Obama Family Presidential Dog

President Obama Promises Daughters a Puppy and Media Gets Curious

© Kent Ninomiya

Nov 7, 2008
Who Will Be First Dog?, Lisa Olonynko
America faces unprecedented problems but the big question being asked of Barack Obama is about the first dog. Americans want to know what dog breed will be the first pet.

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. In his nationally televised acceptance speech, Obama mentioned that his daughters had earned the dog that would be moving to the White House with them.

Presidential Dog

It was a light and jovial moment in his speech that made people laugh. It was not expected to be a major subject of discussion. After all, the United States is facing two wars and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. However, dog lovers and curious Americans are making the pet the focus of attention.

Obama Dog

At the President-elect's first nationally televised news conference on November 6, 2008, he was asked if any progress had been made selecting a dog for his daughters, Malia and Sasha. Obama played along with the joke. In a mock tone of gravitas, the President-elect said, "with respect to the dog, this is a major issue." To this his advisers behind him started to laugh.

First Dog

At the news conference, Obama went on to say, "I think it has generated more interest on our web site than just about anything. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic."

Obama Dog Breed

This prompted immediate speculation in the worldwide media. New Delhi TV from India hypothesized that "the options could include a labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador and a poodle; a schnoodle, which is a hybrid of a schnauzer and poodle; a cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle). Malia, however, is rumored to favor a goldendoodle, a poodle crossed with a golden retriever."

Presidential Puppy

Obama pointed out that choosing the right dog will be a tough decision. At the news conference he said, "On the other hand our preference would be to get a shelter dog but obviously a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So whether we are going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household."

Obama Puppy

UPI reports that this has prompted a furious debate between pure bred dog fans and advocates for shelter adoption. Chat boards and blogs are flooded with suggestions about the best dog for the Obama girls. No matter what challenges America faces, we always love our pets. Sometimes after a tough day we just want the comfort of our canine friends. America wants nothing less for the first family.


The copyright of the article Obama Family Presidential Dog in US President is owned by Kent Ninomiya. Permission to republish Obama Family Presidential Dog in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Who Will Be First Dog?, Lisa Olonynko
       


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Comments
Nov 9, 2008 4:02 AM
Guest :
My I suggest Bedlington Terrier. The bread is hypoallergenic. I am a lucky owner of one. My son is allergic too. The bred is Extremely cute and crowd stopper! A terrier in lamb's clothing and full of courage in the house.
Will increase the popularity of already a very popular first family.
Nov 10, 2008 6:11 AM
Guest :
Hello,
I hope that the following will be read by the President Obama and his daughters ....
As a breeder of "PERUVIAN HAIRLESS DOGS", I highly recommend this breed because it just suits the needs to allergic people.
"Peruvian hairless dogs" are also know to cure from streess, asthma and other health problems.
I invite you to visit my web site .... www.chiennuperou.com
You will find more information about this breed as well as my e-mail address.
Cheers,
Pedro Allemant
Nov 11, 2008 6:16 PM
Guest :
I think the dog Obama's family should get is a dog from the pound. They can be the best dogs you will ever find and they will be saving the dogs life.
Nov 15, 2008 12:25 PM
Guest :
There are many hypo-allergenic breeds available. Everyone is partial to their own. From what I see in papers, magazines, online, about this and from my own experience,(24 years) I would say listen to the experts, and pay attention to the individual dog, then see if it is a good fit with your family.

Both pure-bred dogs and Rescue dogs can be selected carefully, and work out well with children. To me, pure-bred dogs don't have a snob-value; it is just that they come with a guarantee of health and temperament which is important when you have children, or elderly in the house. However, Rescue dogs can be carefully selected too. I think dogs from the local shelter can turn out great, and can be awful. To me, it is too much of a risk in your situation.

I suggest to the Obamas that a young dog with a sweet temperament that is clearly evident, would be better for your first experience than a puppy, and also while your life is in transition.

