 10:26PM

They should have gotten a mini dachshund...

CLM 2-26-2009 @ 2:40PM

It shouldn't be too difficult for the Obamas or anyone else to get a rescue dog, regardless of breed preference. For example, the organization you provided the link to - PWDCA - has a rescue program.

Julie McPherson 2-26-2009 @ 2:47PM

That first comment was unnecessary

Julie McPherson 2-26-2009 @ 2:47PM

That comment was unnecessary

Jess 2-26-2009 @ 3:41PM

What a cute puppy.

http://makesomemoneynow22.blogspot.com/

Missy 2-27-2009 @ 4:13PM

Yes, it is a cute puppy. It's about time something in the White House to be,if not pretty atleast it's a cute little Black puppy. OBAMA IS A RACIST, HE GOT A PURE BLACK MUTT, CALL THE, UHHHH, WHO DO THE WHITES CALL WHEN THEY WANT TO REPORT RACEISUM ????????????

DMKING1012 2-26-2009 @ 3:27PM

I GUESS YOU DO.

cheta ott 2-26-2009 @ 3:29PM

sansburysm is a real sicko!

Linda 2-26-2009 @ 3:54PM

Let's get real folks. We have millions and millions of Americans out of work and wondering where their next meal is coming from and how they are going to survive this failing economy. When the media continues to elaborate on such insignificant news such as this article...it's a slap in the face to the Working American that pays the salary of the one who is not and will not be affected by the downward spiral of economics. The president nor his family will ever face the ramifications of unemployment, bankruptacy, reposession or feelings of hungar.

Two Quotes for thought:

Barack Obama.... "My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you will join me as we try to change it."

.....say "WHAT?"

John Wayne......."Life's tough. It gets even tougher when you're stupid".

scatscat 3-03-2009 @ 3:40AM

NICE QUOTES!!

usnowplease 2-26-2009 @ 4:06PM

That was a really stupid comment "coon" Please stop reating so ignorant and then saying you are a republican. I may not have voted for the president but it is idiots like you that keeps this country so screwed up.

Are you so messed up in your little mind that you have to use racial terms? Get so help!

Alex Vallas 2-26-2009 @ 4:10PM

What pathetic racists comments. You are definitely in the minority as most people think the President is doing a great job so far. He inherited huge problems from Bush. In fact, Bush only accomplished one thing in 8 years that was positive. That is declaring a portion of the Pacific as a national preserve.

usnowplease 2-26-2009 @ 4:20PM

Before I could even post my last comment I see that alot of ignorance was shown. Every one of you that made a racial comment here, will be the same one complaning how you are mistreated by the black community. What goes around comes around. I am a white man, a republican, and I have to say you make it hard on me. When I am lumped together with people like you.

But I can tell you this, it doesn't take people long to see I am not a predjudiced, ignorant person like you!!!!!!!!!!

just a heads up. 2-26-2009 @ 4:17PM

I think you meant "she's the 'soft power' in the White House," not "'soft power' in the White Power"

Big Mike 2-26-2009 @ 4:23PM

With all the dogs that are homeless and in shelters, there is not a need to go and get a dog from anywhere else. Why the need to spend big bucks and get a purebred when a shelter dog can bring you just as much, if not more, love and affection.

Max 2-26-2009 @ 5:42PM

The Obamas plan to get their dog from a shelter or rescue, many purebred dogs are abandoned. And since their daughter has allergies, they can't just go get any dog, it has to be one like the PWD

joblessinohio 2-28-2009 @ 10:31PM

AMEN!!!!!! i have said that from the get go! id have more respect for the mans choice if he had sat his children down and explained to them what a pound was and why THATS where they were going to get thier pet.kinda makes ya wonder if those of us that are jobless or homeless arent the "pound dogs" of this country!!!

Sandy V 2-26-2009 @ 4:39PM

You've got to freakin' be kidding me. Obama is ripping this country to shreds, with the media hailing him. Who gives a rip about what dog breed the Obamas have finally decided on.

I agree with the sign I saw on the back of a truck the other day:

O - One
B - Big
A - Ass
M - Mistake
A - America

And no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the color of his skin. The democratic party has become socialists! If you don't believe me, just look at the cover of Newsweek!

I pray this country survives the next four years without being destroyed from the inside!! At this point, terrorism is the least of our worries!

Adam H 2-27-2009 @ 4:58AM

I seem to recall your kind saying something whenever we would complain about how Bush was taking a giant crap on the Constitution... what was it again? I can't see to remem... OH!

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!

If you don't like the President of this country, you have two options. Either sit down and shut up, or get the heck out. You LOST. Deal with it. I recall Rush Limbaugh telling people to shut up until they won an election. We won the election. now it's YOUR turn to shut up.