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Thursday, February 26, 2009

One Obama family vote for a Portuguese water dog

At first it looked like the First Family had reached a decision on their dog breed - if not the exact dog - to bring into their new home at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Reports earlier today, based on a People magazine interview with Michele Obama, suggested it was a Portuguese water dog that got the family's nod. She told the magazine she liked the water dogs for their medium build and their temperment. But it wouldn't be Washington without some backtracking. Later Mrs. Obama's press secretary told the Chicago Tribune:

"They have not selected a breed," said her spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld. "Mrs. Obama likes the Portuguese water dog, but she is only one of four votes."
 

Portuguese water dog breeders say the breed, whose hypoallergenic coats would be suitable for the allergy-prone Malia Obama, might not be the right fit for a neophyte dog-owners.

Mary Harkins, coordinator of rescue and relocation for the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, told the Tribune: "It might be a little bit too much for a family who has never owned a dog before, especially this family."

She said the primary reason water dogs end up in rescues is because of their high energy levels.

Last month President Obama said the family had narrowed its choice to the water dog or a labradoodle, also known as a labrador/poodle cross.
Posted by Amy Worden @ 12:01 AM  Permalink | 3 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:33 AM, 02/26/2009
    Kind of funny... on the other 0bamaPhilly.com article, they show the "water dog" in a photo with Teddy Kennedy... too bad Kennedy didn't have a water dog when he left Mary Jo to drown after he drunk drove off the bridge - she might have been saved by the dog. Kennedy didn't try to save her. Of course, he's a good liberal so he gets away with drunk driving and murder.
    — fafafooey
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:22 AM, 02/26/2009
    that's an incredibly cute picture.
    — Echo
  • Comment removed.


3 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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