Children DO love puppies, though, and it is a good experience for them. So after life settles down a little, and you are all used to a dog in the house, maybe in a year or two, you could get a puppy. The older dog is usually a great support in the training, and they can play together when you aren't home or are busy. If you get two at the same time, they tend to bond more to each other than to the family. If there is TOO much difference in age, the older one may not be as playful. Thanks for listening.
Nov 17, 2008 1:35 PM
Guest :
I strongly suggest the American Boxer for the first family. This particular breed of dog has the temperament, grace and beauty the Obama family could appreciate and would love. Boxers are totally family oriented and committed. Not only are they great thinkers, they are very capable of expressing themselves too. They use their front paws as we do our hands (boxers, remember). You can not go wrong choosing this wonderful dog as the first pet. At least hold one efore deciding.
Nov 17, 2008 3:40 PM
Guest :
A wheaten terrier is the best choice. As it is similar in looks to a golden doddle (even cuter i'd say) and it is hypoallergenic! They are very loveable, with great personalities. Therefore i recommend a wheaten terrier.
Nov 22, 2008 9:37 AM
Guest :
Hello Obama family,
This is Amber age 15 and Andrew Riedemann age 14 and we have the perfect puppy for the White House. The puppies are akc registered pure breed brindle and fawn boxers and we would love for you to pick one out from us. In case you dont know about boxers they are happy, playful, and highly intelligent and quick to learn. Boxer also have been used for military and police work. Boxer are very clean and groom themselves like cats and there is minimal shedding. Boxers need daily exercise or a brisk walk and enjoy fetching a ball. We live on a farm in Minnesota. This breed of dogs have been the best for littler people and very pertective to the family and home. Our puppies were born October 26 and are already being paper trained and eating mushy food. They will be ready to get there shots in a few more weeks. And already have there tails docked and dew claws done. Our suggestion for your prestigious pick would be a boxer from us. Please reply. We would love to send puppy pictures.
Sincerely,
Amber and Andrew Riedemann
Grand Meadow Minnesota
lwhelan@premierbanks.com
Nov 26, 2008 8:00 PM
Guest :
I would suggest a Basenji. This does is most suited for the oval office. It does not bark. It does not have the normal doggie smell. It is not a large dog, nor is a small dog. I beleive they would love this dog as much as I do.
Nov 27, 2008 12:04 PM
Guest :
doverman pinchers are great dogs!
maybe a british bill dog or german sheppard! all family dogs, great with kids and easly trained.
Nov 28, 2008 3:28 PM
Guest :
I think I have the purrrfect dog breed for the Obama's!! My son has allergies too and I found the most cutest awesome breed ever! Liver "Chocolate" Schnauzer these are the smartest dogs ever and they come in all colors but I love love the chocolate ones! One vote for the chocolate schnauzer!
Nov 29, 2008 5:36 AM
Guest :
American Boxer is the best breed for the family Obama. Boxers are known for their gentleness with children. The short tight coat of a boxer translates to less allergenic proteins being released to the air and hands when the Boxer is being petted.
Can the Obama family just visualize the portrait of their family with a wonderful 2 yr. old boxers noble strong countenance by their side ? Boxers ears docked or natural, either way , a wonderful family friendly, easily trained family oriented breed. Please consider. thanks, Pat Hinsley
Dec 12, 2008 10:53 PM
Guest :
I also think a basenji would be a great choice. They are compact, clean, dont drool, and the best part... barkless! This dog can be owned by people with allergies and is just plain cute.
It would be something else if the first family gets a unique/interesting breed like the basenji.
basenjirescue.com
Dec 15, 2008 11:42 AM
Guest :
i suggest a beagle
Dec 15, 2008 4:34 PM
Guest :
I just wanted to suggest a site for the Obama's to look at dog breeds from a shelter. It is called petfinder.com You can say what type of breed, gender, age, where you want to get it from and more. The good thing is all the dogs are from shelters.
I also want to suggest a type of breed, a Basenji, they don't shed and are midium sized and i believe very cute!

