(Jake Turcotte)
Obama narrows it down to Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog
By Jimmy Orr | 01.12.09
As we discussed yesterday, President-elect Barack Obama has narrowed the selection of incoming First Dog to either a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog.
He told ABC’s This Week host George Stephanopoulos yesterday that his daughters Malia and Sasha will make the selection soon.
“We’re now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up,” Obama said.
Breeds
So what kind of dogs are Labradoodles and Portuguese Water Dogs anyway?
After all, for us simpletons at The Vote they aren’t the easy-to-define dogs like Joe Biden’s new puppy which is a German Shepherd.
Or President Bush’s dog “Barney,” a Scottish-Terrier who this blogger used to hang out with.
Labradoodle
As you might have guessed a Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. And whoever named it must have preferred “Labradoodle” to “Poobrador”.
It sounds like a great dog. They’re happy and they don’t smell apparently. That’s according to Philip Crammond, a labradoodle owner who calls the breed a “state of the art canine.”
“Originally, they were bred to help the blind and others with impaired abilities,” Crammond explains. “They are now also quite popular for those with allergies due to the poodle trait of a non-shedding coat.”
“There is a small percentage of labradoodles who do shed a little but they still seem to have hypoallergenic properties, although this has not been proved as yet. Labradoodles are also known not to have any body odor.”
Portuguese Water Dogs
As for Portuguese Water Dogs, as you might have guessed they’re good in water. So good that Jacques Cousteau used to own one. They’re kinda duck-like.
Dogbreedinfo.com tells us that they have webbier feet than other dogs which helps with swimming. This is good as the White House has an outdoor pool (the inside pool was converted to the press briefing room during the Nixon administration).
Here’s more on the dog:
“The Portuguese Water Dog is a water-loving, lively but sensible, and loyal dog. Affectionate and fun to be around. It is excellent with children and usually gets along with other dogs and pets without any problems.
“They need to get to know cats so that the company of them will also cause no problems. It has a stable, pleasant temperament. Brave, highly intelligent and trainable; keen to work and quick to learn and understand instructions.”
Why
Why is Barack Obama going the pound-puppy route anyway? He’s mentioned it often when asked.
“A lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me,” Obama said at a recent press conference.
Cover of a magazine
Obama is currently featured on the cover of American Dog magazine with a three-legged dog named “Baby.”
According to a press release promoting the new book, “A Rare Breed of Love”, Obama was contacted back in 2005 asking for help by Jana Kohl who wanted to end puppy mills.
“It was then Barack Obama promised Dr. Kohl that he would indeed adopt if he was to get a dog for his children. Obama is featured in a compelling and stunning portrait with Baby (who is hypoallergenic), Kohl’s 3-legged rescue dog and puppy mill survivor, in the book A Rare Breed of Love (Fireside, Simon and Schuster),” the release says.
We attached a CNN video discussing the dog below.
When?
When will the momentous decision be made? We don’t know.
The constitution does not mandate that First Dog be present by Inauguration Day.
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3. Melissa | 01.12.09
Gotta go labradoodle. There’s a reason why the “designer” mutts are so popular–you get the best of several breeds and therefore the perfect pet in terms of personality (super friendly to other dogs and people), energy level (high enough to keep up with two young girls), and care (no shedding is good for keeping a clean house and allergies). I’ve had a labradoodle for almost five years, and she’s a fabulous companion.
4. Joan | 01.12.09
The Obamas would be choosing the right dog if they go with the Portugeuse Water Dog. They are wonderful with kids as well as seniors. They are very smart and seem to understand everything you say to them. They are playful and have a happy temperment.
5. chris r | 01.12.09
Obama is not likely to find a Portie at the pound. The breed is very well controlled by a network of responsible and controlling breeders who will not let the dogs go into bad homes. Before we got ours, we had to pass the breeder’s vetting and interview process. Dogs like this don’t come cheap either (think four figures), so Obama will probably be criticized for buying an “elite dog” if they go the Portie route, while Labradoodles are everywhere (comparatively) and will be much more likely to show up as a castoff somewhere.
6. Bill B | 01.12.09
Labradoodle, easy located, if would be very discourging to see them, acquire a expensive dog, there are so many dogs in shelters, I am sure with the extra effort a dog could located that would work for the entire family. Just because Mr. Pres you have become elite based on your words, doesn’t mean your dog has to be. Keep your workd, this is very hard based on Washington rules, but you did say Washington was getting C H A N G E, now prove it.
