Obama: First Dog search nearly over

Hopefully they can find a bald shelter dog and name him "Joe the Mutt."

I don't think designer bred dogs sends a very good message.

Rescue dogs might be more appropriate for this moment.

And will the shelter be 'seeded' with a fake homeless pup?
NO to CONTINUED WAR FOR OIL WAR PROFITEERS!
We want an ENERGY and TRANSPORTATION POLICY.

Even in fluff articles, the Swampers show their political bias.

"It'll probably either be a "Labradoodle" or a "Portuguese Water Hound,'' Obama replied on ABC News' This Week-- revealing that he still has a little homework of his own to do: That's a Portuguese Water Dog..."

According to DNC Swamp writers, when a Democrat slips up, he "has a little homework of his own to do."
If a Republican said it, the same Swamp writers would headline the slip as a "gaffe."

Bruce: "Woof"

as for the cool dogs for the Obama family, PLEASE CONSIDER the ITALIAN GREYHOUND! We have a fawn colored one named Bella Wilson. They are beautiful, smart, intelligent, and can run the pants off any kid! They give lots of love back to ya, and can be a lap dog when needed. Oh, Mr. Obama, they give advise too! Lin from DaytonaBeach, Florida

newsflash to people: not all labradoodles and similar poodle mutts are hypoallergenic(HA)! anyone whose advertising a litter of poodle mutts that are all 100% HA is a liar! these dogs are mixed breeds and, like all mixed breeds, have a random selection of genee from both parents. even the original breeder of the labradoodle (the Australian breeder who originally began to breed them as a HA alternative to labs as guide dogs for the blind), admitted that less than half of his litters tended to be HA.

I hope the Obamas do their homework and don't fall for the "hybrid breed" trend. a purebred, rescued PWD would be a much better choice than adopting a non-HA labradoodle only to have to return it due to allergies

The mutts known as "labdoodles" FILL the shelters Easy enough.

To rescue a Portuguese Water Dog is quite simple. COntact the National Breed Club. All AKC breeds have a ntional breed club regonized by AKC and every Club has a Breed Rescue for dogs of their breed.

The Breed Rescue takes them in, assesses their temperment and health and finds them a new home.

Find the Breed Club for any breed by going to the AKC website, looking under "Breeds", then clicking on the page for the breed you are interested in and the links to the Breed Club and/or Breed Rescues is on the left. Even if the the link only gives a contact which is not in your area, still call them as they will have information about contacts all over the US in their breed rescue.

who cares what stupid dog he gets! it SHOULD be a rescue dog from a shelter!

What ever dog the Obama family chooses, I'm sure the MSM and you liberals will gasp with the awe of Paleozoic apes staring at fire.

Just to make poor Bruce the scrooge happy, I hope they adopt a conservative dog; maybe all right paws.

a dog? looks as if there is No end in sight with this downward economy

Easy there, Brucie. My hound definitely leans a bit to the left. Maybe Brucie favors cats. Meow!

Bubba, if you hate liberals so much, perhaps you and your conservative cabal shouldn't have done their best to ruin the world for the last eight years. Even in an article about getting a family dog, you stoop lower than anyone would have thought possible. Another case of conservatives chucking their toys out of the pram because they can't admit they got schooled. Keep crying, republicans, your tears taste lovely.

The important thing is it is HypoAllegenic for his family health. Thus a Porti has to be found somehow in a politically correct shelter.

Chicago Pit Bull.

I hope for Obama's daughters' sake the labradoodle is more doodle and less labra. Labs shed. Labs are already overbred, so buying a mutt that is a lab mix pretty much insures that you will have no idea what the health history of the labs used in this breeding was. Doodle breeders are in it for the money, they are not in it to breed healthy, quality pups.

Reputable, responsible hobby breeders of purebred dogs can tell you the health history of just about every dog behind their breedings. That's why in some breeds, hip dysplasia is almost non-existent, because dogs with the condition are not bred. The AKC Health Foundation and the AKC sponsored breed clubs are involved in major efforts to wipe out some of the more pernicious diseases afflicting various breeds.

When these breeds are used to breed mutts, just because they are "different" or trendy, then let the buyer beware.

I'm really trying very hard to give Obama a chance, but the press and their "tingle up their leg" stories and perspectives are making me want to dislike him. Please treat this guy and all the other career politicians, with a responsible eye. We could really benefit by some unbiased reporting.

