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Ted Kennedy vs. Henry Winkler: Dog Lovers Face Off on Best Breed for Obamas
January 12, 2009 5:33 PM
ABC News' John Berman reports:
What better way to spend a Monday than in the middle of a fight between Ted Kennedy and Henry Winkler. Kennedy, of course, is the senior Senator from Massachusetts. And Winkler is the Fonz, or at least was on Happy Days when it was on TV. What were they fighting about and why was I in the middle? Well the answer to the first question is "dogs," and the second, "because it's Monday I guess."
Really, the story is all about the hunt for the "First Dog." What dog will the Obama family choose to join them in the White House? It all heated up after this exchange in the new interview between Obama and ABC's George Stephanopoulos:
STEPHANOPOULOS: What kind of a dog are we getting and when are we getting it?
OBAMA: The -- they seem to have narrowed it down to a labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound.
STEPHANOPOULOS: A medium sized.
OBAMA: Medium sized dog, and so, we're now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So, you're closing in on it?
OBAMA: We're closing in on it. This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary.
So we wanted to talk to owners of both candidates, the Labradoodle and Portugese Water Dog to find out which dog might be better suited for the task. After deploying the vast resources of ABC News, we learned that Henry Winkler, AKA "The Fonz" was the proud owner of a Labradoodle. I caught up with him by phone minutes before he was set to go on stage in London as Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
Tell us whether you think the labradoodle or the portuguese water hound should go to the White House? VOTE NOW
He told me: "The labaradoodle is smart, the labradoodle is sweet, the labradoodle if filled with the spirit of life. The labradoodle hops everywhere, he doesn't just walk, our labradoodle is a girl, her name is, Charlette. And I promise you if the president has a labradoodle in the white house, he can have that dog on the economic team."
He also issued a broadside at the owners of Portugese Water Dogs, "porties" as they are called.
"I understand that it must be terrible to feel so wrong, but the thing is that you are lovely people, enjoy your pets, the labradoodle rules!"
Enter Ted Kennedy. He loves his 3 Porties (more on that number in a bit.) And he gave us this amazing, fulsome statement by e-mail:
From Senator Edward M. Kennedy:
"A portuguese water dog is the perfect choice for first dog. The Obama girls -- and their parents -- will love a portuguese water dog. They're loyal, smart, loving and they became a real part of the family. And they definitely do not shed. And if they're lucky, they'll find a really smart dog like mine who can even write a book. My dog Splash wrote 'My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington, DC.'
"I take Sunny and Splash to the Senate with me, and they love being around people and being part of the action. In fact, they're so much fun that we've just added a new portuguese water dog puppy to our family -- Captains Courageous is his name. We call him Cappy for short. And he's another winner.
"I think the Obama's should double their fun and get two portuguese water dogs. They love to be active, and they can help entertain each other.
"I understand that a labradoodle -- also known as a portuguese water dog wannabe -- is also being considered. Hmmmm. I hope someone checks into the shedding situation. I know lots of people who have labradoodles that are more lab than poodle -- and they definitely shed. Sorry, Mr. Winkler, but that's a fact.
"I am proud to endorse the Portuguese Water dog as the next First Dog (or Dogs) of the United States. They have a can do and hopeful spirit, they are smart, they are resilient, they are determined, they are optimistic, and they are tireless. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Obama Family and the Obama Administration."
Please notice the outstanding attack on Henry Winkler. It is a real political brawl. One that will only be solved by some biscuits or petting.
And in the process, ABC News is able to break some news. Until this moment, we knew Ted Kennedy has 2 porties. But now, sources familiar with Kennedy's pets say he now has a third. "Captains Courageous," they call him "Cappy" for short.
January 12, 2009 in Obama, Barack, President 44 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (76)
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Actually, if you want to get down to it, the best medium size dog for the girls would be a breed that is very underrated, the Keeshond, very smart. Best large size dog would be the Great Pyrenees; smart and all heart. Best small dog would be a shih tzu.
Posted by: jan | Jan 12, 2009 5:59:32 PM
The best dog is actually the result of mating a Bulldog and a Shihtzu.
Posted by: Joe | Jan 12, 2009 6:35:34 PM
Obama has already decided to go with the lap dog. The press is willing to play the part and Obama is happy to accept their advocacy.
Posted by: James | Jan 12, 2009 6:37:44 PM
The best dog for the Obama family is a rescued dog from a shelter. Save a life! Adopt!
Posted by: Jen | Jan 12, 2009 6:44:30 PM
Sorry, but the labradoodle is NOT a breed. It's a mutt. There is no conformity in the temperaments, looks, coat or anything else to do with this mix.
It is nothing but a large cockapoo. Cockapoo producers have stated for 30 years that their mixes are a breed. They cannot set type in this mix. They're all different, just as the labradoodles are all different.
There are a lot of labradoodles in shelters because people are finding out that they're not all non-shedding. They're not all smart. They're not all like Labradors in temperament.
If the Obama's were smart, they would get a PWD from a reputable breeder. They won't find many in shelters because the PWD breeders are fanatical about taking their puppies back if owners cannot keep them, unlike the doodle breeders who are breeding mutts just for the $$$$. Once they have your money, you're on your own which is why so many of them are now winding up in shelters.