8. Paige | 01.12.09
Well? Unfortunately in our current economy many have lost homes, and been forced to surrender all types of dogs to shelters. I have a “Portie”, pure bred, pedigreed girl who went through just such a trauma and wound up at a local Humane Society! Which ever they choose, I recommend that they do homework and search out both the good and bad aspects of thier wants and needs, and then spend time with the critter they’ve chosen before bringing him/her home with them. What ever the choice, I know the new 4 legged child will be a “lucky dog” to have gone from the precarious future faced in a shelter to the white house!
10. Susan | 01.12.09
Labradoodles are hyped up products of the PUPPY MILLS like these
http:www.prisonersofgreed.org
And Portuguese Water Dogs are inbred, genetic AKC messes with all kinds of health and behavior problems (just like most AKC breeds)
AKC is in the puppy mill business too http://www.bogartsdaddy.com/Bouvier/Bouv_Pages/article-inquire-puppymills-AKC.htm
Obama doesn’t realize these things?
11. joeseph joe | 01.12.09
Why not skip the whole first dog thing and make Mr. Slave the white house mascott? Watch South Park…he’s a loyal, playful breed. With Mr. Slave to help around the house, Obama would be free of the criticism that he can’t run the country and look after his family! It would help build bridges to the LGBT community and show he’s not afraid to rule with an iron hand. It’d be the perfect, if somewhat belated foil to Joe the Plumber and has so much more street cred. Plus all the founding fathers had one!
13. BEVERLY | 01.12.09
Big mistake for either dogs. Doubtful a PWD (as their elite owners call them)are very high energy. If the labradoodle has more poodle than lab in it should not shed much but that is the problem; since they are not standardized you never know if you are getting more lab or more poodle; rarely is it exactly half and half. Those girls want a lap dog they can nurture and love and baby; not a medium size one that looks macho enough for the prez and the photo ops. Whose dog is it anyway? My vote is a shihtzu kept in a puppy cut (I think they can afford grooming every six weeks) which the girls would be able to pamper and hold in their laps. They live about 14 years and are sturdy and still really cute.
14. cfy | 01.12.09
Who really cares about what does the family gets?? Why on earth is this a news in the first place???
16. MattR | 01.12.09
I have a porty. I bought one for my kids for the same reason Obama has mentioned. They are great dogs but need attention. Of course, every dog needs attention. Our dog is shy and curious and a lot of fun. He’s the first dog I’ve ever owned. Trust me, you can baby any sized dog. I’d like to see Obama get a porty so more people will learn about these great dogs and maybe they won’t be so hard to find.
17. Elizabeth Uk | 01.12.09
I found the trailer for Baby quite upsetting, how could anyone cut out her vocal cords with scissors? So pleased she’s got a great new life now.
On a brighter note as an owner of two gorgeous labradoodles, they are lovely dogs and if the President gets an Asd labradoodle they don’t shed at all and have the great natures and so lovable. Doodles get both good press and bad and can be misunderstood, by getting a rescue one it helps the plight of all dogs in rescue pounds.
18. Scott | 01.12.09
Labradoodles are GREAT dogs! I have one and she is a gem.
I do think it will be sort of unlikely that one will be found in a shelter though. They are actually not easy at all to find - especially the miniture poodle / lab mix. We had to “order” one in advance from a breeder over a thousand miles from my home.
And about that “no odor” claim… It is only true as long as you bathe them weekly. Sorry Mr. President, but ALL dogs develop an odor!
19. jeanne021556 | 01.12.09
I use to live with someone that owned a Portuguese Water Dog. He was the best dog I’ve ever met. Sweet, smart, even tempure, loves to play and be with people and other pets. That’s the dog they should get!
20. Gittel | 01.12.09
I have a PWD mix — probably some terrier in the mix. I adopted her through Petfinder.com. She is truly a marvel. She’s calm, doesn’t shed, intelligent (does tons of tricks), obedient, a great car traveler, and adores kids and dogs. She looks like the Charlie Bear (dog treats) dog.
I think the Obamas are on the right track with either of their choices!
And to the poster who asked
“Who really cares about what does the family gets?? Why on earth is this a news in the first place???,”
I say, obviously a lot of people care. Surely you’ve noticed we ARE a nation of dog lovers.Seems totally harmless to broadcast a little fun news for a change…
My advice to the poster: if you don’t have a dog, get one. It will help you relax….
Cheers
23. Linda Brown | 01.12.09
As long as the “First Dog” comes from a shelter and is spayed or neutered any choice will be good and help educate Americans about animal overpopulation.
