WASHINGTON (CNN) - Picking the first dog is harder than it seems - but it the race could be narrowing down.
President-elect Barack Obama said in an interview Sunday on ABC's "This Week" that choosing the right dog is harder than selecting a Cabinet member.
"We're closing in on it. This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary," Obama told George Stephanopoulos.
The hotly debated dog question, Stephanopoulos admitted, was submitted by the future first daughters - Sasha and Malia - before the show, which is broadcast from the Newseum.
"I heard they were taken straight to the first dog exhibit and while you were getting made up, they went into the control room and played director and producer," Stephanopoulos said. "And they actually gave me a question they want me to ask you. You know exactly what it's going to be."
Obama's response: "Uh oh."
"They seem to have narrowed it down to a Labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound," he said. "Medium sized dog, and so, we're now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up."
From CNN Politics
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AS LONG AS AIPAC IS HAPPY OBAMA IS HAPPY.
OBAMA HAS TO GET AIPAC APPROVAL FOR THE FIRST DOG.
Of course because you must take your dog to a an animal doctor to be checked out . It called, wait for it: The vetting process.
Sorry I couldn't resist. Besides all of my great puns on the Larry Flint Bail-out were inappropriate.
He's doing it wrong - if you're going for a shelter dog anyway, why are you narrowing down a breed first? Go to the shelter and find a dog that clicks with your family, breed nonwithstanding. By choosing by breed and not by impressions, they're setting themselves up for issues if the dog they want ends up not liking kids, etc.
CNN Political Ticker – you have nothing better to report than Obama's selection of a dog? Who cares? We care about the Economy, we care about jobs back in America, we care about Housing under control, we care about Immigration getting under control, which includes penalizing Employers who continue to hire Illegals! We care about those who have lost their retirement and investments into their 401K. GET REAL!!!!
None want to replace Buddy in Obama's resurrected Clintonian administration. Obviously dogs are smarter than humans when it comes to the political and social aspects of society.
i watched the interview. It's ridiculous that CNN thinks this is the most important thing obama talked about worthy of a ticker.
No excuse for ABC either... hundreds of thousands of people submitted questions and this is what George asked? A question from his daughters?
The media's free ride for Obama needs to be halted. Time to ask and report the tough Q and As!!!!!
It was a joke Ed!
While I'm not a big Obama supporter I understand his family's problem. My son has bad allergies also and we when through the same search for a dog. We looked into the Labradoddle but our son broke out when he played with the dog.
I suggest an American Hairless Terrier for his daughter. Our AHT has been a great pet for our son. The only time my son has broken out is when the dog licked his face and he hasn't had any breathing problems.
That makes me feel good.... NOT. I hope he takes a little more care in choosing his Cabinet people than in finding a dog. Daggone.
That's because it tough to find a better lapdog than the media.
I bet the dog will be more comforting than the CS. Great interview
I am so proud of them for trying to rescue a dog! I hope they are checking petfinders.org!
The labradoodle is the coolest dog ever! looks like a bichon frise on steroids, great with kids, great personality. they can be anything from 25 to 65 pounds depending on what size poodle is the parent. they can be from wheat colored to chocolate.
but one thing is certain- there wont be any at the shelter. they are highly desired and extremely expensive! but I sure hope they get one anyway!
Instead of looking forward to the new President, a lot of folks in the US still seem to be divided, hatred, ignorant, pessimistic and cynic. Didn`t you learn something in the past 8 years? Why don`t you just listen to some of the mayor speeches PE Obama gave after winning the democratic nomination. He has fixed the new cabinet much faster than every other President in history and he is not even sworn in. Everybody expects him to solve all the problems weeks before inauguration. This all makes me feel that you don`t deserve a man like this. Even the "half smoke story" is a cause for stupid posts. If you don`t like him, please send him to Germany.
May God bless the United States of America and my home country Germany.
Call Cesar Milan to help find the best dog for the family!
