WASHINGTON - Worry not dog lovers, the White House will still have a “First Dog” under a Barack Obama administration.
Obama had promised that whether or not he won the White House, his daughters Sasha and Malia could get a dog.
“Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us,” Obama said at the start of his victory speech.
His predecessors dating back several administrations had dogs and yes, a few cats occupied the White House too.
Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, is also getting in on the act. He told reporters traveling with him earlier that his wife had promised him a “big dog” if he got elected.
Jill Biden had taped pictures of different dogs on the back of the seat in front of him on his campaign plane to inspire the candidate as he criss-crossed the country in the final sprint to election day.
“Jill had said the only way you are getting a dog is if you are president … we didn’t think about vice president,” said Biden. “She said at least if you live in the White House you are home.”
He dropped out of the presidential race but when Obama asked him to join the ticket, his wife Jill said if he did so she would let him have the dog he wanted.
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
- Additional reporting by Sue Pleming
- Photo credit: Reuters/Jason Reed (Obama family emerges on stage at victory rally in Chicago)
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We have a papillon that we adopted 6 (almost 7 years) ago. She has a wonderful disposition, isn’t too big (about 12 lbs) and very lovable and loyal, also not at all yappy and very smart. I’d like to see a papillon in the White House & think a papillon would make an excellent pet for anyone.
- Posted by Frances ThomasI have allergy sufferers in my family. Allergies are very individual and the breed that works for one person, won’t for another allergy sufferer. A trial period might be in order. Also, it is not hair, but dander and bodily fluids (like drool) that cause allergies. Thus, size matters, the bigger the dog the more dander. A smaller dog might work out better in the long run. As much as we each have our favorite breed, mix or designer dog hybrid to each his own. Best suggestions I have are something with curly or wirey coat that is smaller, rather than large. Also, allergies are less likely to act up if the bedroom is kept as a pet-free zone. I know that is hard for some of us pet lovers to conceive, but then the allergy sufferer gets 6-8 hours out of every 24 away from any triggers. I’m all for doing everything possible to keep this a life-long commitment of pet ownership and love for that presidential pup.
- Posted by MFAThey should definately consider the Coton du Tulear, a hypo allergenic dog with a coat like cotton (hence the name).
Loyal, playful, love to perform tricks, yet can swim and hike for miles. Not yappy, rather a big dog personality in a cute little package.
Looks very much like a Maltese or Bichon but, I think, cuter with better personalities.
- Posted by Robert RichmanI think they would be wise to choose a Carin Terrier for those girls..These little toto dogs (wizard Of Oz) are non alergentic, non sheading,cuddly,loveing, and loads of fun little dogs especially with kids they grow up with..They are alert and smart.They have a personility that keeps you laughing and a face to always get their way. You don’t have to really train them much as they pick up on what the rotine is and will eventually remind you of the scedules. Mary, Queen of Scotts, owned one of the first Carin terriers bred in the 15th century, actually.abit hyper as puppies (not a problem with kids) but grow into perfect family members..
- Posted by DonnaI hope they choose the # 1 AKC Breed the Yorkshire Terrier. They are all so lovable and cute. The best dog for Joe Biden would be the Yellow Labrador Retriever
- Posted by Robert BodeyNOT ONE dog !!!
TWO dogs, Dogs are pack animals.
ONE is the loneliest number.
TWO girls, TWO dogs.
When you all are away, they will be together.
Ask The Dog Listener.
- Posted by ann newberryA good dog for the Obama’s would be a Portuguese Water Dog! The fact that they are medium size about 40-45 pounds would help them stay out from underfoot. No yapping little barks. No chance of being bitten by little dogs, especially when little kids are around.
- Posted by kathyPWD’s are smart, easy trained, hypo-allergenic, and non shedding. They come in all kinds of colors and two different coat types (wavy and curly). Ted Kennedy has a couple of Porties, so they are already part of the Democratic party.
A good choice all the way around!
Let’s let the Obama girls decide what breed of dog they want and be happy with their decision. This dog will be, of course, their pet.
