2009.02.25
Choice is narrowed in First Dog search
According to a CNN report, First Lady Michelle Obama has told a reporter from People magazine that her family has narrowed the selection of The First Pet to a Portuguese water dog.
Obama said the choice was based on the dog's sweet temperment, medium size and non-shedding coat. Malia Obama suffers from allergies, and PWDs, much like poodles, shed less fur and dander than other dogs.
The family will select a dog after they return from a spring break vacation. They are looking for a rescue dog that is "old enough" and will be a good match for their family.
(Photo from people.com)
Maltese's do not shed at all. We have members in the family that are also allergic to pets w/ they're shedding and dander. The Maltese's are great playful pets and great lap dogs too.
Comment by Mrs. Marriott — February 25, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
I'm hoping they do adopt- what a great message!
Comment by Lisa — February 25, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
It's a nice thought. Good luck finding a Portuguese Water Dog in a shelter, though.
They are really awesome dogs if you can find one. Fun, goofy, lots of energy. And they really are better for people with pet allergies.
Comment by Mark — February 26, 2009 @ 9:17 am
I have never heard of that kind of dog! They probably should go more on temperament of the individual dog than by breed. And Mark is right, you don't find many breeds like that in shelters.
Comment by Michelle — February 26, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
I wouldn't rule out shelters too quickly -- though the AKC breeds aren't as numerous as the "Heinz 57" dogs, I have seen purebred Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, Chihuahuas, and even an Akita Inu (remember the puppy cam dogs?) come through shelter doors. As more families fall on tough times, too, the animal shelter population is growing. It makes sense to go there first when looking for your next pet.
Comment by Curly — February 27, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
wow - that is really surprising. I was all about the Labradoodle - guess I just lost $20. I had to do a little more research on why they picked the PWD, and found an OK description of it: http://obamadogadoption.com/Dog_breeds/portuguese-water-dog.html. It seems like a good choice the more I think about it, wish I had my $20 back though.
Comment by Michael — March 1, 2009 @ 7:26 pm