I have a Boxerdoodle, And I Highly recommend her mix breed to the Obama's. She is gentle and kind, They are perfect for one with alergies. Perfect for one who likes bigger type dogs, Perfect for the clean house factor, No shedding. Makes for a Great guard dog, Water dog, Smart, Will play dress up with the girls, very gentle.
With all of the families being forced to give up their pets due to the current recession/ depression, he shouldn't have any trouble finding one of those breeds.
Barack and Michelle are good and caring parents. Now once we have the dog than the name.....
Has Joe Biden adopted his shelter dog yet?
Bow WoW!
what does President-elect Barack Obama think about the rhodesian ridgeback dog ?
Why have a pet at all?
NOT.
CNN, you can try and hide behind obama dog rubbish,
but the reality of injustice around the world perpetrated by your own kind will catch up with you SOONER than later.
Certainly, CNN thinks this is more important. If the dog squeezes through the White House fence, will it get the same coverage as the runaway bride?
Whaaa? The Bosten Terrier is the obvious choice! "The American Gentleman"!
Barack, I have some 12 week old Belgian Malinois pups from good bloodlines, I'd let you have one at a real good price.
This whole dog thing is stupid, just stupid.
Quick! One of you Obamabots who believes this guy can do no wrong should go get a labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Hound and then give it up for adoption at a Washington Area shelter!
What no takers?
Portuguese Water DOGS...not hounds. Not spaniels either. They are dIstant cousins of Poodles, and working dogs and family pets. If the Obamas choose a PWD, I trust they will be responsible and send a message that dog ownership is for people who want a member of the family, and who are ready to commit to exercising and spending time with their dogs. I would hate to see Portys become even more trendy than the new designer dogs...We've had Portys for 20 plus years, and they are the most wonderful dogs...couldn't imagine our family without them.
Cute.
I truly hope they won't ever find a PWD at a shelter...
Get a German Shepherd so he can keep Pelosi and Reid at bay.
From the dollar to the dog, it is all on his plate and I think he is and hope he will continue to manage all of it well. I must say that at the age of 60, I cannot recall any PE having so much on his plate even before taking office and it amazes me to see so many being critical of him for not taking action on many of our problems. Do these people not know that he has no Presidential powers before 20 January and he can no longer speak or act as a Senator. We need to give him some time and Congress must work with him and stop this tug of war for power.
I hope Congress will stay out of the selection process of the First Dog. I hope they realize this appointment is a Presidential Privilege.
A labradoodle is a mutt a very expensive mutt called a designer dog by idiots who think they have a hypo allergenic dog and can BS the public. If Obama buys a purposely created mutt he will surely piss off not only the responsible pure bred dog breeders btu also the animal rights fruitcakes. And I guess this is one time I can see the AR idiots being PO'd for a reason.
After listening to Barack on ABC today, can we start the impeachment process Jan 21.... be afraid very afraid.
To be balanced though I did like his kids choice for a dog. They must have gotten the brains in the family!!
Is this news???Seriously???....Anyone with half a brain who watched the interview could tell that he was kidding!!!!!
"A trillion here
a trillion there
and pretty soon
you're spending like a Republican"
Shhhhhh, that's our secret, O.K? LOL!! By the way, are you sure this is necessary??
"Whose administration would you prefer to have overseeing the second half of the $700 billion bailout?"
Come on guys, even I know the answer to this, LOL!!
The selection of this dog will have backyard breeders hurrying to make money from all the people that will want a copy of the White house dog and should be considered in making the selection.Do not get your dog from a backyard breeder!Many have false documents and are inbred.overbred and not cared for properly.
Maybe the Obama's want to get moved into the White House prior to buying their puppy. Or maybe the media could drop the coverage of the Obama puppy and cover stuff like, news, maybe?
