Obamas Pick A Dog

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

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

ReaderComments (Page 3 of 4)

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2-26-2009 @ 8:25PM

Anna said...

Larry: Perhaps you could write a column about the arrest and torture of 90% of the gitmo population who were released after being arrested and tortured. Turns out they were not convicted of any crime except being in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were found by court to be innocent bystanders. Perhaps you could also write where it says in the Constitution Americans can be spied upon with no reason and war declared based on false information. Also, please expound on the Federal law that says it is a federal crime of treason to out a CIA agent and explain why Dick Cheney and Karl Rove can continue to avoid subpoenas and trial and conviction for participation in the outing of a covert CIA agent.

I also believe that President Obama will be a great president. After 8 years of Bush failures. It is refreshing to hear our new president who can speak in complete sentences and speak clearly and coherently. President Obama has a work ethic of working six days a week as does his staff. He has completed more legislation than Bush in his first weeks in the White House. President Obama is working hard to undo all the Bush failures and cleaning up the mess that Bush has left for America.

2-26-2009 @ 8:24PM

RudyJoe716 said...

Wow, now that they got a stupid dog. Can we move on and figure out how this ass clown expects us to get out of debt, when he is putting us deeper in debt. I bet that dogs, dog food will be more than 13 bucks a week.!! (O)ne (B)ig (A)ss (M)istake (A)merica.

2-27-2009 @ 7:05AM

finmagik said...

Who got into this debt anways? When Clinton left the white house we had a SURPLUS, now thanks to Bush and the War we have a debt.

2-26-2009 @ 8:50PM

silvia said...

I cannot beleive all the ignorant comments that have been made here. All this racism is stupid. People expect too much from president Obama, when he went into office everything was chaos and everybody expects him to fix it as if he had magic powers. He does not have sole control over the country, this is a democracy and everything that he wants done has to be voted on. He's a very strong and courageous man to run for president in the first place. If you dont like our president and you have lots of hate and ignorance in your heart then I think you should do us all a favor and get the hell out of the united States. its because of stupid people like you that rascism and discrimination still excists and you guys just set us back from making progress. and i find the fact of the Obama girls getting a puppy very intersting, because it shows us that they are just a regular family after all and it helps me relate and feel closer to them. I also dont think that you should judge the person who wrote this article, i bet they worked very hard on it and they dont desrve to be put down, and if yiu didnt want to read about the Obama's new puppy then why the heck did you click on the link??.I think Obama is destined for greatness and I wish for the best for him and his family.

2-27-2009 @ 5:47PM

Missy said...

Come on, the terrorist took down the Twin Towers, the struck a another Goverment building and was on their way to BLOW UP the White House. We lost 1000's of lives. They not only killed the spirt and lives that love them, sons, daughters,wifes, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and the list goes on. What were we suppose to do? Be sitting ducks for more attacks?
Bush Keep us safe from that and it takes money to do so. Were our lives not worth it?
Bush was not asking for trillions every week, he was keeping us safe, and no I don't feel safe with Obama in office, he has opened the gates for more attacks on us. The next one will be from within our own contry, not abroad. When that happens and you lose a loved one, will you still blame Bush? Bush is not the one to allow all the criminal's into our country, Obama was. He had taken 787 Trillion dollars of our money and is asking for 3.55 trillion more.
Where is it going, into the pockets of him and hid criminal thugs.
How much will he ask for in another week?

2-26-2009 @ 9:32PM

chris pace said...

we are already on the way to a socialist country in the last month all of you who voted for it now enjoy it

2-26-2009 @ 9:31PM

so much todo about a dog as if no one else ever did it at least they chose BLACK

2-26-2009 @ 10:31PM

lexdiamondz81 said...

these dogs are smart..but very naughty..i worked for a family once that had one.

2-26-2009 @ 10:25PM

America said...

Very well said Silvia. Although, I've always associated Republicans as White folks with greedy and racist intentions, my views have changed and it is unfair to stereotype accordingly. I'm sure not all Republicans feel the same way that Gina, the coon hunter and others feel, so my comment is directed to you folks that have such hate towards ‘OUR’ president. ‘OUR’ meaning anyone that lives in the United States of America, including you. My God, have some respect for the man and his family. They are the new face of America, whether you like it or not. If you’re not going to respect the Black side of him, then respect his white side.

I think what people fail to understand is that he is not the "Blacks" president; he is ‘OUR ‘president. African Americans only make up 13% of the population in the US, 7 out of 10 men incarcerated are African American, and the rest, either are convicted felons, or have given up on contributing to the country in any way shape or form. So guess what...that means that they didn't or couldn't vote. The point I'm trying to make is...AA didn’t put the president in office, it was those who related to him and his family, coming from nothing and becoming something, those who understand what it means to be discriminated against just by the color of their skins, and most importantly those who were sick of watching George Bush run the country in the ground. And that included more than just the Black folks that accounted for less than 13% of the population.

I’m sorry, but I couldn't relate to McCain, someone who has 8 homes, and more money coming out his ass than shit. And I’m sure you ignorant people could not relate to that side either, or else you wouldn't have time to be on this blog making the comments that you've made. And if you really want to start stereotyping the black race, with such comments as nappy headed or bling bling, or fried chicken, watermelon seed spitting, then don’t let me get started on you white folks. I'm not a racist, I'm just tired of being looked down on and stereotyped cuz I’m dark...something that you white folks try to achieve by tanning. If black people are so dumb and stupid, then I must say that Bush has a black side. My God, Affirmative Action must have been the reason why he got into the white house.