Labradoodle not yet AKC recognized? Never will be, because it's not a breed and doesn't breed true. The way to get a Labradoodle is to breed a Lab and a Poodle. The unpredictable result makes for an expensive mutt. New breeds are made the old fashioned way by many generations of careful matings which are recorded the stud book of the breed club. The breeding is intended to meet a specified standard. Then the breed club may apply to the AKC for recognition. AKC may then place the breed in its Foundation Stock Service (tm) and take over the stud book while allowing the breed to stabilize before becoming an AKC breed. There are 63 breeds currently in the Foundation Stock Service and awaiting full recognition. Many are dogs that are established in foreign countries and are now being established in the U.S.A.

I sure hope the MSM continue to bring us these great articles on Obama's neckties, puppies, and how he likes to play basketball.
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And no need to worry about the stench of the political smoke-plume coming out of Illinois either, that's all just a "distraction"... after-all, our intentions SHOULD be suspect if we ask to know all the details, right?
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Thankfully, facing long stays in the Gray Bar Hotel, Rezko and/or Blago might be just a bit more motivated than the media is to shed some light on the many problematic events in Obama's past. What a pity we have to look to scoundrels like these to bring reality to a large part of the electorate, when the clues were there all along for anyone who cared to take more than a perfunctory glance
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http://reaganiterepublicanresistance.blogspot.com/

I am allergic to dogs and even more to cats. I have been around two Portuguese Water Dogs and have had allergic reactions -- lots of sneezing. I hope the Obamas are testing the breeds with the family members for any reactions. I have always wanted a dog and have settled on a small Italian Greyhound. I need to wear long sleeves around her because I itch if I touch her (except for my hands), but the sneezing has been minimal (I also use Nasonex, a godsend). There are many IG's in rescue because people often give them up -- they are difficult to housetrain. So I hesitate recommending the Obamas get an IG because of people copying the choice. These sweet affectionate dogs must be cared for properly. Also NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store. These dogs come from brokers who buy from puppy mills where the momma dogs are kept in cages 24/7. My little dog was in such a situation.

"If a Republican said it, the same Swamp writers would headline the slip as a "gaffe."

Posted by: Bruce "

Yes, and Bruce and his ilk need to keep railing at imagined sleights so as to forget the fact that their heroes, enacting their preferred ideology, have managed to screw things up so utterly, so completely, that the bulk of mankind seeks distraction in meaningless stories about the president-elect's dog search.

Bubba needs a life and Jenny needs someone to explain to her that it is a dog story, not a major policy announcement.

Don't get a labradoodle. There will be allergy problems. Get either a poodle, a bichon frise, or a Bouvier desFlanders. I had a bichon frise and a Bouvier and had no problems with my allergies.

Why the dog mania?
A Presidential privilege?
Aren't Senators allowed to have dogs?

Obama family:

PLEASE do not purchase or adopt a "designer" dog!

I volunteer for a Labrador Rescue group in my area. These ”designer” dogs are a problem as neither purebred group can re-home them thus their only option is to land at the local humane society. A Labradoodle can not successfully be rehomed by either the Labrador Rescue or the Poodle Rescue. In my opinion, these breeders that are breeding these designer dogs are just as bad as puppy mill breeders!
As we all know, what ever breed of dog the Obamas get, this breed will become the popular breed of the moment and 18 months from now, our local shelters will begin to see these dogs being dropped off, obtained by people who have no understanding of the breed characteristics.
Please do not support the designer breeders! They are doing our pet population injustice and just adding to the already overburden of our shelters and rescue groups!

with all of the horrible things going on in the world right now why can't we all just take a little time out for joy? Like the happiness every famiy has when finding a new pet? it is delightful that we get to share in their heart warming adventure!

Bubba, you're my hero. Who the hell cares what type of dog these fools are getting? All of this "Hollywood" coverage of the Obama family is repulsive. Next we'll be hearing about his favorite jeans, what type of air freshner he prefers after having a BM, and where he gets his hair done. This is the leader of the free world. Who cares about any of this personal BS?

A dog, I would definately say go to a shelter. It shows a strong leadership for the sake and well being of animals. I can only hope it is a reflection of its citizens well being in these difficult times.

Reminder - your local shelters often have pure breds as well as going to a breed specific rescue. I always let people know that my beautiful Siberian Husky came from a shelter - NO ONE believes that a shelter would have such a "gorgeous" dog. Follow your heart and brain, and it will all work out.

I would hate it if anyone told me what kind of dog to get. Why do people count other peoples' money?

Obama should get a pit bull and name it "Justice" and then let it lead the upcoming war crimes trials against the BushCo/Republican crime family.

