February 25th, 2009
05:39 PM ET
14 years ago

Obama family chooses dog

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/02/25/art.peoplemag.obamas.jpg caption="One of the most intense guessing games of President Obama’s new administration is finally over: the choice of first dog."](CNN) – One of the most intense guessing games of President Obama’s new administration is finally over: the choice of first dog.

First Lady Michelle Obama told People magazine that her family has decided to adopt a Portuguese water dog, pointing to the breed’s medium-sized and good-natured reputation. The breed is also hypoallergenic — a must, given daughter Malia’s allergy to dogs.

The first lady said her daughters will have to wait until the end of April to get the dog, since her family is planning on going away for Spring Break.

The only thing left to pick is the name, and Mrs. Obama said she is not a fan of her daughters’ choices.

“There are names floating around and they're bad," Mrs. Obama said in the interview. "You listen and you go – like, I think, Frank was one of them. Frank! Moose was another one of them. Moose. I said, well, what if the dog isn't a moose? Moose. I'm like, no, come on, let's work with the names a little bit."

Since Obama announced on Election Night that his daughters had “earned” a dog, there has been a lot of speculation and input from dog-lovers around the country. The president has said for months that he was looking for a shelter dog that was hypoallergenic.

Mrs. Obama said she took some advice from Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, who owns two Portuguese water dogs and had lobbied the first family to choose the breed. But overall, she said found the level of excitement about the family’s dog “surprising.”

"It's all great and gracious attention,” Mrs. Obama said, in the edition of people that hits newsstands Friday. “People are just being as helpful as you can imagine. So I know that we will find the perfect breed. And we'll find people who are caring folks who will help us find the dog of our dreams.


Filed under: Michelle Obama • President Obama
soundoff (168 Responses)
  1. frank

    why is this news?

    February 25, 2009 01:21 pm at 1:21 pm |
  2. Jindal that, will ya?

    I'm sure all the right-wing nutjobs will find something sinister or objectionable over which to organize a march on Washington. Get your ammo and tanks ready, forces! Capt. Limbaugh and Hannity at your service! Foxward and into the prattle!

    February 25, 2009 01:21 pm at 1:21 pm |
  3. Ariana

    At least Michelle is picky about dog names...she wouldn't settle for Trig, Track, Bristol and God knows what else...

    February 25, 2009 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  4. Pat M

    hmmm. no pot belly pig?

    February 25, 2009 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  5. Linda B, Ga.

    Whatever name they choose for the "future pooch" I'm sure it will be "cute" cuz' those 2 girls are adoreable themselves.....

    Portuguese Water dogs are good animals, sweet tempered, etc...

    "Precious" or "Chole" would be a cute names, if a female

    "Curly" or "B uddy" for a male

    February 25, 2009 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  6. bob j

    this truly is an all american family finally a pres who keps his promise

    February 25, 2009 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  7. alreadytiredofit

    Name it "Bailout"

    February 25, 2009 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  8. Matt

    They should name it Sarah Palin and it can likewise be taught to do tricks.

    February 25, 2009 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  9. Dawn

    There's nothing wrong with naming a dog Frank! We had a Husky-mix my husband named Frank because he had blue eyes and when he barked, he sounded as if he were singing – "Owooo!" I vote for Frank!

    February 25, 2009 01:23 pm at 1:23 pm |
  10. Independent voter

    Oh, vomit!

    February 25, 2009 01:23 pm at 1:23 pm |
  11. A Richardson

    He should have gotten NO DOG or a pound-dog. Now the puppy mills are going to be churning out Portuguese water dogs like crazy. Way to go Messiah – another stupid choice.

    February 25, 2009 01:23 pm at 1:23 pm |
  12. Susan

    They should wait till they get the dog....then I'm sure they will decide on a name that suits the dog's personality and looks.

    February 25, 2009 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  13. PJ

    WHO CARES! In all these times and what is going on who cares about what puppy Obama bought. How about the family that gave away there puppy because they cant afford it. Great they "adopted" but is this important , front page information we need to know about. What, are people so out of it they are sitting at home, their losing there home, electricity is off and they care about what dog Obama is getting. The media really needs to focus on "news worthy" news.

    Hey i got one , how about that two more people committed suicide because of losing everything..

    sad.

    February 25, 2009 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  14. Mari

    What a beautiful photo of our First Family! That's great they have decided on a dog. I agree with the First Lady.... Moose?? Oh boy.

    Sadly.... pathetically..... there will be vile comments posted to put down, criticize and demean.

    Sad.

    February 25, 2009 01:25 pm at 1:25 pm |
  15. Joanne65

    Who Cares!!!!!

    February 25, 2009 01:25 pm at 1:25 pm |
  16. Has a ring to it

    What about "Hope" for the dog's name?

    February 25, 2009 01:26 pm at 1:26 pm |
  17. Jenn C

    The president has a beautiful family, his wife and daughters eyes show how happy, loved and content they all are. I wonder what names the girls picked? A very nice picture, I'm definitely going to get the People mag.

    February 25, 2009 01:26 pm at 1:26 pm |
  18. JAZ

    Family first... love it!

    February 25, 2009 01:26 pm at 1:26 pm |
  19. sam

    Who really cares? Obama has just been caught in his campaign lie to the American people about the troop withdrawl from Irac. Suddenly he is very unappealing to many of us.. he is suddenly looking shady and developing the smell of the same politics we have had all our lives. Who cares about their dog....he is a liar.

