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Two Breeds Top Obama Family Puppy Search

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While their father handles a deepening recession, cabinet appointments and a crisis in the Middle East, the Obama girls clearly have another thing on their mind: a new puppy, which the President-elect yesterday said the family is close to selecting.

WASHINGTON -- The Obama family has come to town, and will finally soon be joined by a much anticipated addition to the clan: a puppy, which President-elect Obama promised his two young daughters last year.

Like their father, Malia, 10, and Sasha, seven, seem to know what they want -- and how to get it.

"They seem to have narrowed it down to a labradoodle or a Portuguese Water hound [Sic]," Obama told ABC's George Stephanopoulos on ABC News' "This Week" yesterday.

"We're now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up."

The hunt for a perfect White House pooch is hopefully almost over, Obama said, after a long and highly publicized journey.

"We're closing in on it. This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary," he joked, referring to his selection of Bill Richardson for the position. The New Mexico Governor later withdrew his nomination, after speculation of his engagement in "play-to-pay" politics rose to the surface.

Both of the Obama girls' potential breed selections, Labradoodles -- a hybrid of a poodle and a Labrador retriever -- and the Portuguese Water Dog are considered hypoallergenic, a requirement for Malia, who suffers from allergies.

The designer labradoodle, which is not an accepted breed by the American Kennel Club, began to be bred in the mid 1980s. The Portuguese Water Dog, on the other hand, dates back to the 1200s, when it worked on boats with Portuguese fishermen.

Perhaps the Obama girls took a tip from Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, whose Portuguese Water Dogs, Splash and Sunny, frequently accompany him on the Senate floor.

The Obama family have spoken of their intent to adopt from a shelter or rescue group, but at the same time, as Obama noted in his first press conference following the election, "a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me."

Many animal advocates and Obama supporters alike have closely followed the Obama's search for a dog, a point of discussion that has repeatedly come up in press conferences and interviews.

Obama formally announced his promise on election night to his daughters, telling them, "I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."

Yet, the family has been discussing the plan for more than a year, with interviews dating back to before Obama was even formally selected as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Regardless of the First Dog's breed, or point of origin, one thing is for sure: it will have some company in Washington, D.C., joined by Vice President-elect Joe Biden's new puppy, German Shepherd his grandchildren named "Champ."

Biden had also said that he will adopt another dog from a shelter, providing Champ a playmate. The move may have also acted as a conciliatory bone to the animal activist community, which criticized his decision to not adopt a rescue dog to begin with.

Tell us what you think about "Two Breeds Top Obama Family Puppy Search" below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.

USA Today, The New York Times, Newsday and the Agence France-Presse contributed to this article.



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puppiesloveme
puppiesloveme
10 months ago
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ok
 
Diana L.
Diana L. (denali)
10 months ago
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If they want a poodle, our shelter is full of them from a hoarding neglect case. They can take 20 if they want.
 
jerZgirl
jerZgirl
10 months ago
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I vote for neither of these breeds. Porties are working dogs - they need a lot of training and a job to do. Their size is good-they are a nice medium sized breed-but thats about it. They are smart and can be manipulative. They are also terribly hard to find if going the rescue route (a GOOD thing!). Even PWD breeders have waiting lists...they just aren't common. (Again, this is a GOOD thing)

Labradoodles DO SHED. About 90 percent of the ones I have seen shed. The owners discover this and dump the dog. Also the doodles I have groomed were FLAKES. Hard to train and dumb as a stump. They are also Riddled with health problems-ear infections and skin infections are the most common. "Hybrid Vigor" my behind.

I vote for a nice Poodle-any size. Poodles DON'T shed, and are lovely dogs. They have adaptable personalities and are easy to train.

Whatever they choose I pray they do their homework and get a dog that will be theirs for keeps!
 
Kim  R.
Kim R. (bluesphynxminx)
10 months ago
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Hopefully he does follow through and adopt from a shelter or rescue. It is quite common to see a lab poodle mix in rescue.
 
Ro V.
Ro V. (RDV)
10 months ago
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I'm voting for the Portie. I can't believe people think 'doodles' make good pet dogs. Hyper and active.
 
Jesse D.
Jesse D. (Dysfunctund)
10 months ago
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I like the portugese water dogs!!
 
Susan
Susan (susan9207)
10 months ago
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I'm sure he'll be able to find both of these breeds at a shelter. We recently had two young Portuguese Water Dog brothers at Bobbi and the Strays. Each of his daughters could have had their own dog. Timing is everything.
 
Kris
Kris (tenlivesclub)
10 months ago
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There's been so much discussion and debate on this topic that I think it's time to let it go and let them choose a pet on their own!!!
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
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Jo D.
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I am glad to see the support for shelters!! I hope they really do get a dog from a shelter, it will do a lot to help the many animals sitting day in and day out in shelters.
 
shadow00
shadow00
10 months ago
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I think it's great that the first family support shelters, although I don't know if they can get those breeds from one.
 
Ann H.
Ann H. (Decibella)
10 months ago
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I assume that Obama and his family will live up to their high standard. A shelter pet is the way to go. That shows that Obama and his family are aware of the puppy mill situation, and have brains as well as hearts to do the right thing.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
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LINDSAY D.
LINDSAY D. (SMURFY308)
10 months ago
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I mean really, who cares what kind of dog the next president will get?
 
LINDSAY D.
LINDSAY D. (SMURFY308)
10 months ago
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HOpefully he gets a shelter dog, instead of spending thousands of dollars for a dog.
 
KHender
KHender
10 months ago
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hope they get a shelter dog!
 
Rusty  K.
Rusty K. (RustyK)
10 months ago
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That's going to be some famous dog, whatever they get.
 
wpras
wpras
10 months ago
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Come to our shelter we have some real cool dogs
 
L.H.S.
L.H.S. (libertyshelter)
10 months ago
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Hey Mr. Obama, our shelter has a Portuguese Water Hound! You can search on www.petfinder.com area code 31313 Liberty Humane Shelter. Hope you give us a call. Kotis is really a great dog!
 
daryl b.
daryl b. (darylob)
10 months ago
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i wonder if he will see this there must be a way to get this message to him personally. good luck in having the first dog
 
gadams38
gadams38
10 months ago
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You'll have to let us all know if he inquires about Kotis.
 
Jasmine H.
Jasmine H. (Yass2004)
10 months ago
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I wonder if the President Elect, or his daughters have looked online at places like zootoo or petfinders. Unfortunately I have seen a lot of purebreds, or crosses from two purebred in the shelters - usually rescued from puppymills. It may be a bit more difficult to find, but they are definitely out there and in need of a good home and a loving family!
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
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Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
This comment has been removed.
 
frank g.
frank g. (knarf74)
10 months ago
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He should just stick to his guns and get the dog he wants. He let the "get a shelter dog" thing question his decision and he is just trying not anger anyone. Shelter dogs are the best, but nothing wrong with getting a purebred from a reputable breeder.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
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Jen T.
Jen T. (Jentynes1)
10 months ago
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Can't wait to see what type they pick
 
SJL78
SJL78
10 months ago
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Id love to see how this spins out.
 
5ineveryroom
5ineveryroom
10 months ago
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It will be interesting to see if they actuallly follow through and get a dog from a shelter. I would think it would be a bit difficult to find a pure bred Portugese water dog puppy in a shelter. Many of the "pure bred" dogs in shelters not really pure bred. And no dog is hypoallergenic. Some breeds are less likely to cause allergy problems. Even if they do find their choice breed puppy in a shelter, there is no real guarantee that the pup will not cause allergy troubles for the kids.
 
cindy-lou J.
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Which ever dog breed type is chosen will give this family the unconditional love & companionship we ZooToo people already have had the privilage of knowing from our pets. In turn this love bond may develope to bring more awareness on their part to help the mistreated and homeless animal causes.
 
Sarah H.
Sarah H. (smhammel)
10 months ago
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I am not sure they are going to find a portuguese water dog in a shelter, but they are awesome dogs and it would be a great boost for their breed if Obama got one. Frankly I am over the whole hybrid labradoodle thing, and they are not necessarily non-allergenic. But I agree with others, this story is old and tired. Just let the family get a dog in peace!
 
Brittany L.
Brittany L. (bubblebutt)
10 months ago
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I wonder which they will pick?
 
wanda f.
wanda f. (foochy)
10 months ago
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everyone needs to love a dog
 
Dr. Joyce B.
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This is so exciting.
 
ronatha
ronatha
10 months ago
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I think that they can find these breeds at a shelter or rescue somewhere in the U.S. They also should really consider a Standard Poodle because it is a very smart, obedient, fun, and a hypoallergenic dog as well. I am not personally fond of the fancy clips you see on many of them but an all around puppy cut would be quite acceptable. Maybe the French would like us again LOL!
 
missBAM
missBAM
10 months ago
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Ugh, I don't know about any of you, but I am so sick of this news story. That's really great, you all got what you wanted, he's getting the shelter dog for Peet's sake, now would you please SHUT UP?
I love Obama, but I come to this site for animal news, not political news.
 
Ann-Marie J.
Ann-Marie J. (AnnMJohn)
10 months ago
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Why do they feel the need to get a dog just because they are moving to The White House? They have never had a dog before.....seems to me like they just want to because most of the other presidents had dogs...I thought he was all about "change" ?! :)
 
missBAM
missBAM
10 months ago
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AnnMJohn,
He had promised his kids a dog even before he was a candidate for the presidency.
 
coronerjim
coronerjim
10 months ago
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which ever type/breed dog they pick I hope it will be rewarding in all ways for the entire family experience.
 
Shell H.
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The chance of one of these dogs winding up in a shelter will probably grow since his announcement. I have a neighbor with one she'd probably love to give up - especially if she thought he was going to the white house. He is a wild one!
 
Rebecca S.
Rebecca S. (becca362000)
10 months ago
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they should try a terrier!!
 
Lora W.
Lora W. (3happycats)
10 months ago
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Hope they find the right dog at a shelter.
 
lori
lori (paawsproject)
10 months ago
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Yes...that would be best.
 
mary k.
mary k. (rosesinmay77)
10 months ago
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What are the odds of finding these two breeds at an animal shelter?
 
Linda L.
Linda L. (MissLinda48)
10 months ago
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They haven't decided for sure...so there's hope that they will try to find a shelter dog.
 
Sarah C.
Sarah C. (sunnygirlsjc)
10 months ago
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The girls are getting a big lesson in politics, as the selection of their dog(s) has definitely become a political issue. No matter what they do they will be criticized by someone or some group! What if they get a Doodle or a Portie and Malia is still allergic.... I don't think there's any guarantee that these dogs are totally hypoallergenic. Whatever they do, PLEASE socialize and train the dog !!!! PLEEEEEZE
 
Starling
Starling
10 months ago
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I think its a shame that they are so limited to specific breeds. I'd like to see the whole family take a trip to a city shelter and pick out a mutt.
 
Rinthea S.
Rinthea S. (rinthea)
10 months ago
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or even better a pit bull!
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
This comment has been removed.
 
Rose C.
Rose C. (mitzi1)
10 months ago
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I hope the Obama girls find the dog they want at an Animal Shelter.
 
Rachel G.
Rachel G. (chicinmudd)
10 months ago
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A great thing these girls are going to come away with (besides a happy dog) is the importance of doing your research and being educated on an issue.
 
Carolyn K.
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I'm glad to hear they are looking into a shelter dog. Hopefully they set an example others will follow.
 
Joelle F.
Joelle F. (solarred)
10 months ago
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Either breed is a good choice. Hope they find a rescue pup.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
This comment has been removed.
 
Rachel G.
Rachel G. (chicinmudd)
10 months ago
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I'm glad they didn't just buy the first cute dog they saw. It seems like they've really done their homework on what will be the best dog to fit into the family. Mr. Obama, check out petfinder! I really hope now that he sees the importance of shelter/rescue dogs to the American people that he gets some tough and good laws for animal welfare and spay/neuter programs going.
 
Tracy  H.
Tracy H. (dragonlady912)
10 months ago
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I hope they choose the pet best for them.
 
rruiz11
rruiz11
10 months ago
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I think that they are making a big deal over him getting a dog. Every president moves in with a dog, its not that big of a deal!
 
Rachel G.
Rachel G. (chicinmudd)
10 months ago
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I think it's a big deal because most past presidents already had their dogs before coming into office and it really shows the people where he stands on animal issues.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
10 months ago
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animalangelB1
animalangelB1
10 months ago
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They could come to our shelter and get a mix breed, it will love them just the same. I am glad they are going to take good care of whatever they get.
 
Sabrina H.
Sabrina H. (jaguargirl)
10 months ago
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Whatever the breed, I'm glad they are researching what type of dog best meets the need of their family.
 
Carol L.
Carol L. (langsford)
10 months ago
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Good comment I agree, the dog should suit the family and I am sure they are considering this .
 
PunkyGirl
PunkyGirl
10 months ago
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I think it is cute that they now what breed of dog they want. Plus I think it is very thoughful of obamas family to go to a shelter to rescue a dog instead of going to a persons house getting one of theirs dogs which would have longer to live
 
Judy A.
Judy A. (rujual)
10 months ago
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The media will always make news out of nothing. Let them choose and let the little girls get a puppy to love whatever it is.
 
Gordon8
Gordon8
10 months ago
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I agree
 
Heather W.
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Very Well said!
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