Dec 28, 2008 6:23 PM
Guest :
Time for a change - girls should have two dachshund puppies.
Jan 12, 2009 11:15 AM
Guest :
siberian huskyy(:
Jan 14, 2009 6:35 PM
Guest :
I agree with Malia! We have a goldendoodle and she is wonderful with children. She was also very easy to train and ever so cute. My seven year old chose ours and named her Blossom.
Jan 21, 2009 8:55 AM
Guest :
In the spirit of volunteerism I think it would be great if the first family raised a service dog of some sort. The Guiding eyes, Guide dogs for the blind or one of the many handicap service dog organizations have amazing dogs to raise. We're raising a yellow lab for guide dogs, we've learned so much about how to raise a dog well. Labs are a great family dog, well behaved, ready to work and please and darling! This would be a great project for the girls and an example of service their Father is encouraging us all to undertake!
Jan 21, 2009 1:58 PM
Guest :
I have two YorkiePoos. They are hypoallergenic, 5lbs each, sweet & adorable. I am trying to send a picture of them to the Presidential family. I think the mixed breed is the best for the girls. They are smart , small & sweet.
Jan 23, 2009 2:36 PM
Guest :
I would pick a schnoodle. Both better for allergies, and great defender, also smart and energetic. If I would suggest a standard schnazer mix with standard poodle. So they could have a good size dog, the girls are not toddlers and having a dog that can run with them as well as curl up on the couch would make for a great size and stamina. Also as everyone knows there is no hypo-alergenic dog. There skin dander and saliva can be just as bad, but having a smooth coat cleaned daily by a care taker and not allowing it to be a face licker will battle that. I would pull in cezar milan too and make sure they handle it correct to make a smooth transition, since it will need to be very well behaved and not shy or aggressive.
Jan 24, 2009 4:49 AM
Guest :
Hasn't anyone thought about letting the child take a daily allergy med and have desensitization shots like half of american children?? Then let the child have the dog she wants. I reccomend a wiemaraner, short hard coat w/o noticeable shedding, highly intelligent, very family oriented, loyal to the end.
Feb 6, 2009 9:24 AM
Guest :
I have a Multipoo and he is so smart, he does what ever you want him to do. He loves everyone. He is hypoallergenic dog and never sheds. I know they will love a Multipoo. He loves a lot of love...
Feb 16, 2009 6:46 PM
Guest :
If you would like a dog suited for Presidency, I would HIGHLY suggest a Pembroke Welsh Corgi! These dogs are very well mannered in families and around people. They are very easy to train, absolutely loyal and tremendously adorable with their short stubby legs and big ears! Queen Elizabeth has 16 of them, for one person to have 16 of one kind of breed has got to mean something! I guarantee that a Corgi will not be one of those bad mannered dogs that bite people or bark too much. They are quiet and very affectionate. My Corgi is a big baby and is the most well mannered dog around and I didn't even have to even take him to a professional trainer. He sits, dances, rolls over, stays, lies on his back on call, and puts his head down when you ask him if he is bored! Corgis would truly be the best dog for President Obama and his family and the rules of the White House!
Feb 26, 2009 6:38 AM
Guest :
I dont know what kind of dog, but i suggest a yorike--maybe a yorkshire terrier?!
Mar 4, 2009 4:20 PM
Guest :
my suggestion is a Maltese they are very smart, loyal, and caring and best of all they are hypoallergenic.
Mar 28, 2009 7:30 PM
Guest :
I think that president obama should get an American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Pit Bull Terrier was our first war dog, Sgt. Stubby, was in 17 wars, and was also the most decorated dog.
Apr 14, 2009 12:56 AM
Guest :
Good day at all
They should bring something nice not like this one ,but i wish for him a happy live .
Thaaari
Apr 15, 2009 4:58 AM
Guest :
i think they should own a newfoundland or a landseer!
28 Comments