Please set an example, Mr. President-elect. Don't glorify these mutts anymore than they already have been. They are NOT a breed. They never will be.
Posted by: Laura | Jan 12, 2009 6:49:01 PM
I think that the gils would love to have a cocka-poo.. small but loveable.....
Posted by: susanne | Jan 12, 2009 6:59:29 PM
They should get a PWD. Our PWD dog, Moxie is wonderful and people always love to come over and pat her.
Posted by: MadJoz | Jan 12, 2009 7:06:30 PM
I think the main thing the President elect needs to remember is if you are allergic to a dog its not the hair/fur its the DANDER. All dogs have dander so saying a dog is hypoallergenic is obsurd! Some dogs do release less dander than others but they all release it.
Posted by: Beth | Jan 12, 2009 7:07:08 PM
Atticus, our 2 year old PWD, firmly believes that one of his relatives should live in the White House. You will not find a cuter, more lovable companion.
Posted by: Peter | Jan 12, 2009 7:08:06 PM
Labradoodles have been around since the '80 and they are mixed breed like there human counterparts but, smarter than some. I own a standard black one and he is a wonderful dog very smart
very good watch, and protecter of his family. good dog mr.president elect...
p.s. yhey do not shed!!!!
Posted by: kate | Jan 12, 2009 7:12:58 PM
I beg to differ with them both. But The Best dog the Obama's is a BoxerDoodle. I have one. Her Mom was a Brindle BOxer and her Dad was a Black Standard Poodle. She is literally perfect. And NO Mr. Kennedy, She does NOT shed.
And Oh BTW Mr. Obama, I am unemployed and would LOVE, for a small fee, find you a Boxerdoodle, train the pup, so she would be perfect just like my dog.
Posted by: Kim Roberson | Jan 12, 2009 7:17:29 PM
Two words: Standard Poodle.
Posted by: Lexy | Jan 12, 2009 7:37:26 PM
TRUE labradoodle not a breed........Do not overlook the PULI hypo type,Hungarian herding dog....Full bloodedbreed for hudreds of years.....Just Won best in herding at animal Planet dog show...I know my Ex-wife has our two....She would be willing to let the Girls adopt one because she just had twin girls herself...If the Obamas are interested I can put you in touch.
Posted by: David J. Jorgensen | Jan 12, 2009 7:40:00 PM
I must agree with James.
I thought the Obama's made it clear that they would adopt a shelter dog. No offense taken on either Mr. Kennedy or Mr. Winkler, I doubt those breeds are common in shelters.
Posted by: Susan | Jan 12, 2009 7:45:54 PM
I find it hilarious that Kennedy owns a dog that has "water" in it's name .. that's friggin hilarious!
Posted by: Marcus | Jan 12, 2009 7:51:49 PM
Get two tricolor welsh corgis
Posted by: AG | Jan 12, 2009 7:53:49 PM
How about some hamsters? Cute, Lovable, and easy to care for. We are definitely the best type of dog threre is....even if we aren't actually dogs. Try ,oh I don't know ROBOROVSKI hamsters, but hey, just a thought. If not us a mini schnauser would be good. For the hamsters,go here!
Posted by: Coke and Pepsi | Jan 12, 2009 8:00:23 PM
Sorry Susan. There are dogs of every breed and every kind in the shelters and the rescue organizations who go into shelters and rescue the dog breeds they support. There has also been an increase in abandoned dogs both in town and out in the country.
And off topic but just for the record, if you turn your dog lose in the countryside, it's probably going to either get hit by a car, get shot by a farmer who already has as many dogs as he can support, starve to death, or if it's a small breed be killed by coyotes.
Posted by: jan | Jan 12, 2009 8:04:51 PM
I advocate a "pound puppy". We shopped our local Humane Society several times before adopting our first best friend. We determined a set of standards, and as heartbreaking as it is to walk away without taking home a dog, when there are so many in need, it was worth the wait. Our Toby was the only dog not overtly vying for attention. He just stood there wagging his tail, not barking and looked at me with his soulful eyes. If you want a true member of the family, a pedigree and blood line doesn't mean anything. Look for temperament. Toby is a Border Collie/Scottish Terrier mix,a mutt. He is special without an AKC endorsement.
Posted by: michele smith | Jan 12, 2009 8:19:16 PM
PWD's are super dogs. We had one for 15 years before she passed away. We now have another and he is great. A word of warning...these dogs need to be exercised everyday and not just a little walk along the sidewalk. Either a run or a swim. Lots of energy, but well worth the time. Loyal, funny and love to have a job to do...afterall they are working dogs. Can be trained to pick up socks off the floor and put them in the laundry hamper. And they do not shed. Everyone always needs to do research before getting a pet. Not all dogs are suitable for every household. That is why there are so many dogs in shelters. I vote for the PWD...afterall, plenty of room to run on the White House grounds without fear of being hit by a car!!!
Posted by: Bebba | Jan 12, 2009 8:28:00 PM
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