I dont care much for dogs; i'm a cat person but, i know that his girls will be happy with whatever they choose.
why dont they just get a hairless cat...go pharaoh-style
THAT SHOWS THE PRESIDENT ELECT´S ALTRUISM. HE PLACES THE INTEREST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS A WHOLE BEFORE THAT OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. BRAVO! BUT I WANT MR OBAMA TO REMEMBER THAT SOME DOGS CAN BE MORE DANGEROUS THAN SOME HUMAN BEINGS. WHY NOT ADOPT TWO YOUNG GIRLS (OTHER HUMAN BEINGS) TO BE KEEPING SASHA AND MALIA´S COMPANY ?
What happened to the three-legged dog? That was cute.
This nonsense is a problem decison for Obama? God help us.
Understandable. After all any jerk-off political hack can fill a cabinet seat. Just look at the ones be called on by Obama. A dog requires at least some sensibility. Then again any dog is better than the incoming cabinet picks. Maybe our President-elect is not up to picking a cabinet or a dog. Thats what happens when all you have going is hope and change. Good Luck
Whatever kind of dog is chosen, I think its name should be "BOO" because "BOO" will elicite joy every time it is called or refered to. Imagine the joy and laughter anytime the girls talk about the antics that "BOO" did. And there will be many!!!
Pee Jay (PJ) would be nice name?
Good man,good heart,good family and will be one of our greatest Presidents in history.
Yay! Adopting a dog from a shelter sends such an important message. Not only will he be saving a life, but he will be encouraging others to do the same. Unfortunately, Biden bought his dog from a kennel which turned out to be a puppy-mill operation. Purebred dogs are more likely to have health problems due to inbreeding.
Don't breed or buy while shelter pets die.
What a neat Dad he is, I respect him in all ways but especially for the way he loves his family.
Comparing Hispanic Gv. Richardson to a dog? What a racist comment! Obama apologize to the Hispanic community or a boycott of the inauguration. Disgusting.
Bless you, Mr. President!
How was your lunch yesterday ??When are you getting a puppy ??
Hard questions that still need to be answered.
I commend Barack and his families desire to adopt from a shelter but he better get real quick if they think they will find a labradoodle these are dogs that are hard to find with a high price tag attached to them. Instead why don't they go and check out local rescues for something close, because even though they are looking for a dog that will be allergy friendly there really is no such thing, that is why there is medicines.
A Port. Water dog is not a hound and a labradoodle is a something vets cringe at when they walk in the door. Good choices Obama. LOL
Why has the Norweigan Elkhound not been mentioned? This is a loyal, intelligent, long lived dog with loyalty that is second to none!
OMG, it's just a dog. You don't have to staff every decision forever. Just freaking decide already!
Yeah! It is great that he is going to look at a rescue dog, instead of continuing the pet over population problem. I think that this desminstrates how much he truly is in touch with the real world and the problems of the common people and ommom canines. There is hope
I voted for President-elect Obama, for his High Degree of Intelligence, and his Personal Connection with People . . . but I feel that the World in general is placing an enourmous amount of pressure on him, due to the Condition's of the World.
Granted, HE is the ONLY Presidental Canidate that IS QUALIFIED to accomplish the Task at hand . . .
It will be the RESPONSIBLITY OF ALL AMERICAN'S to DO OUR SHARE!
A black labador is the only way to go. We've had 4 over the years and they listen and behave very well. Also, they are great companions. (Don't get one unless you have a high energy level!)
The shelter is a wonderful place to look for a dog... all kinds come through all the time!
You might have to go a few times until the right dog finds you, but it is inevitable that one will. Good luck, girls... I hope you find just the right one.
Now, I can hardly wait for some bozo to say something to the effect... "why are we wasting time on this issue!" Why? Because the first family is not so very different from any other family in the Nation! The girls want a dog... and the children all over the country are wondering what they will find and settle on... then... what will they name it! It's putting a human face on the "first family"....
and allows the children and adults of this country to identify with them.
Filling his cabinet was easy because he just used Clinton and Bush people to fill those positions.
When finding a family pet he has to take into account what his "finally proud of America" wife, his "privately schooled" spoiled kids, and his "mooching of the taxpayers" mother in law think.