    February 25, 2009 01:26 pm at 1:26 pm |
  20. Chris

    2:1 odds the puppy will be revealed to have been involved in a tax scandal, and be forced to withdraw from consideration.

    February 25, 2009 01:27 pm at 1:27 pm |
  21. DARRYL

    greetings. i am so very proud and appreciative of president obama and his speech to congress on last evening. he is a humble man and i would love to visit him at the white house and discuss issues pertaining to the crisis confornting the youth in america today. president obana, you and your family are an example to all people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. a real man and a postive female role model is your wife. your children are an example for other children to look up to. a wonderful time to be in america. humility is the way to success. truly, sir, you have proven that. you are not a politician, but a statemen. there is a distinct difference between the two. yes, your job is not an easy one. however the hope that you give to the american people is that of tremendous. you have inspired me and millions to move forward in life. for this i am very greatful. i would love to meet you president obama. may GOD BLESS, KEEP AND PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMMILY. RESPECTFULLY, darryl

    February 25, 2009 01:27 pm at 1:27 pm |
  22. Hawaiin Dog Names

    Ailani : high chief
    Akamai : smart
    Akela : noble
    Alamea : ripe; precious
    Alana : awakening
    Alani : orange tree
    Alaula : light of daybreak
    Aliikai : queen of the sea
    Alowha : hello
    Aolani : heavenly cloud
    Auli'i : cute, dainty
    Bane : long awaited child
    Halia : remembrance of a loved one
    Hanai : adopt
    Hula : dance
    Iniki : famous hurricane
    Iolana : soar like an eagle
    Ipo : darling
    Kahili : Feather
    Kai : the sea
    Kaikala : the sea and the sun
    Kaila : style
    Kailani : sea and sky
    Kaimana : divine power of the sea
    Kaimi : the seeker
    Kaiolohia : calm sea
    Kalama : flaming torch
    Kalani : the sky
    Kale : strong, manly
    Kalea : bright
    Kalena : form of Karen
    Kali : hesitation
    Kamali' : small boy
    Kamea, Kameo : the one and only
    Kana : Maui demigod
    Kanoa : the free one
    Kapono : righteous
    Keahi : flames
    Keala : the pathway
    Keanu : cool mountain breeze
    Keiki : child
    Kekipu : rebel
    Kekona : second born
    Keoki : form of George
    Keona : God's gracious gift
    Keoni : form of John
    Kiele : gardenia
    Kiki : Kris
    Kimo : form of James
    Kina : China
    Koa : indigenous tree
    Koi : urge, implore
    Kona : gold coast
    Konane : bright moon
    Laban : white
    Lahela : form of Rachel; a ewe
    Lala : form of Lara
    Lana : afloat; calm
    Lani, Loni : Heavenly
    Lani Moo : famous cow
    Lea : mythological goddess
    Leia : child of heaven
    Leilani : flowers of Heaven
    Liko : bud
    Lilo : generous one
    Lokelani : small red rose
    Lono : God of peace and farming
    Luana : content
    Mahina : moon
    Makala : myrtle
    Makani : wind
    Malana : buoyant
    Malia : form of Mary; the perfect one
    Malina : calming; soothing
    Mana : psychic gifts
    Mano : shark; passionate lover
    Maylea : wildflower
    Meka : eyes
    Melia : plumeria
    Mikil : quick; nimble
    Miliana : gentle caress
    Moana : ocean
    Moke : form of Moses
    Nahele : forest
    Nalani : calmness of the skies
    Nalu : ocean wave
    Nana : name of a spring month
    Nani : beautiful
    Noe : mist; misty rain
    Noelani : mist of Heaven
    Oke : form of Oscar; divine strength
    Okelani : from heaven
    Ola : life; well-being
    Oliana : oleander
    Olina : joyous
    Po : night
    Sula : little bear by the water
    Sunny : golden and happy
    Wahine : girl

    February 25, 2009 01:28 pm at 1:28 pm |
  23. Jamie

    The Obama's pooch needs to have a 2 syllable name-it is best for attention getting and training!

    February 25, 2009 01:28 pm at 1:28 pm |
  24. Diane Strother

    This is the kind of article that I love to read. It is always a refreshing change to read about something exciting and happy instead of reading about problems! The world is so full of stress, strife and grief that a story about a puppy is wonderful!

    February 25, 2009 01:28 pm at 1:28 pm |
  25. JOE KILOZ

    WHY,,,,,,,,,,,,DON,T,,,,,,,,,,,WE,,,,,,,,,,,TALK,,,,,,,,,,,ABOUT,,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,,,,

    EXACT,,,,,,,,,,FIGURES,,,,,,,,,,,,OF,,,,,,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,DEFICIT,,,,,,,,,,,AND,,,,,

    WHAT,,,,,,,,,,,AMOUNT,,,,,,,,,,,,,OF,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,THAT,,,,,,,,,,,,,IS,,,,,,,,,,,OBAMA'S,,,,,,,,

    SHARE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,,,,LARGEST,,,,,,,,,,,,DEFICIT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,HE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    CREATED,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,IN,,,,,,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,,,,,HISTORY,,,,,,,,,,,,OF,,,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,

    REPUBLIC,,,,,,,,,AND,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,,REASON,,,,,,,WE'RE,,,,,,,,BROKE

    February 25, 2009 01:29 pm at 1:29 pm |
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