I think the Portuguese Water Dog is more suited for children due to its' boundless energy and playfulness.

"Obama should get a pit bull and name it "Justice" and then let it lead the upcoming war crimes trials against the BushCo/Republican crime family."

Or, if you'd actually like the dog to eat, send it after any/all IL politicians it can find.

Go with the Portuguese Water Dog.

Portugese Water Dogs are a relatively rare breed that are almost never found in shelters and very rarely in rescues. If the decide on a PWD they are going to have a real harm time appeasing the ARista's crying for them to adopt from a shelter or adopt from rescue. PWSs aren't bred by commercial breeders. That means a reputable serious breed fancier. Its is where Ted Kennedy got his. Hopefully, if Obama decides on a PWD he will take Kennedy's lead and get it from a reputable PWD fancier who healths screens all their dogs (PWDs have some serious genetic diseases that must be screened for), will be there for them, to answer all their questions, help them with training and grooming questions, and take the dog back if Malia's allergies prove to be too severe to allow her to have any kind of dog. FYI there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dogs.

And another thing despite claims to the contrary most of the so-called purebreds in shelters are not purebreds at all but rather best guess by employees and staff looking at photos in a book who have never stepped foot on the grounds of a dog show or seen the breeds they claim a dog is. It stretches the bounds of credibility to claim a dog is 1/2 of a rare breed that registers fewer than a couple of a hundred a year. Fanciers of breeds that rare track all their dogs and know where they are. Most of the "purebreds" that do wind up in shelters are the products of commercial breeders and are often a member of a particular breed in name only looking and behaving very little like the breeds they supposedly are and often riddled with health problems because they people who breed them do so only for money and don't give a tinker's damn about the breed. They don't screen the parents for health defects. Because they have almost never read the breed standard or participated in conformation shows or performance tests for their breed (hunt tests, PWDs - water tests, coursing, obedience, agility) they don't know if they dogs they are breeding are properly structured to do the job they were bred for or have the temperament, correct coat, and ability to get they job done and could care less if the lab, golden, poodle, pomeranian, etc looks or behaves anything like its supposed to. Because they know nothing about proper temperament and character for a breed they aren't in a position to properly screen homes to make sure the breed's temperment, behavior, coat type and special needs are compatible and a good fit for the family that wants to buy their puppy. Course this assumes the commercial breeder or pet shop even screens home at all. Most don't nor do they take what they breed back. These poorly placed, poorly bred puppies are the primary source of almost all purebreds that find their way to the shelters.

As stated early PWDs are an uncommon breed, the chances of Obama finding one in a shelter are close to nil though there is no doubt they're will be a lot of shelters and questionable rescues trying to pass off their black labradoodles as PWDs. But be forewarned, serious and knowledgeable fanciers can tell the difference. The PWDs is very distinct in its head, body, and coat type. Neither of which the poodle or lab or their crossbred progeny can duplicate

Why the dog mania?
A Presidential privilege?
Aren't Senators allowed to have dogs?

Posted by: river | January 11, 2009 3:58 PM

Senators ARE dogs

So this is from the PWD website:

"If you want a dog that:
* requires regular and extensive grooming
* demands attention and exercise
* challenges your will
* needs training and human contact
* thinks independently
* voices its opinion
* greets friends and family with unbridled enthusiasm...
then the Portuguese Water Dog may be right for you."

Doesn't sound like a dog for a family that will no doubt have very little time to train. What White House adult is going to spend the necessary time for an extremely energetic puppy that challenges authority and is bred to be around water? "Thinks independently" means is not a dog that lives to please people. Try another breed, please!

I understand the brag-o-doodle will soon be in the pound near the end of the month. Does not shed, except of stupidity, and will be a great joy to the kids for will it will not sit or stay unless it is given something.

My word...let them pick out a dog of their choice....all you animal people....i have two dogs that i hand-picked....whether they are rescued or store bought, they are still getting inadequate care wherever they are. It's their business, let them alone.

To The President-Elect Family,
There are some pics on line of the Schnoodle Breed. My favorite! The black ones have shiny coats and are adorable...AND...
Why not get two? A brother & sister would be awesome fun for each other and for the girls to watch grow up together.
Let the young ladies name the puppies all on their own!
Enjoy your pick(s) :0)

Go with the Portugese water dog. Why anyone would spend good money to breed an animal to create a mongrel like the latest fad dog the 'labradoodle' or whatnot is beyond me. If you want a mongrel, just go to a pound.

Why does he need a dog? I thought his mother in law was going to move into the White House?

