Vetting Obama’s Canine Companion
EmailABC News’ Lindsey Ellerson Reports: As President Harry Truman once wisely noted, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have suggested that whether or not they live at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue next year, they will take the former president’s advice.
The Obama family has used the promise of a pet as a bargaining chip in asking their daughters, Malia, 9 and Sasha, 7, for their support during the long campaign season. The American Kennel Club (AKC) took it upon themselves to offer the Obamas some guidance in finding the appropriate canine friend.
The AKC is asking Americans to cast a vote for the best qualified "first pet" for the Obama family, limiting the list of selections to hypoallergenic breeds because of Obama’s daughters’ allergies. The public has been given five solid canine choices including the Bichon Frise, the Chinese Crested, the Poodle, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer.
Click HERE to vote.
“The breeds we’ve chosen for the Obama family represent a variety of sizes, energy levels and temperaments, yet all are well-established in their coat type, to ensure that they are a good match for any allergy sufferer,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Dogs that are AKC registered have pedigrees reaching back often hundreds of years, and so the characteristics that make them better companions for allergy suffers are fixed through decades of breeding for consistent breed type and predictability.”
It’s important for the public to evaluate several characteristics when choosing a presidential pup. As a presidential pet, the dog will need to be well behaved during its potential interactions with high public officials, a good travel companion, given the busy White House schedule and in the case of the Obama family specifically, small enough that the young girls are able to walk the dog. Thus far, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been voted the premier choice, but the public has until August 19 to cast a ballot.
While the Obamas have decided a dog will be a part of their family, the timing is still up in the air. During a May appearance on Good Morning America, the couple was asked whether their two daughters had yet to receive the dog they were promised.
Sen. Obama responded that Malia and Sasha have "a year to test whether they are sufficiently responsible," but was cut off by his wife who insisted, "They are responsible…we’re getting a dog."
When Obama replied that he was concerned about who would be the official pet walker, the potential first lady said, "You will. You will all be walking the dog."
"Okay. All right," Obama conceded.
The AKC chose to focus on canine candidates for the Obamas as the McCain household is already bustling with animals.
"Obama is warming up to having a canine cabinet member in the White House," says Daisy Okas, also a spokesperson for the AKC. "But, we already know that if McCain wins we’re going to have a very pet-friendly president."
According to the Associated Press, the presumptive Republican nominee has at least two dozen animals, including several McCanines: two Yorkshire Terriers named Lucy and Desi, an English Springer Spaniel named Sam, and a mixed-breed named Coco. For a look at the breeds that the McCain family favors, click HERE.
But, the Senator’s house is home to more than just dogs. The McCain family is said to have a ferret, three birds and 13 fish. In the early days of the 2008 race, when the field was flooded with candidates from both sides, McCain topped the list of presidential hopefuls with the most pets.
It has certainly been presidential precedent to have a dog in the White House. In fact, while in office, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was so attached to his Scottish terrier, Fala, that it was only fitting that the faithful dog be depicted next to his master at the Roosevelt Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Many presidents have also turned to pets during times of trouble. During the Monica Lewinsky scandal, it was thought that President Bill Clinton sought refuge in his chocolate Labrador Retriever, Buddy and President Gerald Ford also turned to his Golden Retriever Liberty after his controversial pardon of former President Richard Nixon.
ABC News’ Sunlen Miller contributed to this report.
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Get a good dog from a pound. It saves a good animal from stress and death and gives the kids a good friend without the analysis of what does the breed choice indicate.
Posted by: Last Call | July 2, 2008, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
yawn…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: Omentum | July 2, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
They need a rescue puppy! And they should name it ‘Change’.
Posted by: billie harris | July 2, 2008, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm
I vote for John McCain, it will be a good way for him to get his chance in the White House too.
Posted by: Eileen From Maine | July 2, 2008, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
What to vet on a phony? It’s too little, too late. He has deceived the dems in the primary. He will joint the typical presidential nominee club – a losers club.
Posted by: skinny dog | July 2, 2008, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm
oh man… I wish the White House dog could be a Golden Lab or some other “manly” looking dog.
Posted by: matt w. | July 2, 2008, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
oh man… I wish the White House dog could be a Golden Lab or some other “manly” looking dog.
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haha, The dog is for the kids not Obama.
Posted by: Eileen From Maine | July 2, 2008, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
And this is news,….Why????
Posted by: char19145 | July 2, 2008, 4:01 pm 4:01 pm
What makes the reporter think that Obama is a man of his word. He will tell people what they want to listen.