This ignorance is the reason why other countries look down on us and want to bomb our asses. Get over yourself and the fact that we now have a "Malatto" president. Yes idiots, he is also white, he's just been out in the sun a lot longer than yall pale folks. A dog is a dog...he just happen to be black in this case which I’m pretty sure wasn’t intentional. I don’t blame the girls if they prefer to be around dark skinned mammals more than white ones, the way that AA have been treated by whites, is all reason to keep yall at arm’s length.

P.S- Even if I could relate to McCain and agreed with all his policies, I still wouldn’t vote for him. Want to know why?...cuz he looks like his close to death meaning that the next president would be YOURS truly...Sarah Palin. And My God, when God was giving out intelligence, or just plain ole common sense, that bitch was in Alaska paying attention to her neighbors the Russians, too busy to stand in line to get some...any. Until God comes and rid this earth of the evils such as Gina and coon hunter, may God bless us all, whites, blacks, Asians, everyone. Cause we sure do need it.

2-26-2009 @ 11:39PM

mamamarie said...

there is a BIG difference between being a republican and racist.....get educated....get some class!

wow....low class, uneducated racist crap

2-27-2009 @ 4:39PM

I agree with you110%,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

OBAMA BIN LYIN, IMPEACH NOW======================

SOCIALISM:..A GREAT IDEA.....'TIL YOU RUN OUT OF.............OTHER PEOPLES MONEY********************************

I VOTED FOR A AMERICAN PRESIDENT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
NOT A HANDOUT !!!!!

2-28-2009 @ 9:06PM

wow said...

Why?

Can you spell?

I'm surprised you can use a computer, or did your probation officer post for you?

3-01-2009 @ 12:44AM

Seriously said...

Did any of you even read the story???? The Obama's chose a breed of dog not the actual dog. When they get their puppy, it may not be black at all.

All of us need to grow up. PRESIDENT OBAMA can not do any worse than any one else that has been in the White House.

Think about it Mrs. Obama did not go with high end fashion when she decorated the private living quarters. She and PRESIDENT OBAMA have made a statement by choosing to keep it simple. The girls wear GAP, Old Navy and Penny's.

Read the whole story before you make your comments... The racist crap shows your ignorance.......

3-01-2009 @ 3:02AM

Bervin1989 said...

Some of you people sound really retarded. Yes there is a half black man in the office. Do you people realize a white man fucked up or economy and we still have nothing to show for it, Where are the weapons of mass destruction? Can anybody tell me that? If any of you retarded racist non-educated motherfuckers read the article you would see they are talking about a dog. Ok the dog that they show is Black, But if you non-educated assholes fully read the article instead of doing what a young pre-school child does just look at the pictures and not read the article, you would see that they have not even choose the dog yet. You people disgust me still living in the past, its 2009 who the hell is still Racist?

3-02-2009 @ 5:25PM

Diana Willoughby said...

Dear Brett:

What all these folks are saying may be true. The world does seem like it's going to hell in a hand basket. Bills pile up, people lose jobs, and some will never get over the fact that Obama is our new President. Irresponsible factories are killing people with salmonella-laced peanuts, racism is alive and well on AOL, and stupid people with access to a computer seem exponentially more stupid. Given all that, I truly appreciate the fact that you wrote a human-interest story about the Obamas getting a dog. It doesn't undo all the troubles people have listed here, but it is a refreshing reminder that there's a lot right in this world, too. Kids and puppies make me smile. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Diana

3-02-2009 @ 6:20PM

Nikky12 said...

The US Army suffers another casualty today, the bank takes another home because of the owner's inability to pay due to the lack of jobs, and the economy is failing are the kind of news that should make headlines NOT the fact that the Obamas have "finally" picked a dog! What value does that have to the people that can barely put food on their table? In my opinion, President Obama should have worried about the problems we are facing today instead of looking for a dog. If he did not have one before, why is it absolutely necessary to get one now?
Even though the media is giving him all the attention because he is the first African American president, we should atleast give him a chance to make everything "better" again. Remember, it took Bush 8 years to destroy our economy and it will take 8 years or more to fix it.

3-03-2009 @ 4:03PM

Diana said...

Uh, Nikki? I'm a little confused by your post. How on earth did you know about the multiple catastrophes you listed if they had not made the headlines of every newspaper, lead stories of every news broadcast, or the teaser for every blog AOL has written for the last six months? Did you acquire this knowledge by osmosis? ESP? I'm curious.

Another thing that's a little curious to me: When I clicked on the link to "Obamas Pick A Dog", I rather suspected that I'd be reading about them, uh, picking a dog. Did you expect to find the latest unemployment figures when you clicked that same link? Again, just curious about your strong reaction to the content of this article.

I'm happy that you think Obama will be able to clean up Bush's mess. I happen to think so, too. I have faith that he'll be able to keep his promise to get his daughters a pooch and work on our nation's problems simultaneously. The two agendas don't appear mutually exclusive. :)

Good day to you.

Diana

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