Obama's choice for first dog will be a rescue puppy

by Tina Kells | November 6, 2008 at 03:27 pm

17691 views | 54 Recommendations | 42 comments

There has been a long tradition of the Presidential family having a pet, and often that pet is a dog. As part of his acceptance speech President-elect Obama vowed to get his two young daughters a dog.

Just which breed will the Obama family choose to represent the nation as first dog? Chances are good that it won't be a pedigree puppy that goes to Washington; it will most likely be a shelter rescue dog.

Michelle Obama stated that the family wants to adopt a rescue dog from a shelter, rather than purchase an expensive purebred with papers. This has brought roars of applause from animal activists and shelter representatives.

Millie (a springer spaniel), Buddy (a chocolate Lab), Barney and Miss Beazley (Scottish terriers) have all called 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. home. Who will be the next White House pooch?

President-elect Barack Obama told the nation Tuesday night that he will make good on his campaign promise to get a puppy for his two young daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

Michelle Obama, the next first lady, has said the family would consider rescuing a shelter dog.

On Wednesday, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals applauded that news.

"We are thrilled at the prospect the Obama family will make pet adoption their first option and head to their local animal shelter or rescue group, where there are many extraordinary animals just waiting for a forever home," says ASPCA president and CEO Ed Sayres.

So just what kind of rescue dog will the Obama family bring to the White House? What kind of puppy will be appointed first dog? The web has been going wild with speculation. One of the breeds mentioned is an obscure purebred, the Portuguese Water Dog, but if Michelle Obama's rescue dog pledge has teeth the first dog will be some sort of mutt.

"I'm pushing for a Portuguese Water Dog," says Claire McLean, founder of the Presidential Pet Museum, part of Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Va. "They're very intelligent, have a good reputation, they're easy to train, and they're good with kids. And they don't shed." (Sen. Ted Kennedy has two, Splash and Sunny.)

In August, after the Obamas first said they were considering getting a dog, more than 42,000 Americans cast their vote in an American Kennel Club poll to suggest the right breed for the family.

The poodle was chosen from five hypoallergenic breeds. (Malia suffers from allergies. A Portuguese Water Dog also passes the allergy test.)

Will it be a labradoodle, a golden-doodle, or some other hybrid of popular American breeds? Will it be a furry ball of fun, or an eco-friendly hypoallergenic dog? The nation waits with bated breath to discover Obama's short list of candidates for first dog.

Or will Obama follow in the footsteps of Bill Clinton and bring another cat to the Whitehouse? Socks the 2nd perhaps?

For more on the Obama and the next first dog see:

The 10 Most Politically Incorrect Breeds that Obama Should Avoid

UPDATE 18/11/08: The Obamas will not get that hypoallergenic rescue puppy before they move in to the White House. The girls will have to wait a few months, until the family is settled in to Washington life, before adding a first dog to the Obama fold.

Malia and Sasha Obama will have to wait at least two more months for that puppy their dad promised them.

President-elect Barack Obama said on Election Night that he had promised his young daughters that they could get a dog once the race was over.

But the pup won't become part of the first family until after they move into the White House on Jan. 20.

In an interview with her husband broadcast Sunday on CBS' "60 Minutes," future first lady Michelle Obama said: "We're on call-mode on the dog front. Because the deal with the dog was that we would get the dog after we got settled. Because as responsible owners we - I don't think it would be good to get a dog in the midst of transition."

She added: "We cut that deal with the kids before ... America knew about it. So they're - they're good with it."

"Although," Barack Obama said, "Americans ..."

"They're ready for us to get the dog now," Michelle Obama said.

Throughout the interview with CBS' Steve Kroft, the Obamas engaged in amiable banter, often finishing each other's sentences. For example, when Barack Obama said he found it soothing to wash dishes, Michelle Obama interrupted, "Since when was it ever soothing for you to wash the dishes?"

"You know, when I had to do it," the president-elect said. "I'd make it into a soothing thing."

The family wants a dog from a shelter, and they need one that will not trigger 10-year-old Malia's allergies.

"We're getting a lot of suggestions though," Obama told CBS. "Boy, I mean the - people are sending suggestions. And we're taking it all under advisement."

127

11 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

A Sanico MD (not verified)

at 15:59 on November 6th, 2008

The Obamas have been talking publicly about getting a "hypoallergenic" dog for their daughter who has asthma. I'm concerned that this can lead to disappointing - if not seriously detrimental - consequences for the future First Family and others in a similar situation. There is, unfortunately, no such thing as a truly non-allergenic or hypoallergenic dog. Dogs (and cats for that matter) produce protein allergens that can be found in their dander and saliva, regardless of their breed or the length and color of their hair, or lack thereof. Some may produce more - or less - allergens than others simply because of their individual nature. Allergen immunotherapy may be an option for those who wish to be desensitized to such allergens.

warneral

at 16:52 on November 6th, 2008

Portuguese water dogs are hypoallergenic which is why we chose ours. My son who has dog allergies and asthma could live with my sister's dog so we were confident the PWD would be a good breed for us. Boy were we right! These dogs are the best! Their engaging personality and desire to please is so endearing. Their coats can grow long or they can be kept short. They come in black and brown with various amounts of white. Wavy or Curly coats which do not shed like typical dogs. Pick a PWD, you won't be disappointed!

warneral has contributed a photo to this story.

