The World Newser is World News' daily blog. Here, you'll find our staff's thoughts on the day's news and the way we build our broadcast. Plus, we'll share reports from our team of correspondents in the field, as well as producers behind-the-scenes.
RECENT POSTS
- Going Rogue, Selling High
- What One Man 200 Miles Above Earth is Thankful For Today
- Clem's Chronicles: Toyota Recall/Afghan Speech/State Dinner Crashers
- Charlie Gibson...On this Thanksgiving
- Quotes of the Day: 'It is my intention to finish the job'
- Start Your Shopping Engines
- The Hajj and Women's Dress
- Clem's Chronicles: Afghanistan/WH State Dinner/Holiday Travel
- Photos: White House State Dinners Through the Years
- Are We Becoming A Nation of Know-Nothings?
- Quotes of the Day: 'President Obama has the information he wants... to make his decision'
- Clem's Chronicles: Jobs/Afghanistan/Health Care Reform/Deficit
WORLD NEWSER CATEGORIES
MONTHLY ARCHIVES
« Previous | Main | Next »
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)
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
The best combination for a dog is a Goldendoodle. That is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever. The fur is usually softer than a Labrodoodle and are not as hyper as a Labrododdle because the retreivers are calmer dogs by nature. They are really cute and wonderful with kids. If you have allergies, this dog will not bother you because it is 50% poodle. If the Obama's are interested, I will send you pictures of my golden doodle. She is really cute.
Posted by: Joan | Jan 12, 2009 8:52:10 PM
We want to see an Airedale in the White House. The Obamas can get one from Airedale Rescue. They are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. They are also fun loving and bring a lot of laughter in to any home. A well socilaized airedale is the best pet. PWD are known to chew pillows and sofas. Labradoodles are cute and can be great, but one reader is correct, they are arbitrary mixes so you are never quite sure what qualities you are getting.
Posted by: Sara | Jan 12, 2009 9:15:48 PM
Obama can adopt a dog from a rescue group of either poodles, goldendoodle, labdoodle, Portuguese Water dog that has been given up due to the owner can't afford to take care of it or dropped off to the pound
Posted by: utopia50 | Jan 12, 2009 9:22:28 PM
Portuguese Water Dogs are uber intellectauls and very cunning. I untill recently had 2 dogs that were polar opposites,a bold, brash curly and a shy wavey. I lost my curly recently and now I have only the shy daddy's girl who misses her big sister.
These dogs are serious sailors and my curly once brought me into port in dense fog. With a good compass heading, in familar waters, I almost hit the end of the breakwater. My dog became alert, sniffed a bit and then pointed port, her tail curled and a leg up, looked at me and nodded. I no sooner turned port, when through the fog I saw the red flash of the mark, narrowly missing it.
The best dog ever for an ocean lover like me.
Captain Kennedy
Posted by: A Kennedy | Jan 12, 2009 10:00:29 PM
Portuguese Water Dogs are uber intellectauls and very cunning. I untill recently had 2 dogs that were polar opposites,a bold, brash curly and a shy wavey. I lost my curly recently and now I have only the shy daddy's girl who misses her big sister.
These dogs are serious sailors and my curly once brought me into port in dense fog. With a good compass heading, in familar waters, I almost hit the end of the breakwater. My dog became alert, sniffed a bit and then pointed port, her tail curled and a leg up, looked at me and nodded. I no sooner turned port, when through the fog I saw the red flash of the mark, narrowly missing it.
The best dog ever for an ocean lover like me.
Captain Kennedy
Posted by: A Kennedy | Jan 12, 2009 10:00:32 PM
For all those "uneducated" people stating that labradoodles are not a breed...but a "mutt," may I remind you that ALL DOG BREEDS were bred from a MIX..therefore making them ALL a mutt. That's how new breeds are started.
I wish doodle haters would find something else to spout off about...doodles make wonderful, wonderful pets with personality and physical traits from 2 of the best family-friendly, intelligent breeds of dogs--the poodle and the lab. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Posted by: Kim | Jan 12, 2009 10:14:36 PM
I don't really think that he will need a dog??
We can just play videos showing members of the mainstream media chasing Hussein around the White House ....... Most of them have their noses firmly planted in his rear anyway.
This is really going to be fun!!
God Bless America!
