Obama Puppy Choice Update
The Obama family has narrowed down their choice for the next "First Pet" to two dog breeds: The Portuguese Water Dog and the Labradoodle, a mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.
President-Elect Barack Obama announced the decision Sunday on ABC News' This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
Obama did not say how long before a dog would be moving in to the White House but did say, "We're now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up."
The President-Elect has previously stated that he would prefer to adopt the dog from a shelter than get one from a pet shop or breeder.
He also joked that picking a breed has been much harder than he anticipated saying, "We're closing in on it. This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary." Obama's first choice for that position, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, recently withdrew his nomination for commerce secretary.
Both dogs are hypo-allergenic, which is an important aspect of the family's choice because daughter Malia, age 10, has allergies to dogs.
The Portuguese Water Dog was once an important part of fishing in Portugal before modern methods made them obsolete. But the dogs have gained popularity because of their non-shedding coat and lively spirit. For more on the Portuguese Water Dog read their full breed profile.
The Labradoodle is a designer breed, a mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The Labradoodle was initially bred in Australia as a hypo-allergenic guide dog, but was not consistently hypo-allergenic enough for the job. However, this mixed breed turned out to be very attractive and well-natured and continued to be bred as a companion dog. You can read more on designer dogs such as the Labradoodle here.
For more on the Obama Dog Choice check out: Picking the Obama Puppy.
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Comments (38)
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Anonymous January 24, 2009 9:12 PM
I think its wonderful that Obama family decided to adopt a dog rather than default to a breeder. It trully sends a message to all that that even the President of the United States doesn't need to contact a reputable breeder and pay a high dollar price for there family pet when they can adopt, pay a minimal fee, and do a service to animal shelters that are overflowing with strays. Most importantly, your saving a life and giving them a loving home that they deserve. The Obama's are leading by example and hope many others will follow.
Renee Cosette Pedersen
Anonymous January 25, 2009 12:19 PM
I do not feel The Obama's should have a dog period. They could not have one before moving into the White house so why now. Just to say hey America we have a dog. The man is a phoney & should not get a dog just to have one. Now it can pee & poo in the White house instead of his own personal home I feel this is a disgrace. Great he is going to get a rescue but they have no dog experience & no business having a dog for photo ops.
Anonymous January 25, 2009 2:25 PM
This is a website about pets. I would like to assume that anyone visiting the site likes animals and cares about their well being. That said, the dog is going to have a great home and be well taken care; this is what's important here. For whatever it's worth, Obama did say that he wanted a mut but one daughter has allergies to pet dander. This is why they chose a hypoallerginic breed; which was adopted. And, please no criticism on the grammar/spelling; if it really make you feel good then be my guest
Anonymous January 26, 2009 9:07 AM
I think that the Obamas have the right to get a dog horse cattle or a snake if they want it and no one has the right to criticize or call our president of the united states of america thats right OUR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATESOF AMERICA a disgrace because he wants to buy a family dog remember people its the land of opportunity and he's providing a wonderful home for a well deserving pet just like th bushs' did that no one seem to complain or voice negative opinions about. DO WHAT IT DO OBAMA!!!!
audrey hervey
Anonymous January 26, 2009 2:26 PM
DO WHAT IT DO? What the heck does that mean? Can you not write in English?
Anonymous January 26, 2009 2:39 PM
DO WHAT IT DO OBAMA??? This is the type of ignorance I am dreading dealing with for the next 4 (8?) years.
Anonymous January 26, 2009 5:09 PM
I think "Do What It Do" is from that movie "RAY"...I like it.
Anonymous January 29, 2009 1:31 PM
I also agree that I am glad and proud of Pres. Obama keeping his promise to his daughters to get them a puppy/dog if they behaved while he ran for almost 2 years for presidency. He is not getting the dog for "himself", he is getting it for his well behaved, beautiful daughters, and good for him for looking at dog shelters. Maybe, finally we found a president who actually keeps his promises to us and his family.
Anonymous January 30, 2009 9:45 AM
good chosie lab is god thst family dog an poodled are since of ht hair and the one his daughers might br algeric. he should get a larger one , and shoukd watch victoria stillweell for anima trainer . on animail plaent or get the book , so the childreen andhimself how howit train forthe white hosue
Anonymous January 31, 2009 8:24 AM
I think this puppy will get run over by the presidential limo
Anonymous February 3, 2009 12:09 AM
i think anyone who cares enough to b*tch about the obama's getting a dog are ignorant as hell...get a life people. all children and families alike deserve pets to make a house a home...so what if they didn't have one before - be glad they're adopting a pet! stop griping just because you have some personal problem with the election outcome and MOVE ON!
Anonymous February 3, 2009 8:02 PM
maybe you are a little discruntle because you didnt have a father to give you a dog or even love. You poor loveless
little man.Get your life together!!!!!! We love our new president Barack h. Obama.
Anonymous February 6, 2009 2:16 PM
I think they should get the labradoodle. I have one and they are absolutely adorable. Plus, they're easy to potty-train and are fast learners. I think that Obama is doing a great thing in keeping his promise to his daughters and that the dog will make a great addition to their family.