Haters of Obama,
Here is a good one....Obama demeaning his cabinet members...and a dog taking more efforts to search than the commerce secretary......WOW.
On your marks, get set.....GO!!!!!!!
he already has two lap dogs...biden and durbin..
Brilliant! Both dogs are adorable & very special – and, BRAVO to our beloved Prez Elect for keeping with his shelter-dog pledge!!!!
Sounds like a great choice.
Great choices (I'd choose the Portie)!! Either way, I hope someone likes to throw sticks and balls:)
Get a Rottweiler, They make great family dogs and the media won't be sticking their hands in it's mouth! And it willbe able to play with the Biden's dog on a level playing field:)
Way to go Sasha and Malia!! To correct them it would be a Portugese Water Dog which the Kennedys' are very fond of. Sen. Ted Kennedy has some nice ones so maybe he will get one for you guys? Either way dont be pressured into getting one from a shelter....Find a reputable breeder and get the best you can get...........
I believe they mean "Portugese Water Dog".
The President-Elect's best pick for a dog must be A Bischon. It meets the needs of the children's ages. It is a very friendly, dog , small enough to sleep on the bed, barks when strangers appear, sweet disposition, easy to train and equally loving to both girls and others.
WHAT A HEART WARMING RESPONSE FROM PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA – I THINK BOTH FIRST DAUGHTERS WILL BE ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED WITH WHICHEVER MOM/DAD PICK – SO SWEET
OK CNN IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR OOOOOOOOOOOH OBAMA HES SO WONDERFUL, IF HAD LONG HAIR AND A BEARD WE WOULD CALL HIM JESUS........
I realize that the Obama's have more on their minds than choosing a dog, but it worries me that it's taking so long and that the dog search appears to be getting the same scrutiny as a human being would.
I love dogs and hope that whatever their choice is that they will remember that no one is perfect (even dogs) and that dogs do not have the intelligence of humans.
Jani
Richland
A DOG????????????????? SO FREAKIN WHAT
May I suggest a Labradoodle, particuraly an F1B? These breeds are part standard poodle and part labrador retreiver. They have great temperments, are great with children and are quick learners, loyal, playful, etc. They resemble the Portugese Water Dog but are less demanding. Remember, no dog is truly hypo-allergenic, as I have learned. I suffer from asthma and it took two months to acclimate myself to the dog. Grooming helps!
Come on George I'm tired of the media bashing Obama over this dog thing. Leave him alone. Why do you continue to hound him and ask him these hard questions when you know he can't make a comment about it until Jan 20th? Only one President at a time George!
I vote for the Portuguese Water Dog! No way a Labradoodle or any other kind of doodle.
Note to Mr. President: Those are not Medium Sized dogs!
Now I know for sure he is an idiot!!
Retired Racing Greyhound.
Why pay money for a dog when the tracks throw away beautiful dogs every day, already trained and housebroken.
And they are the sweetest dogs in the world, if a bit emotional.
This is what I don't understand about this Purebred/Pound Puppy argument. In today's economy, there are probably plenty of purebreds being abandoned by their owners.
Win-Win-Win:
The Obama kids get their purebred,
One less dog is in a shelter, and
Obama has solved at least one problem caused by the Bush Administration.
News Worthy? This is the most amazing infatuation that I have ever seen, the media with the Obama's. This should be in Dog Fancy not on CNN, maybe MSNBC but not CNN.
How about Snoop Dog?
As millions of American people are struggling to pay their foods and bills in this financial and economic difficulties, all our President-Elect and his family and liberal media care are to spend all man powers and resources to find the first "DOG" for the incoming family. Is the first dog so important? There are hundreds of thousands of strayed dogs around the country, just pick any of them for OB.
How great that our new pres wants to adopt from a shelter. This should spark some adoptions!
I'm surprised the search for a dog is taking so long. With thousands being killed everyday, I would have thought that the Chicago city pound would have immediately sent Obama a list of a couple hundred compatible dogs, with photos.