I'm sorry, am I reading People or the Trib? Why is this news?

I agree w/ cajin. honestly, they need to pick the best breed and dog for their family. it would be nice if they adopted a stray, but I won't think less of them if they decide to go w/ a reputable breeder. sometimes, adopting from a shelter isn't an option for everyone on earth. too many people are made to feel guilty b/c they decided to go w/ a reputable breeder vs. adopting from a shelter.

in this case, w/ 2 young girls, and a VERY high profile household, a dog w/ an unknown background (as is the case w/ most shelter dogs, though it's easier to figure out dogs in foster care), it may make more sense to go w/ a good, reputable breeder that will known the dog intimately and will be a good source of info for the family

please note my use of the word "reputable" here

All purebred dogs are “designer” dogs. The AKC hasn’t recognized these breeds, and makes all kind of claims about how “unpredictable” some trait is of any non-recognized breed. This is to encourage everyone in the world to keep buying over- and in-bred animals with genetic problems, which makes money for the AKC and it’s membership. The problems with AKC dogs are definitely “predictable”. If you have a dachshund, it will likely end up with back problems, if you have a bulldog, it will have nasal problems, if you have a german shepherd, it will have hip problems, if you have a pekingese, its eyes will fall out…..

Hopefully they don't "fight" the poor animal. I've read quite a bit about this Southside Chicago trait which is also where he's from. Give me a break! Black people and dogs as actual pets. PLEASE!

Well...To President Elect Barack Obama and the rest of the world (I hope this reaches him)...I am the proud owner of a labradoodle puppy (Baci, 4 months old, resident of the North side of Chicago whoose family recently purchased this "designer" dog bred by a Chicagoland breeder) and we have found the dog to be kid-friendly, hypo-allergenic, easily trained, well behaved (more than my 5 3/4 year old daughter who would love to meet the Obama girls especially, and direct them on the dog and what to expect), if they get a Labradoodle, then they can expect from him/her everything they have been made out to be...we were warned to get an Australian pup because "the American breeders didn't know what they were doing" but they were wrong...Americans can do anything as well as anybody...YES WE CAN...also, the dog has helped my family deal with current tensions... and President-elect Obama, I'm sure a Labradoodle would help you (and the Nation) too...let's all try to be lighthearted and optimistic in these difficult, times...as an active Chicago architect (a "designer") I implore you to get this dog! A loving symbol of what can happen when we set our minds to achieve anything...YES WE CAN!

I for one am tired of reading about obammy and now we're treated to having to hear about his dog selection. Wonder if we're gonna be hearing about his "errors" in judgement in the near future to this degree. Over it!

Cats are Democrats
Dogs are Republicans

Get a cat.

Here's why;
If you dangle a stick in front of dog and pretend to throw it the dog will wildly run after the thing no matter how many times it is screwed over by the fake out.

A cat, on the other hand, will look up at you like, 'yeah, right fool'.

We have an American Eskimo Dog and he was a rescue - he's also dander free and is a good choice for folks with allergies to dogs. They also make terrific family dogs, our Eskie is smart and sweet and (for a really furry, white dog) is remarkably self-cleaning!

Who cares ? This is not headline news. I want to know what he's going to do to get the economy back on track. The dog he chooses for his family is NOT of national importance.

And why is this important news?

Coton De Tulear... hands down

I own dogs myself, but who cares? This country is in the toilet and on its second flush. I'm wasting my time writing this and you're wasting yours reading it.

ITA with Phillip. I, too, am a 'designer' - of building systems. We live in the northern burbs and bought a beautiful labradoodle from a breeder in WI. We did a lot of homework before our purchase and made trips to check out the facilities and meet the parents. Our labradoodle wil be 21 months old on Friday and couldn't be any sweeter. He has somewhat of a poodle gait, but has a lab disposition - a very family-centered dog. He trained very quickly too. He's a first generation, so he does shed a bit, but I have not allergy issues with him. I would love to see the Obamas get a labradoodle, but more importantly they need to get a dog that's the best fit for their family.

First, there is NO such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog-that is a mis-nomer. Poodles are somewhat NON-allergenic because of their type of coat and the Portuguese Water dog and Irish Water spaniel share those characteristics. Labradors don't, and a Labradoodle is nothing more than a Poodle Labrador cross. Out of a litter of four, the first generation will have a varying mix of characteristics and no one can predict what those will be. That's what a mixed breed is-mixed. There is also no way to predict the personality-generally Labradors and Standard Poodles have excellent temperaments. However, the people who "breed" doodles don't really care much about anything except the potential for profit. Responsible breeders of Labradors and Standard Poodles would not use their dogs in this manner. In my opinion there is no such thing as a well bred doodle.