Mr. Barack ‘FlipFlop’ Obama may change his position about keep a dog.
That is a change you can count on.
Posted by: Roger Miller | July 2, 2008, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
What is up with these dumb stories about Obama today. First we learned that Obama really didn’t not do that “terrorist fist jab” with a young kid and now we are talking about a possible pet dog?
There is so much news out today including Obama’s speech on service, McCain’s campaign shake up, RNC attack ads, etc.
Posted by: Betty | July 2, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
With the unpopular war in Irag and with the country in the recession, I thought Obama should lead McCain over 30 points in the poll by now. But this is not the case. Clearly, many American people today see Obama like another crooked politician and he turns them off. It’s sad to see Obama and McCain align themselves with big corporations selling off this country piece by piece. Global economy is good for the country, but selling off the country is not global economy. Obama and McCain are selling off America. Do you think American will be better of with these 2 crooks? I don’t think so…..
Posted by: crookedpolitician | July 2, 2008, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
judging from this article, obama even bribes his own children for help with his campaign (in addition to bribing superdelegates) and michelle wears the pants in the family…..great presidential qualities…
Posted by: chris | July 2, 2008, 5:23 pm 5:23 pm
WOW.. now this is crazy, I guess this is a PR pose to try to “humanise” the obamas?
Posted by: Giovanni | July 2, 2008, 5:24 pm 5:24 pm
They should definitely rescue a dog from the shelter!
Posted by: marye | July 2, 2008, 5:26 pm 5:26 pm
Have them choose a Newfie, name it Nana and let the dog take over raising their kids while Peter Pan and the missus take off for Never-Never Land.
Posted by: bromfield22 | July 2, 2008, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
Just when we thought today’s news was as inane as it could possibly be…
Wonder if Obama likes cauliflower or peas better. I think he should give peas a chance.
Posted by: loovill | July 2, 2008, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm
Sanjay, this is not the Obama’s poll. They had nothing to do with it.
But I do think they should get a rescue dog.
Posted by: obamamama | July 2, 2008, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm
Oh my god – what is next – I am so sick and tired of Obama, Obama, Obama Obama.
Get a life people.
Posted by: Brian -South Hampton | July 2, 2008, 6:04 pm 6:04 pm
do not get a skinny dog—will probably go on the floor and furniture
Posted by: rodney | July 2, 2008, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
NO BO…he lacks all the needed skills and experience demanded by the office…he refused public election money, so we need to know the sources of the private, mountains of cash he is receiving??…and his business dealings & past associates??…need a Pres. with substance, not just glitz and pied piper talking…too many delusive enticements for to get votes from the masses…all thinking voters will choose John McCain …have a nice day.
Posted by: ltk01 | July 2, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
I really, really want to see this man with a dog. My money is he would turn and run. Dogs are not popular in some cultures.
Posted by: Team Obama's Crazies | July 2, 2008, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
Is this another ploy from Obama and the gang? Pretend to “want” a dog. I’m not buying it. We know how he “pretends”. Allergies are always a good front. If you want a dog, there are many available to people with allergies. This is just another Op in Obama’s attempt to look normal. The man is far from normal.
Posted by: Another Ploy | July 2, 2008, 7:39 pm 7:39 pm
Definitely a nice adult rescue dog. & many organizations have fine purebreds. Actually two, one for each girl. The White House is big enough.
Posted by: Miri NY | July 2, 2008, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
This is a dog of a story. It is a testament to how little I want to do my work that I just read it. Thankfully I’m using ad blocking software so no monies for you.
Posted by: oy | July 2, 2008, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
Not the Chinese Crested. NOT the Chinese Crested. See BBC, “In pictures: Ugliest dog show”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7467474.stm
Posted by: RonK, Seattle | July 2, 2008, 11:54 pm 11:54 pm
Whatever – it should be a rescue. This should be an opportunity to educate the public about breed rescues. My personal favorite is a golden – great with kids but not good for those with allergies.
Posted by: Karen in NJ | July 3, 2008, 9:59 am 9:59 am
We used to care about the candidate’s character. Then we cared only about the issues. Then the candidate’s spouse became the issue. And now the candidate’s dog and even a presumed future pet has replaced the candidate’s wife as an “issue,” completing the dumbing down of the election and the electorate. Mission accomplished, sir. They’re all idiots out there now.