Linda Brown, Animal lover and owner of 3 Fabulous Shelter Dogs
24. Nicholas Perry | 01.12.09
If your the President, i think there will be some way to get a Portuegues Water Dog, go with the Water dog Obama!
25. Paul | 01.12.09
We have a porty and he is fantastic. The breed comes as either a wavy coat or curly coat. Our porty is very smart and is full of energy. He really benefits from a lot of walks.
We also have a Tibetan Terrier, which would be another fantastic choice for the Obamas. This breed tends to be a bit smaller than the PWD. Our TT is very mellow and at times he behaves more like a cat than a dog. Ours is great around kids.
26. Ben Nelson | 01.12.09
Vote Labradoodle if you are a Republican!! Mine is very loyal–to my wife. Only tries to be my friend when we are alone. More importantly, Michelle will just hate the Sen. when the dog starts shedding everywhere, and her daughters sneeze constantly and have to wash hands after touching the designer mutt. Seriously, ours does shed contantly, in no small quantities, and I am highly allergic to her. I am now told third generation have the better qualities. Also, she is big, but her sister is bigger, about 75 pounds and not fat. How about a minature Labradoodle or Goldendoodle? Whatever someone chooses, play with it several times, then rub your eyes afterward. Then if you discover the allergy, or hair all over you, you won’t disappoint your family by already having brought the dog home, or suffer if you did.
27. Alco | 01.12.09
Vote for the Portuguese Water Dog!
http://portuguese-waterdog.blogspot.com/
They have great personality, great companions. Sometimes used as therapy dogs, they really are lovely, intelligent and like to play also.
A great choice, although the Labradoodle is also a great dog.
Hoping a lot of people CHANGE attitude for the better, regarding pets.
Exciting moment for dog lovers all over the world.
29. Susan | 01.12.09
Ben–#26 is right. Labradoodles shed!!! Anyone who says differently is not speaking the truth. They were developed for one reason only. And that is poodles have gotten a bad rap. Some are wonderful dogs-some are not. They are glorified mutts.
30. Bocker the Labradoodle | 01.12.09
Labradoodle would be the wise choice. I’m Bocker the Labradoodle…I have a modeling print ad and tv commercial career, am a therapy dog, sign pawtographs, attend fundraisers helping both my two and four legged friends. I have a national group called Bocker’s Buddies…a network of doodles that work as therapy dogs bringing cheer to those in need. I am one busy doodle…we are loving and oh so intelligent and yes, we don’t smell!!! Visit Bocker’s Doodleland… http://www.bocker.tv
31. Lori Hall | 01.12.09
My vote is for a standard poodle! I have a standard poodle and she is the best!
32. mike wittman | 01.13.09
labradoodle? really? did not know labradoodles were hypoallergenic, but thinking about it, with the poodle mix, they very well could be fine. I came across an OK site that provides some background info: http://obamadogadoption.com/
33. Andrea T | 01.13.09
He can have my Labradoodle!!! Tinsley doesn’t shed and deserves to be in DC! There are rescure groups for the Portie and the Labradoodle I sure he will do the right thing for the family
34. portie owner | 01.13.09
I doubt if Jimmy Orr has a dog. He states that the dog could use the swimming pool at the White House. I hope he wouldn’t put a dog in a chlorine
filled pool. Portie’s need a lake!
35. Marcie | 01.13.09
We recently acquired a rescued Labradoodle…..he is great ! Very intelligent, gentle, loves kids and even our 2 cats. He really strives to please and is a quick learner.
36. PWD Owner | 01.13.09
I think the Obama’s should get a PWD. We have had one for 8 years. They are hypoalergenic and that is why we picked them. They DO NOT SHED. They are smart, good natured, and good with kids. My friend spent $1,500 on a doodle, if you are going to spend that, why wouldn’t you get a PWD instead and be sure that they won’t shed. And you can get a black and white one!
37. kathie | 01.13.09
they should “Adopt” and seriously look into the truest of the hypo-allgenic breeds, the bichon frise. and the best rescue in the WORLD to adopt from : Small Paws Rescue!! loads of bichons, young & old. robin presnell is the most dedicated rescuer ever. Small Paws will HAVE the perfect dog of those two young girls.
38. kathy | 01.13.09
Go for the Water Dog. We have one and not only are they smart, they love children and are so gentle. It would bew a perfect fit for them!!!
39. Scott | 01.13.09
The should choose a Labradoodle. I have one and have had dogs my entire life, and NEVER have I owned like my Labradoodle. She is the most comical, intelligent, curious, loyal, friendliest dog I have ever owned.
Labradoodle, Labradoodle all the way.
40. Carolyn | 01.15.09
WHY BUY WHEN ANIMALS IN SHELTERS DIE!!! Rescue an animal in line for euthanasia from a high kill shelter. You might be surprised how many high kill shelters we have in this country!!!!!!!!!!!!
41. Kathy S | 01.15.09
How absurd making like it is wrong to get a purebred dog. Some of us don’t want a mutt, we want to KNOW what we are getting in terms of looks, temperament, personality, size, etc. If you want to adopt a mixed breed from a shelter, by all means adopt, but how ridiculous to make like there is some moral dilemma about buying a purebred dog. Yes there are bad breeders, and they should be stopped. But there are also good caring breeders out there, cream of the crop AKC show breeders who health test and breed selectively and always for betterment of their breed and the dogs in shelters do not come from these breeders because they take the dogs they breed back when the new owners cannot keep them. Also if the shelters are so overrun with dogs then why are we shipping IN dogs from OTHER countries to fill our shelters? Pet overpopulation and overrun shelters are A/R MYTHS bought into by an ignorant public. Most dogs in shelters are due to feral dogs breeding or irresponsible owners allowing their dogs to get loose and breed with the neighbor’s dog, or turning their dogs in because they cannot be bothered with them anymore since they didn’t take the time to teach them to be a good dog they are a nuisance. They are not from responsible breeders. Again, if you want a mutt go right ahead, by all means, but don’t try to force the rest of us to do so or act like there is something wrong with wanting a quality purebred dog. Obama was backed by the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) so I guess he’s starting to pay his dues already. The HSUS wants to take away your right to own a pet! FOR THE RECORD, I LOVE MY PUREBRED DOG from a responsible AKC show breeder and when I am ready I will get another one, hopefully from the same breeder!!! Healthy, happy, just the right size, temperament and activity level for my lifestyle! A perfect fit!!!
42. PPKanoDog | 01.15.09
Sorry to burst all the idiot Labradoodle owners bubbles, but a Labradoodle would be the worst possible choice for someone with allergies. I am a dog groomer and we see alot of these dogs as well as goldendoodles on a regular basis. I cant think of one that doesnt shed. They dont shed any less than any other dog. One of my regulars was in the other day and EVERYTIME I groom her I get a trashcan full of hair JUST from brushing and combing her. I also am allergic to most of them. You cannot mix two breeds together and seriously expect to get only the good traits. Try studying genetics. MOST Labradoodles DO shed, they are hyper active and hard to train, and most are NOT hypoallergenic at all.
43. Tucker-the-dog | 01.16.09
I’m an Australian Labradoodle - a multi-generational breed that has been developed over 30 years by leading breeders of service dogs around the world. We’re smart, trainable and very eager to please! I’d love to have a pal in the white house - Woof for the Labradoodle!!
44. Tracy | 01.17.09
I hope he goes for the Portugese Water Dog.
Getting a labrdoodle would just add fule to the designer breed fire and the dog community doesn’t need that.
No need to create a hundred designer mutts with “cute” names when there are already a ton of real purebred(and mutts) dying in shelters.
45. Mauro | 01.17.09
I’m from Algarve, Portugal and in my area PWD is very useful - most traditional fishermen have one PWD to help with the fishing and even to rescue people from drowning. If there’s any pool, lake, river or similar close to President Obama and President’s family, a PWD really can make a diference. Besides this unique feature, the PWD is very friendly, loyal and tender.
46. JaDE | 01.18.09
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… 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… my dog was over $3000.. but… I think that the taxpayers should foot the bill in order to get this dog into the whitehouse LOL…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…
47. Eric | 01.18.09
The Portuguese Water Dog is a great, friendly dog. The breeding program is focused on health and performance rather than appearance. This is not a breed that has been inbred into “genetic AKC messes” as was stated above.
To prove this, look at the recent history of the dog. The breed standard has such a large allowed variation in size that the breed has been used for genetic research into how dog size is genetically determined. There has been log of genetic testing done on these dogs. With thorough screening of the parents, it is easy to get a healthy one from two well-tested lines.
There are several such dogs currently available. I know this because I just adopted one. There are at least three other young adult dogs available. I’m sure any of their current owners would be glad to have their dogs move into the White House.