Being a rescue volunteer and a dog breeder of AKC Champions, first, I do think that the President should spend a little more time researching into the "Doodle" craze. Most "Doodles" are given up because they were sold a hypo-allergenic dog that ends up being allergenic. Can you imagine the backlash that Obama will have to endure if they end up placing the dog because his daughters are allergic? Second, I have seen more lab poodle mixes (I refuse to call them what everyone else does because that gives them recognition as a breed that they are not) with skin allergies, health problems, temperment problems, hip dysplasia, and a variety of other ailments than I have in purebred dogs. People don't seem to get that if you breed two poor quality purebreds together you up your chances of illness than if you take 2 quality bred, health tested purebreds and breed them together. While I do believe in rescuing dogs and I encourage it as much as possible, I do not think the dog he is looking for is in the shelter. They want a puppy that is hypo allergenic. That itself is hard to find. Plus, as first time dog owners with children in the public light, they can not afford to have a dog that has any type of baggage, health disorders, temperment problems, etc.
It is a shame that the president is forced into adopting a dog that could have potential problems because the AR activists and PeTA have bullied him into doing so.

I have not read all these comments but enough to know that many of you folks are just too serious about this. And for those of you who do not want any news on the light side just pass these articles by and go to your doom and gloom articles. There are sure plenty of them to keep you busy.

Five Mark Silva articles on Obama's choice of dog.

More articles than on Obama's choice of Play-for-pay scandal-ridden Bill Richardson as Commerce Secretary.

In a political blog.

For the past 15 years I have been breeding boxers, they are good with kids, play full and very loyal. Take it from me I raised 16 kids and not once have I ever had to worry about them playing outside by themselves. Treat them like a family member and they will protect you for life. If you like I have brand new set of puppies currently 4 weeks old. I also write kids books check out the website crawfordbooks.us. Sincerely speaking Capt RA Crawford Sr.

No offense to the labra-doodle fans out there, but this is a terrible choice. "Designer dog breeds" contribute to puppy mills, the treatment of dogs like they are accessories, and a multitude of health problems yet unknown.
It is clear that the Obamas should get a pit bull. They are:
1) formerly an iconic American Family Dog
2) super cuddly and lovable. Ask anyone, except someone who is fighting them, who has one and you will surely be told that their pit is the most affectionate dog ever.
3) very clean, with short hair and clean skin that is unlikely to aggravate allergies
4) in need of an image makeover that the Obamas should appreciate. This breed has been unfairly judged due to the lowest of the low manipulating them and making them into the WRONG kind of status symbol. At heart they are wonderful dogs.

Have you evr thought of an Aussiedoodle- australian shephard standard poodle cross-a bit smaller than the lab cross and very smart-low shedders, hypoallergenic too. great breeder in Wallenstein, Ontario-Burkharts Kennels-We own one-best pet ever. Good luck

They need to get a porty.. I have a 10 year old porty named Misty... shes the best and most beautiful dog in the world(she's a wavy.. they look better)... I haven't seen a single hair shed from her in this entire time.. and despite what people are saying... they don't need to be in the water or realy active... my dog actually doesn't even like the water that much.. and we live in Northern Ontario Canada... so she doesn't get walked that much.. and she has no problem with that... when I went home for xmas break since Id been watching the dog whisperer.. i tought her how to walk on a treadmill.. not so much as tought... but put her on it.. and she started walking... no problems whatsoever... so obviously... very smart.... misty is the most peaceful dog in the world and she loves anyone..... not really loves... but it seems like shes half cat half dog... she doesn't really give much of a **** about anyone... in other words... she wont bug you ever.... shes the most 'chill' dog in the world... When I saw Obama give his acceptance speech and talk about geting a dog... the first thing that came to mind was.... "FoO! You need to get a porty!'. and he will... and he should...

p.s. .. all the people that are saying... socialism is the death of liberty... LoLoL if only you knew the half of it... it doesn't have much to do with socialism... other than the myth of socialism being perpetrated.... go to davidicke.com and read the second article.. its all about obama... I just hope to god that Obama is going to disown the people that put him in power and surprise us ALL

The Portuguese Water Dog lobby has a connection to Obama: DNC delegate Gaye Pollitt. SFReeper.com has the interview:
http://www.sfreeper.com/2009/01/19/portuguesewaterdog/