Nikonboi

at 17:26 on November 6th, 2008

A Springer Spaniel would be a great choice for the Obama kids- they are friendly, outgoing and very gentle with children.

Nikonboi has contributed a photo to this story.

iLoveDogs (not verified)

at 01:16 on April 10th, 2009

We have a Springer Spaniel and although she's very sleepy most of the time (apparently she was a puppy), they can be prone to what I think is known as Springer Spaniel Syndrome. No, I'm not kidding. I was told that by our vet - and then unfortunately was shown this behavior by the dog.

I think the best dog for the White House girls would be a Cavalier King Charles Puppy. They are ADORABLE!! Yet, they're still a dog, fun to play with, but not too large to handle, and not too small and/or rat-like as the Yorkies seem to be.

I also have dog allergies and many others. I've had many different types of dogs. I've found that the spaniels are the least allergic for me. That's just me though. A dog is a very personal choice.

Good luck!!

OrcaWhalePortuguesePuppy

at 18:13 on November 6th, 2008

Photo taken of my Portuguese Water Dog named "Orca" at 3 months old. I am the owner Megan Brady of Arlington, Virginia. This is my second Portuguese Water dog over the past ten years. They are an extremely intelligent working breed who are hypoallergenic (shed free) and absolutely wonderful with children and adults alike. Due to their extremely high level of intelligence their need for mental stimulation and friendship, it is imperative that they join a family who is willing to dedicate time into training, loving and exercising their Portuguese Water Dog daily. They will most certainly become another family member with their loving nature, loyalty and very, very funny and loving personalties. They truly have almost human-like characteristics and love nothing more than to be included in family activities. They also love to be the center of attention and are known for their "goofy" and extremely hilarious antics. As you may read in many articles pertaining to Portuguese Water Dogs that although they are very quick learners, if the owner does not remain consistent training and giving them friendship and loving attention they may just outsmart their owner! After owning and training many, many different breeds over the past 33 years, I would never own anything but a Portuguese Water dog!

OrcaWhalePortuguesePuppy has contributed a photo to this story.

OrcaWhalePortuguesePuppy

at 17:24 on November 6th, 2008

LouieXVII

at 20:35 on November 6th, 2008

Labradoodles are a cross between the Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever. Wally Cochran first started this cross breed in AUSTRALIA in the 1970's. He was prompted to do this by a blind woman who suffered from allergies to dogs. The first mating between the Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever was successful and produced three low allergy pups. It became readily apparent that the hybrid produced was able to surpass the best qualities of both breeds. This provoked a surge of Labradoodle breeders in Australia. But, as the first crosses continued, the results were inconsistent with some of the offspring, some being low shedding and allergy resistant while others were not. In the 1980's two research facilities ( Tegan Park and Rutland Manor) were developed in Australia to further develop successful Labradoodles. Today both are successfully exporting Labradoodles all over the world to asthma and allergy sufferers.

Mango (pictured) is a Groodle or Golden Doodle. Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle are known to be highly intelligent dogs. Therefore, the hybrid-cross results in a Goldendoodle that is a smart, sometimes allergy-friendly, pleasant, affectionate, and trainable dog. They are a good family dog because of their friendliness towards children and other household pets.

They are social, so they are good with strangers and enjoy hanging around the family. As with Labradoodles, Doods are very intelligent so they need to be intellectually stimulated. If they spend too much time alone they will find their own means of entertainment-chewing rugs, destroying shoes, knocking over plants, etc.!

It is important to engage and train them to help prevent these types of unacceptable behaviors.

ojt

at 22:14 on November 6th, 2008

I hope that they do pick a rescue dog. There are so many rescue dogs put to sleep (especially down here in the south). I think it would be a great example and encouragement for others to do the same.

caity08

at 22:53 on November 6th, 2008

This is Mango my Golden Doodle

caity08 has contributed a photo to this story.

denisD40

at 03:44 on November 7th, 2008

Sleepy dog.

denisD40 has contributed a photo to this story.

H2OK9Z

at 03:55 on November 7th, 2008

I can't imagine life without my girl, Etta. She's a Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) and absolutely the most intelligent and loving dog I've ever known. They're intelligent, have a great sense of humor, love to be with people, adapt well and are always on the go. The Obama Family has been searching for a puppy and I would strongly encourage them to visit a few PWD breeders in Virginia, before they make a final decision on any other dog. My thought is, it would be a very good fit. The Obamas very much want a dog that will be an important member of their family, a PWD loves their people and up for an adventure. Also, my husband is asthmatic and allergic to everything with fur. He never has a problem being around this breed.

H2OK9Z has contributed a photo to this story.

lindylousmith

at 04:29 on November 7th, 2008

Callie, my Portuguese Water Dog, is so full of love ... it's hard to get her to stay still for a photo -- here, I'm trying to hold her, and all she wants is to get closer and to PLAY.