Posted by: Russ A. | July 3, 2008, 11:02 am 11:02 am
There are many fine rescue dogs that are not puppies, have been housetrained, know how to sit and stay, and need a loving home. You can find rescue dogs that are of the allergy decreased variety, just like you can any other dog. My dog, now 12 years old, was on his last hour at a shelter when he was 2. he’s been the best dog ever for 10 years. And yes, he’s quite spoiled.
Posted by: Willow | July 3, 2008, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
Adopt a rescue dog. so many are in need of homes, and you can sign on to rescue sites and look for the breed, age and gender you prefer. I found a dear 2 year old maltese poodle mix this way. She was already housebroken, spayed, and came with the dearest diposition of any dog I’ve ever had….and that’s for the past 50 years. She is also the smartest. Both maltese and poodle are non allergenic and both are known to be very intelligent. Mine weighs 6 pounds and goes everywhere with me, and loves it.
Posted by: Pat | July 3, 2008, 12:53 pm 12:53 pm
Why is this news? Low IQ reporter=low IQ audience.
Posted by: myna | July 3, 2008, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
Can we skip Obama and just make the dog president?
Posted by: B.Fornaro | July 3, 2008, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
A dog will be good training for his next job – Dog Catcher
Posted by: Brian | July 4, 2008, 1:23 am 1:23 am
All the chosen breeds are wonderful but please be sure to make it a rescue puppy! There should be a space for this option on the voting page as well.
Posted by: S. C. Schill | July 4, 2008, 8:46 am 8:46 am
UGH! Who chose the canine candidates for the Presidential Pup? I wouldn’t chooose any of those breeds for the Obamas. None are stately enough (where are the BIG DOGS!). I’d choose a Irish Wolfhound or Great Dane or something with more “presence” and “stature” than those frilly, frou-frou, tea party, lap dog breeds among the candidates!
Posted by: Caroline D | July 4, 2008, 8:50 am 8:50 am
The daughter that has allergies; is she allergic to DOGS? Or juts has allergies? Just because you have allergies doesn’t mean you can’t own certain types of dogs (unless you are allergic to THEM).
And did anyone tell the Obama that all those breeds are yappy dogs? I really don’t like yappy dogs. It will drive them crazy. My neighbor has 2 bichon frises and those things yap yap yap all freaking day long, driving everyone on the street crazy. My sister in law has a mini schnauzer and HERS yaps yaps yaps all the time. My Mom had a poodle…same thing. I like QUIET dogs…allergies or not.
Posted by: MartaK | July 4, 2008, 9:02 am 9:02 am
One of the many gifts of children is to help the rest of us return to earth with the daily issues of life. A family’s decision to get a dog will do just that.
We have two Bichon Frises whom we got from Small Paws Rescue. These little guys are smart, loving and very calm–all they want to do is sit in your lap. I hope the Obamas seriously research the breed and the rescue; they can’t go wrong, and I speak from personal experience.
Posted by: Sissy | July 4, 2008, 10:00 am 10:00 am
Maybe he should name the dog “Checkers” (Nixon redux).
Oh, wait! He just traded the dog in for a goldfish. Name it “Flip-Flop”.
Posted by: Dances | July 4, 2008, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
I suggest they get a pet from an animal shelter or rescue.
Posted by: kaysha | July 4, 2008, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
I heard Obama say in an interview that he wanted to wait to get a dog (til after the campaign) but also til his girls prove that they are responsible enough to take care of a dog.
I am surprised that every rescue organization did not jump all over him for saying that because we all know that the adult(s) in the household usually are the one’s who end up having to provide dog care since kids lose interest, get very involved with school and activities and eventually leave for college. A small dog can live 17 years.
And of course I think the White House is WAY overdue for a mutt from a shelter, if there is to be a First Dog.
Posted by: Patrice | July 4, 2008, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Would really like for the Obamas to get
their dog from the pound. Hopefully it
would start a movement for people to find and love these unwanted dogs.
Mutts are great!!
Posted by: katiec | July 4, 2008, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm
I really feel sorry for thosre of you that are so passionately displaying your misgivings of Obama. When I read it it sounds so cynical and it’s tone spiteful. I don’t want to label those as being racist, but I challenge you to look inward and see what’s there. I know I’ve experienced growing hostility since his candidacy from white people as I work with the public and have an opportunity to track this. It’s very subtle, but real. I just want to raise consciousness here with the hopes of people really looking at this for themselves.
