Vetting Obama's Canine Companion

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Vetting Obama's Canine Companion

July 02, 2008 3:15 PM

ABC 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.

July 2, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (53)

User Comments

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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 | Jul 2, 2008 7:35:05 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 | Jul 2, 2008 7:39:51 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 | Jul 2, 2008 7:54:34 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 | Jul 2, 2008 9:10:56 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 | Jul 2, 2008 11:54:36 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 | Jul 3, 2008 9:59:36 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. | Jul 3, 2008 11:02:21 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 | Jul 3, 2008 12:01:16 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 | Jul 3, 2008 12:53:34 PM

Why is this news? Low IQ reporter=low IQ audience.

Posted by: myna | Jul 3, 2008 1:53:38 PM

Can we skip Obama and just make the dog president?

Posted by: B.Fornaro | Jul 3, 2008 3:51:07 PM

A dog will be good training for his next job - Dog Catcher

Posted by: Brian | Jul 4, 2008 1:23:47 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 | Jul 4, 2008 8:46:16 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 | Jul 4, 2008 8:50:02 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 | Jul 4, 2008 9:02:43 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 | Jul 4, 2008 10:00:44 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 | Jul 4, 2008 1:10:11 PM

I suggest they get a pet from an animal shelter or rescue.

Posted by: kaysha | Jul 4, 2008 1:21:44 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 | Jul 4, 2008 2:21:00 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 | Jul 4, 2008 5:49:41 PM

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