Anonymous February 6, 2009 2:18 PM
WHAT'S UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CATS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous February 6, 2009 2:24 PM
OK...
Anonymous February 8, 2009 9:11 AM
Look how powerful President Obama is, He has directed the attentions of many on this page to focus on the issue of a dog. While he simply selects a pet for his family, He also
works to improve our economy. We should be thankful he is able to adopt a pet as many others will not be able to add the added expense of food, training and vet bills that come with caring for a pet. Lets be happy for his little girls who are living a very unusual life, who are not allowed the freedom of other children. What a dad they have !
Anonymous February 16, 2009 7:38 PM
Vote LABRADOODLE! www.labradoodlesforobama.com
Anonymous February 19, 2009 1:57 PM
I also have a labradoodle. Wonerful dog. Smart, clean and easy to train. Obama made a great choice.choice!
For those who do not agree, get over it. You lost.
DOGS RULE.
Anonymous February 19, 2009 3:17 PM
sorry about the many replies. New here. And of course, I meant wonderful
Anonymous February 19, 2009 4:01 PM
I was beginning to think you really, really, really liked labradoodles! LOL
Anonymous February 19, 2009 4:29 PM
I can guarantee many folls stuck on thinking Obama is the next best thing since sewage, cares less about the animal then about what their hero plans on doing. This person has no business owning a dog. I pity the animal that might be stuck being taken care of by the secret service or as a photo advantage for this thing
Anonymous February 19, 2009 4:35 PM
IGNORANCE IS BLISS. Poor dog. In 4 years it will be back at the shelter
Anonymous February 21, 2009 1:59 PM
President Obama and his family deserve a dog, whatever kind they choose, without all the hateful comments from those who opposed his election. What happened to courtesy and kindness?
Anonymous February 22, 2009 11:30 AM
I was hoping I could get to Pres. Obama before he made a decision about a family pet. I was going to suggest an Italian Greyhound like my little Winston.
Anonymous February 25, 2009 2:25 PM
Why are people so mean? If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Didn't you learn that in kindergarten or watch Bambi?
Every kid needs a pet. Maybe the Obama's didn't have a great White House lawn for the puppy to run around on at their old house. Why is it your business anyway?
Anonymous February 25, 2009 2:30 PM
oh and by the way...I did not support Obama for President, but what does that have to do with the blessing a dog can bring to his little girls?
Anonymous February 25, 2009 4:25 PM
I think a "Bichon Friese" is the way to go. Small, loving, non-allergic, long lived and simply adorable. It can always be perfectly groomed like Barney was, but it won't bite reporters.
Anonymous February 26, 2009 2:42 PM
I think it's wonderful that the president is getting his lovely daughters a pet. I had a 17 year old Shih Tzu that Passed almost two years ago and I am still grieving terribly. Nothing is better than the unconditional love a pet can give. Casey my Shih Tzu gave me 17 years of nothing but joy and happiness. God Bless you Mr. President on which ever dog you do choose. Your girls will be over joyed and perhaps you and your beautiful wife. Cheri from Florida
dude February 26, 2009 5:10 PM
he should animals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous March 1, 2009 10:17 PM
I think the choice should be a goldendoodle. What a great comibination - I've had a Golden Retriever for 10 wonderful years. Wonderful family dog - and combined with the poodle - perfect!
Porty Dogs Rock March 5, 2009 9:22 AM
The first family should get a Portuguese Water Dog rather than a Labradoole (both are great dogs) because of Malia's allergies they can not be guaranteed that a labradoodle would be hypoallergenic.
Portys are a single breed so you know what your getting.
Unless some tricks are played the likely hood of them getting a Porty from a shelter are slim to none.
So, please don't beat up the first family if they have to get a Porty from a breeder.
This is a good example why we need good breeders of pure breeds (not puppy mill breeders) - shelter dogs are not for everyone.
adam March 6, 2009 9:26 AM
shelter dogs are for every one!!! dey deserve a second chance in life
Mandie March 22, 2009 1:03 AM
I agree with the March 1st blog. GOLDENDOODLES RULE!!! Seriously, they have much cuter faces than labradoodles, and are SIGNIFICANTLY smarter. I know I have one of each.
Anonymous April 12, 2009 11:06 AM
i thought it would be fun to read the comments, but so many were filled with vitriol and small-mindedness. i'm happy the girls will have a pup to play with and learn from. animals give us so much more than we give them.
Anonymous April 13, 2009 3:48 PM
DO WHAT IT OD!
Stefanie Yeoh April 16, 2009 8:57 PM
The best thing that has happened to me is having my pug of 12 months old. He has changed my life and make me a better person. Having dogs will be perfect for Obama's kids.
Proud American April 18, 2009 11:23 AM
What a bunch of illiterate whiney losers, grow up and be a citizen America can be proud of or move on out!
Anonymous May 10, 2009 7:07 PM
Omg some of you people need something to do then to spend ur time on the president picking a dog for his girls, one might think ur just jealous of his girls because u didnt have a loving father to give u a puppy when u where little or love from a father at all -BY THE WAY YORKIES RULE.