Posted by: Reginald | July 6, 2008, 1:41 am 1:41 am
Barrock needs to give specific details not just promises that have no mathmatical answer. *_* He should list things he going to do and the answers as 2 how. so far he hasn’t done that.He makes statements about how bad somthing is but says nothing about how to solve them!!!! He would make a bad politician. He should get a kitten instead.
Posted by: catherinecatluvr | July 6, 2008, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
the bishon frishe is soooooooooooo cute they should adopt one from a shelter. SAVE A LIFE DUDE!!!!
Posted by: cat luvr | July 6, 2008, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm
Talk about presumptive nominee they are already making plans for moving into the White House and a pet for the girls. Hey why don’t you wait until the election is over and the votes are counted before writing this piece of trite fluff. At least the McCains are waiting until the votes are tallied before they make their moving plans.
Posted by: L DeVane | July 7, 2008, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
I bet he will not get them one. He is a liar. If they do, I predict it will meet an untimely death due to his love of untimely deaths of the unborn.
Muslims loathe dogs
Posted by: HOGUE | November 2, 2008, 8:08 pm 8:08 pm
The AKC wants to make suggestions about a dog for the Obama’s?? The same organization that give their “Pedigree” stamp of approval to the products of puppy mills?? That’s one organization who has no right claiming that they care for animals!! President Elect and Mrs. Obama – please go to Petfinder.com and rescue a dog there.
Posted by: N. Baker | November 6, 2008, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
I think the Obamas should get an American Pit Bull Terrier. Yes I’m all for adopting a dog from a shelter also but I believe the Apbt breed would be the best. I own 2 & show 1 of them and know lots of breeders and owners. They are fun loving, social, complete clowns and love to hear laughter especially from children. They have to be trained right and in good hands in order to be a great pet. They are fast larners and will do anything to please their owners. My whole family has allergies also ranging from mold to animals. They don’t shed much and love bath time. I bathe mine once a week to every other week because it’s simple and my whole family is fine with them. Not only would they have the most loyal companion possible but it would do the breed some good and maybe all these ridiculous legislation’s banning them would be re thought and once again make the Apbt the most sought after breed in the US like it was in the 1800′s & 1900′s. I think it would open the eyes of a lot of people and make them realize that it’s not the breed that’s bad but the people that treat them horribly and leave them locked up instead of making them a member of the family and having them out and about to be social as they are intended. Three quarters of the time the media has just assumed a dog attack was by a pit bull because they have similar features but are actually wrong. There are hundreds of breeds that resemble the pit bull but does the media ever ask for proof that the dog is 100% pit bull such as papers from the UKC that have them registered as APBT or papers from the AKC saying they are American Stafford shire Terriers or papers from their vets. No they just assume because of the way the dog looks. I believe full heartedly that the Obamas should get an American Pit Bull Terrier. They won’t regret it either and they will hear never ending laughter from their 2 little girls echoing through out the white house because a pit lives for laughter no matter if you’re playing dress up or rolling in the grass with them. Heaven forbid they hear a child cry they will lick those tears away as gentle as possible with the softest of tongues and make an upset child giggle and grin from ear to ear. If you have a problem with my idea I do not care because I’ve been in the veterinary field from the time I was 14 and I’ve been a very supportive advocate of the APBT for as long as I can remember. They are truly worth it given the chance.
Posted by: S Cantley | November 6, 2008, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
why is it news-worthy why type of dog obama gets… i’d rather have these news reporters report about things that matter – like how obama is going to fix the economy and get our soldiers home.
Posted by: c.nj | November 6, 2008, 7:33 pm 7:33 pm
There is no doubt that the best dog for anyone who wants a dog that is as hypo-allergenic, as any dog can be, and has the most wonderful personality, it is the Portuguese Water Dog. I know that Senator Kennedy has or had one named Splash. I really hope that this suggestion is made to the President elect, the girls would just love one. I have owned many breeds and after my first adopted boy Camo, I now have girl, Angel…
Posted by: mat | November 6, 2008, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
THE WHEATEN RULES
Posted by: Lori | November 6, 2008, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER ALL THE WAY!!! They are SOO sweet and loveable! You get attached very quickly and they love you right back!!! They are great with kids too!!!
Posted by: Rachel | November 6, 2008, 9:55 pm 9:55 pm
Get a Pitbull and name it Lipstick
Posted by: Sanj | November 8, 2008, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
i think a shih tzu would be a good dog.they are so loveable and good with kids.
Posted by: mary ann | November 10, 2008, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm