Obama: New Pooch Needs to Be Allergy-Friendly and, Hopefully, From a Shelter

President George W. Bush's two Scottish terriers were gifts to the family -- Barney from former New Jersey governor and White House cabinet member Christine Todd Whitman, and Miss Beazley from a breeder. The family's other dog, Spot, passed away shortly after Bush took office and, as one of Millie's puppies, was the only second-generation White House dog in U.S. history, according to the Presidential Pet Museum's Web site.

President Harry Truman received a cocker spaniel named Feller as a gift in 1947, but returned it shortly after deciding that he didn't want a dog in the White House.

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"The public was irate," McLean said. "It was all over the media."

Even though Truman had a notorious dislike for dogs, Coren said he hit the nail on the head when he uttered the words, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

Amy Carter's dog Grits, a gift from her teacher, was also returned.

All Eyes on the Obamas

"It's really a very highly fascinating topic," McLean said of the Obama puppy-to-be. "Everybody wants to give them their puppy."

Michelle Obama has said that the Obamas would adopt their dog rather than purchase one from a breeder or pet store, a move praised by animal rights groups.

Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, said the Obamas' selection of a White House dog will be closely watched.

Adopting a dog from a shelter, adoption group or breed rescue "sends a strong message to other Americans that rescuing a dog in need of a home is a good choice," Markarian said.

Many Americans don't realize, he said, that dogs in pet stores originate in abusive puppy mills where dogs are stacked in cramped cages.

There are plenty of puppies up for adoption across the country in nearly any breed or mix they could imagine, Markarian said. It has been rumored the Obamas are looking at a mixed breed, designer dog that wouldn't aggravate oldest daughter Malia's reported allergies.

Like any family choosing their first pet, Markarian said the Obamas should consider what kind of dog would fit best with their family's personality and activity level.