- Posted by MarilynI think the Obamas should get a Westie ,they are hypo allergic an wonderful with children .We had a westie named Ollie for 17years, they are little dogs who think they are big dogs and so smart and cute !! Ollie Obama for first dog!! Snowball is a great name too!
- Posted by annie sherrodHow about a PUG. While not hypoallergenic, they are compact and lovable. If sticking with hypoallergenic how about a Kerry Blue Terrier.
- Posted by Lucy OrtaI think they should get a cairn terrier. They are Hypoallergenic dogs and they are so cute. I have one they are very good with kids if they are raised with them and are quite easy to train, i have taught mine 15 tricks or so.
- Posted by PaigeTop Ten reasons the Obamas should consider adopting a greyhound:
1. They look as stately as the new president and first lady
2. They will comport themselves with dignity at state functions
3. They won’t bark during press conferences
4. They will stand quietly for photo shoots
5. They will happily spend their time sleeping while Malia and Sasha are in school
6. They are the ultimate in promoting recycling: these one-time racing dogs make perfect pets
7. America is a place where all things are possible and greyhounds survive–and thrive–against impossible odds, becoming loving pets and flyball champions and couch potatoes
8. They are the living embodiment of peace and serenity
9. Among our ideals–democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope–greyhounds demonstrate the ability, the unyielding hope, for a new and better life.
10. Whether you get a labradoodle or some other dog, greyhounds make great second dogs. . . .
Yes We Can–put a greyhound in the White House!
(There are no red greyhounds; there are no blue greyhounds–except red fawn dogs and blue dogs–but in the end, there are only good greyhounds, united in an America willing to find them homes.)
check out our blog for a free downloadable poster…
- Posted by greyhoundsthebookWe choose to look at “Mutts’ as having the best of all traits working together! There are fantastic hypoallergenic dogs ie: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, etc, that are amazing pets, great with kids (we know, we own a Labradoodle), and are available (like all other dog breeds, mutts included) at shelters. We have a website that celebrates these awesome dogs, and have a link on our Links page that will take you directly to a shelter that specializes in the “Hybrid Mutts” Of course if the shelters are not the way President Elect Obama decides to go, we have very responsible breeder information there on the Links page as well. Whatever dog the Obama family decides on will be adored by all! Congratulations to the Obama family!
- Posted by happy hybrid houndsDachshunds are great pets, and the short hair breeds are indeed hypoallergenic. There are several dachshund rescue shelters across the country. They are playful, loyal, and always bring a smile to people that meet them.
- Posted by JeffI think a Cairn Terrier would be perfect. They like the “Westies” are hypoallergenic, also adorable, smart easy to train, and very energetic, they love kids. I rescued 2 myself from CTCA Rescue, in Crystal Lake, IL. There are so many wonderful Cairn’s available to rescue. They come in many colors, I have 2 wheaten girls. Think Toto!
- Posted by JeanneCome on people, I think there are more important things to worry about besides a dog? The rest of the world already consider us weaklings but this is just another testement to the spoiled American people. Get over the dog!!!!
- Posted by karen[...] View post [...]
- Posted by First Dog tradition to continue under Obama | catveranda.comI think either family should adopt a Retired Racing Greyhound.
- Posted by StacyThey are wonderfull dogs, very much couch potatoes, and “velcro” dogs–they will stick to the family, and want to go everywhere they go.
A retired Greyhound is often older, so you don’t have to go through puppyhood and all those toils and turmoils. Retired Greyhounds are also generally good on a leash, and pottytrained!
Big dog, attaches easily to a family, generally gentle with children. I think that each of the Obama girls should have one–it’s really hard to only have one Retired Racer.
Biden would also enjoy having a Retired Racing Greyhound with him, in my opinion.
Malia being allergic to dogs doesn’t rule out getting a shelter dog. Although the majority of dogs are mixed breeds at shelters there are still purebreds there too.
That, or go through a RESCUE that specialized in purebreds.
They should make a list of all hypoallergenic dogs and then work with a rescue.
What about Mainline Rescue that Oprah did the puppy mill special on? Wonder what dogs they have?
- Posted by Rescuemom