Obamas Pick A Dog
Filed under: Celeb Parents
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.
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 4 of 4)
3-02-2009 @ 7:10PM
Karen said...Please, enough of the "why is this news?" posts! I'd rather read idiots talking about black dogs (the Bushes had black dogs too, btw) than a comment on a ParentDish article that complains about how it's not news because it doesn't cover the frickin' economy. This is a parenting blog! On AOL! Lighten the heck up -- this isn't 20/20 wasting airtime and money on the octomom. And besides being president, Obama is a father. He has every right, and indeed a duty, to take a little time out of his day to take care of his kids. Not to mention this is a story about his wife, the First Lady, who in fact can't do anything about the economy or the war or the people who bought houses they couldn't afford. I'm just glad Brett still has a job, and that we still have cute pictures of adorable dogs to look at.
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3-09-2009 @ 1:45PM
Angel said...I am white and I have two white dogs (Bichon's) does that mean that im a racist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You people have to much time on your hands obviously. I do have a comment though...I did vote for Obama and as a matter of fact,I took my daughter out of school to vote with me. I am 30 years old so maybe I think different because i come from a different generation but my daughter is 10 an she has not been exposed to racism @ all. In a perfect world it would remain that way! But its not is it...as long long as there are people like you guys keeping it going. My daughter said to me the other day " every month should be black history month". Mind you she is a white/american Indian child! Even though I didnt agree with her, she didnt know it! Moral of this story is keep negitive remarks to yourself so they dont affect others! Its not that hard people....
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