Posted by: JimOnTheRight | Jan 12, 2009 10:17:30 PM
Laura's posting at 6:49 makes several good points about the Labradoodle. Another post correctly identifies the source of allergens as the dander, not the hair, of the dog. Our heavy-shedding German shepherds produce very little dander. Our previous dog, a Lab-Springer mix, shed very little but had a tremendous amount of dander. Our allergy-sensitive friends had severe symptoms around the Lab-Springer cross and are not bothered at all by our two German Shepherds.
I have yet to know a smart Labradoodle -- the term is an oxymoron. They require very high-maintenance coat care - if not brushed daily the coat becomes very matted, which is painful to the dog. The mats must be professionally removed by a groomer, often by close clipping the fur. And yes, they do shed. The ones I have known are not very smart and are downright goofy.
We have had dogs for the past 30 years (a variety of breeds and rescues) and I would never adopt a Labradoodle. I don't know much about PWD and I am not a "breed snob" but it is very important that you choose the right dog, for the right reasons.
Sorry Mr. President-elect -- more research is called for. A dog is a huge long-time commitment -- don't make a mistake on this one!
Posted by: Debbie | Jan 12, 2009 11:09:52 PM
What is the big deal, dogs smell, they all should be outdoors so they do not clean themselves on the carpet or rug...
Posted by: AEW | Jan 12, 2009 11:41:58 PM
Excellent. A bunch of yo-yos telling their Emperor With No Clothes what doggie to hang around with. And people wonder why the country is going down hill. Hey Michelle, are you proud of America yet? How much does YOUR dress cost?
Posted by: usa | Jan 13, 2009 12:53:29 AM
You have a choice not to comment on every subject. This is a world newser segment of the abc. So, you don't have to criticise just because u don't like the subject. There are other subjects in other segments to comment.
That said, the First Family (Obamas) shld go for Ted's kind of dogs - the Portuguese Water Dog(s). I buy Ted's advert on them; he is a good salesman!
Posted by: Austin Chuks | Jan 13, 2009 3:00:02 AM
All breeds have their charms and their functions too, but really and truly, mutts rule! My husband is a vet and tells me that the average mutt has a hearty constitution from not having been over bred, and each one is a unique character, not like anyone else.
Whatever dog they chose, I hope the Obamas will love and cherish him or her!
Posted by: Phoenix Lady | Jan 13, 2009 6:36:15 AM
It's time for a change in this country as well as for the White House pet. Mutts make great pets. Mr. President elect you are for the American people so pick an all American dog not a pedigree. Let the girls spend time with the dog you are thinking about since it will be their pet and companion. Don't look at breeders but look at the pounds, humane society and rescue centers. I've had better pets from these places than from breeders. Dogs are our best friends.
Posted by: Cecile | Jan 13, 2009 7:34:13 AM
Are the Obama's really worried about shedding? They won't have to clean it. Go to the pound, pick the dog you like because it touches your heart. Don't worry about all the "politics" following your choice of dog. Just pick one if you want and don't if you're doing it because it's expected. Dogs are wonderful additions to any home, if they are wanted.
Posted by: SHERYLRYAN | Jan 13, 2009 8:26:30 AM
jan, please don't suggest a keeshond-let's continue to keep this magnificent breed a secret. No need for the world to know how great they are!
Posted by: duke_07401 | Jan 13, 2009 8:30:39 AM
First - who care's, second - let the kids decide since it will be their dog, not America's dog.
Posted by: Stupidpeople | Jan 13, 2009 8:45:06 AM
The election is over. Obama won. He'll be a great president. Not perfect but great. And Michelle Obama is one dynamite woman! I'll take brains over Texas macho idiot b.s. anyday.
Posted by: counting crows | Jan 13, 2009 9:01:01 AM
No has mentioned what would be good for the dog! Senator Kennedy takes his dogs on his boat they get to enjoy WATER! Portuguese WATER dogs are willful and like to work and keep busy. Otherwise they can manage to get into a lot mischief. Think about what is in the dogs head and what they were bred to do.
Posted by: KatyD | Jan 13, 2009 9:01:36 AM
I'm a dog groomer and trainer and I say for a smaal dog that is hypoallergenic and has a great personality i wold choose a shihtzu and for a med size dog I would coose a labradoodle. Labradoodles tend to have a better personality then port. water dogs do especially when it come to grooming. Also hypoallergenice dogs require alot of grooming both by you and by a professional groomer they matt up really easy. Hoep you enjoy your new pet
Posted by: Christa | Jan 13, 2009 9:03:59 AM
The Porty has my vote. A wonderful companion, loyal.
Posted by: Ruth Parker | Jan 13, 2009 9:15:10 AM
Post a comment