48. Liz | 01.18.09
Dear the Obama family,
I think you guys should buy a shelter Poretgese Water dog because they are very loving and the Portgese Water dog wont be in any trouble at the White House because there pretty small!!! They are esay to care for and she or he will be realy spoild!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did have a Poretgese Water dog but she got hit by a car and died.The vets tryed to save her but she just died all of a sudden! Her name was Lily and now I have a boy Poretgese Water dog named Oscar. Lily was about 13 years old when she died.Lily and Oscar were great friends but when Lily died Oscar would always go on her bed and pout a a little. I think Oscar knows that shes dead. Lily died on New Year day.Dont worry i bet you that the Porstegese Water dog will be cared for and always in sight.I hope that she or he will live as long as Lily did.Good Luck Obamas
From,
Liz
49. Emily | 01.19.09
My vote is for a Portie!! GREAT dogs….as nice as they are cute! If you get a Portie, you’ll know what you’re getting! Contact the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America to find a great breeder! Lab/Poodle mixes are unpredictable in size, coat and temperament…you never know what you’re going to get when you buy a mutt puppy. They are NOT all hypoallergenic. Wouldn’t it be sad if you brought your puppy home and then when the puppy coat shed out you realized your children were allergic to him? That would be so sad! Start with a Portie pup and you won’t be disappointed!! Just my opinion!! P.S. There’s not a THING WRONG WITH BUYING A PUREBRED DOG!!!! Do what you want!! 
:)
50. Emily | 01.19.09
“As long as the “First Dog” comes from a shelter and is spayed or neutered any choice will be good and help educate Americans about animal overpopulation.
Linda Brown, Animal lover and owner of 3 Fabulous Shelter Dog”
I am compelled to reply to this comment. I think the BETTER CHOICE is to contact an AKC show breeder of Portuguese Water Dogs and get a puppy from a litter out of health tested parents with great temperaments that you can actually meet!! Linda…you need not foist your animal rights opinion on everyone else, including our new President! There is NOTHING WRONG WITH BUYING A PUREBRED DOG. Obama, go for the Portie, you will NOT regret it!! GREAT DOGS!!! :)
51. Emily | 01.19.09
Elizabeth said: “I found the trailer for Baby quite upsetting, how could anyone cut out her vocal cords with scissors? So pleased she’s got a great new life now.” Elizabeth, don’t believe everything you hear…that would be ANIMAL RIGHTS propaganda engineered to specifically tug at your heart. Someone MADE TAHT UP…no one can “cut out” vocal “cords” (which are actually folds of tissue) “with scissors”!! Baby would have bled to death..no WAY did someone do that..how ridiculous. Just AR LIES!! Tsk Tsk.
52. Maassive | 01.19.09
As it turns out, the Portugese Water Dog Association of America has a direct link to Barack Obama: DNC delegate Gaye Pollitt of New Mexico.
SFR grills her on the PWD issue (with audio):
http://www.sfreeper.com/2009/01/19/portuguesewaterdog/
53. Nathan | 01.20.09
I recommend the cousin of the Spanish Water Dog. Mine, who will turn 3 years this spring, is extremely inteligent. He can do tricks and swim for hours. I got mine from Spain, but there are breeders and rescue situations even for this dog. If the President so wished, I would allow him to rescue my dog.
Just have him email me at arnieworld@hotmail.com
55. Molly | 01.24.09
Portugese Water Dog is the most amazing dog, my dad just bought my family one and shes adorable. They are known for their brightness and easily trained. Its been only 3 weeks and i taught Bella how to sit, jump, stay, and shes still mastering play dead but thats good for a 2 month puppy. Obama should absoulutly pick the ‘PWD’. The only bad thing is it teeths, and my dog loves to chew but they get over this period… i hope haha
56. Karen | 01.24.09
reading some comments **** me off. Obama should choose what he wants and if he wants a purbread he can get it, its a sweet thing and i support all dogs but don’t put him on the stake if its not what you what, its what he thinks is best for his life and i heard he can’t get a PWD because most of them are black and **** look racist, which is horrible. We are like making him feel bad if he wants a dog, leave the man alone he has enough pressure now all he needs is animal organizations hating him.
57. Darllene | 01.26.09
President Barack Obama Should Choose The Portuguese Water Dog!
PORTUGAL REPRESENT!!!! It’s perfect for his two daughters.
PORTUGUESE WATER DOG ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VIVA PORTUGAL!!!
58. ann bate | 02.06.09
Barack Obama would not have to pay for hir Portuguese Water Dog as he has been offered one from the breeding programme in the Algarve.
It would be a wise choice for him as the dog is completely allergenic and a loyal companion.
Although he could be in for a battle of wills as the PWD is strong minded!
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Lori | 01.12.09
Yes! Portegese Water Dog #1.