I would like to correct Mr. Obama. There is a Portuguese dog breed, but it is the Portuguese Water DOG. They are not hounds. However, I think that a PWD would fit in great with his family. I have two, and I am VERY happy!
Both those breeds need lots of room to run and time to run.
Not very cuddly house dogs, but whatever. They will find that out.
Please, please, please really look into giving a rescue dog a "forever home"! Or if a laberdoddle is what you want see about their rescue organizations, all breeds have one.
With so many family pets being turned into shelters because of the economy the pain of having to lose your pet in the first place (and can you imagine the pet, having a warm cozy bed, and a loving family one day and the next day find yourself in a noisy, overcrowded shelter? I find it so sad, It must be unbearable for both owner aqnd their pet. Think about it.......it breaks my heart. I have an 11 year old Boston Terrier & think of how terrified he would be.....I can't even think about it.,
Thank you for your consideration,
Sarah White
PS I appreciate your consideration,
One of your biggest fans ( just ask anyone who knows me:)
There is no way they are going to find a water dog or a labradoodle at the pound! Please! Those are very expensive specialty pets. They either have to get the pure breed they want, or get a shelter mutt. . . so typical to try to have it both ways!
Why look for a barking dog now, you have your Mother-In-Law moving in -
One more thing, the world loves you and your family........think of the message you would send if you and your family adopted a shelter or rescue dog..............Good luck with whatever you choose, I know you all ( especially the girls) will totally spoil him or her!
Labradoodle!! We have one...not hard being smarter than a Rep....but could be smarter than Obama, which is saying a lot
May be hard finding one at a shelter....but there are some cuties at chicago labradoodles. Marley Boy is a dog to to die for....would love one of his!
Where is she? Who's hiding her illegally?
She was deported by a judge 4 years ago but continued to live in Public Housing at taxpayer expense.
Now she's disappeared somewhere in th US. CNN–find the criminals that are hding her and get her on the next boat back to Kenya where she belongs. Stop suppressing this story.
Very interesting, I have to start learning about Dogs to catch up with all this fiasco.
A border collie or Australian shepherd are wonderful dogs.
When I heard him reference the dog in his acceptance speech, I had no idea it'd become news later...
...Prolly should keep score as to how many Muslim, Socialist, etc. comments I see... got nothing better to do...
Take your time Mr. President and make sure it's the right fit.
Why not adopt a greyhound? They fit the criteria.
I know it's kind of silly, but this is the best thing about the transition. Better then the economy and cuter then all get out. If only everything was this way.
That's because Obama is an elist. A true animal lover doesn't need the pick of the litter.
Get a Puggle. It's a mid size dog – part begle part pug and the best friend you can have. Be sure it is a female dog, tho.
As a fellow allergy sufferer, I appreciate the Obamas putting these great hypoallergenic breeds up front for the media to see! Any poodle hybrid is usually great for those with dog allergies, and the Portuguese water dog is a close relative with a similar intellectual, playful personality.
That is going to be one lucky little dog, to have such a fine family to live with!
Please, if the girls are allergic don't get a labradoodle! These dogs are a cross between a poodle and lab and DO NOT produce consistently non-shedders. Half of any given litter will end up shedders and you simply can't tell when they are puppies. You have to wait until they are grown to see the true coat. I've met several labradoodles and all the owners have admitted that their dogs do indeed SHED. A rescued labradoodle most likely needs a home because the allergic owners have discovered they have a shedding dog they just can't live with. This labradoodle fad started as a marketing gimmick when some folks in Australia set out to breed a non-shedding guide dog, but then had a ton of reject puppies to get rid of that were shedders. They found they could charge $2500 - so even though they gave up on the guide dog idea, they continued the scam. My advice to the Obama family is to go with an older breed that is a tried and true non-shedder - a standard poodle for instance, and if that just doesn't fit the "image" then they might also look into an Irish Water Spaniel, a really gorgeous ancient breed with a naturally smooth lab-like face and tail and a top knot and body of ringlet NON-SHEDDING hair.