I have mild asthma -- Callie has not aggravated it at all.

lindylousmith has contributed a photo to this story.

generaldecay

at 04:43 on November 7th, 2008

I simply adore the new First Family. They are truly good people!

Sadieluck (not verified)

at 10:48 on November 7th, 2008

Those are my dogs in the video at the top. I think they should name their dog 'Lucky' because he was a true volunteer in their campaign and worked tirelessly for Obama. Also, the dog they choose will be 'Lucky'. It'll remind us everytime we hear the dog's name how lucky we all are.

Carlton (not verified)

at 12:30 on November 7th, 2008

The fact that they are even CONSIDERING a shelter dog makes me realize these are people that speak the same language I do. We don't need any more Snickerdoodles or whatever they call those genetically produced dogs when our shelters are filled with wonderful companions who can fetch, sit, roll over, and love you just as much. When you're a true animal lover, breeds are not a consideration. Everyone has the right to pick the dog they want - it's a free country. But there's something about adopting a dog that was "made" (and thus, creating more of a demand) that could never work for me when the shelters are full of dogs who - through no fault of their own - were born "mutts".

reno_fog

at 12:38 on November 7th, 2008

Don't forget rescue Pugs... great dogs

POC (not verified)

at 14:30 on November 7th, 2008

The black and white Portuguese Water Dog is my girl!! She's the best.

Ernie Turner

at 14:43 on November 7th, 2008

This is a picture of my English Springer Spaniel. He's a beautiful dog. This picture was taken in the back yard of my house. It shows the serious model pose that he enjoys using in photo's.

Ernie Turner has contributed a photo to this story.

shoppingpal123 (not verified)

at 15:35 on November 7th, 2008

I've always had hypoallergenic dogs. My current dog is a POLISH LOWLAND SHEEPDOG and is the best dog I have ever had. Smart, loyal, lowkeyed but loves to play, non-shedding, kind, and protective. They are the cutest. Check them out.

t-lo (not verified)

at 16:26 on November 7th, 2008

Why not a retired greyhound? They are intelligent, hypoallergenic, loving, loyal, beautiful & majestic. They were the dogs of the pharaohs, kings, and queens. They are the kindest & sweetest dogs. So adopt a greyhound and you can have your cake & eat it, too!!

gingerslamsven

at 19:08 on November 7th, 2008

This is milo, a portuguese water dog =)

gingerslamsven has contributed a photo to this story.

sunny004

at 00:14 on November 8th, 2008

This is a photo of a German Shepard mix and a Chocolate Lab playing along the shores of Lake Superior on Wisconsin Point. The Shepard mix is Oliver and his best friend the Chocolate Lab is Cabela.

sunny004 has contributed a photo to this story.

PAM MARANO (not verified)

at 04:30 on November 8th, 2008

IT IS WONDERFUL THAT THE OBAMA'S ARE THINKING OF GETTING A SHELTER DOG OR A RESCUE DOG. IF THEY ARE DEALING WITH ALLERGIES THE GOLDENDOODLE IS A WONDERFUL PET!!! I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS ONE AND SHE IS PRECIOUS. YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH SOMETHING THAT IS PART GOLDEN RETRIEVER!

Mayumi Hu (not verified)

at 06:26 on November 8th, 2008

Please, rescue a dog from a shelter or from a rescue center. Adotping one, means you open the space for another needy dog to be taken in. So, you are basically saving two lives when you choose adoption! Adption saves lives! Don't buy breeds, it just encourage puppy farms and more abandone dogs in the future. I am a volunteers for an animal resuce organization in Taiwan, and Obama could send a very strong and loving message by adopting a dog, instead of going for breeds. We have 70 dogs in our care, all rescued from horrible living conditions, suffering from broken legs never being treated, brain damage, skin problem, abuse, etc.... Obama can improve this situation around the world, if he could just give the example!

Sylvia Winters (not verified)

at 06:46 on November 9th, 2008

I am so thrilled that a dog from a shelter will be the choice. So many people go after the brand of the white house dog. Maybe the shelters are where people would go for an animal.

By the way, what about a white house CAT also. From a shelter of course. where

Don Cantrell Sr (not verified)

at 15:40 on November 9th, 2008

I believe that a West Highland Terrier would be a great pet for the Obama family. They are even tempered and child friendly. They are also a very loyal dog.

Don

ODR (not verified)

at 21:41 on November 9th, 2008

obama should get a german sheperd

Irma Manzanares (Houston, Texas) (not verified)

at 13:21 on November 12th, 2008

Come on Barack, give the chihuahua a chance! Why not a chihuahua for a first dog?

Donna M. Flynn (not verified)

at 22:34 on November 16th, 2008

I'm sure that President-Elect's 2 daughters have seen the TV commercial for Cesar dogfood. The little, adorable white furry doggie is "slippers" for your cold feet, wakes you in the morning, and is just ADORABLE !!! I don't know what breed he is, or if there is one available from a shelter, but if I could get a dog, he (or she) would be my first pick. That dog is PRECIOUS and looks just like a doggie that 2 little girls should have. Please check him out girls, he is so sweet!!!!