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It's not about what any of us think - The right dog is whichever one makes those two adorable little girls happy.

i am barfing. right now.

There is an option missing on this one:

[] Labradoodle.
[] Portugese Water Dog.
[] Who the heck cares.

I think they should look on petfinder.com and rescue whichever of these two breeds they can find. (and they're pretty much guaranteed to be able to find them there)

Is it too PC to suggest that they rescue a mutt?

How about something that's not a designer dog and comes from either a responsible breeder or a rescue?

They should send a message about adopting from the humane society.

Labradoodles are sweet. We have one. Just throwing my 10 cents in on an unimportant issue.

I'm really disppointed that they aren't considering a shelter mutt. It's a myth that certain purebred dogs are better for allergies (which Malia apparently has). What matters for allergies is not the breed, but the individual dog (e.g., a particular labradoodle could aggravate allergies while a particular mutt doesn't).

It's really up to them, so what purpose is there for us voting on it? It's these non-Apartment Therapy posts I don't like. Everyone likes the puppy posts, we get it!

They will probably get the labradoodle, since those are the latest trend right now.

Whatever as long as its a rescue! There are hybrid dogs screatching all across America in shelters and rescues along with full breed dogs. Just because they are full breed expensive dogs never means GOOD owners purchase them.
www.petfinder.com for anyone wanting a dog.

They ARE planning at adopt a dog from a shelter, but have to be particular about the breed they select since one of the girls has allergies.

im going to say.... neither- get a fish its more economical and since the state of the union is so bad right now, buying a dog should not be his top priority nor should it be the highlight of the media circus.

So pathetic that the question even needs to be asked. Please keep stop patronizing and fawning about political pawns on either side.

It is too bad there are so many negative responses here. Everyone needs to lighten up a little. With all of the negative going on with the economy it is nice to have something light to discuss. I vote for the portugese water dog, I think labradoodles are too hyper. :)

I'm glad ATDC has turned into the Obama site, because it's so hard to find articles about the Obamas anywhere else.

Ann vB - this is a decorating website; it's already "something light to discuss."

It should be left up to the family and based on their needs and preferences, whether it's a pure breed or a mutt. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a labradoodle a mutt anyway?

Wow, where's the sourness in some of these responses coming from? Pets can be such an important part of a happy home, and I'd rather see a post like this than many that just push products. I'm glad the new First Family is trying to go the shelter route and I'm kind of hoping they manage to find a Portuguese water dog.

Ummm, you seemed to have missed the most important point of all this... the dog required MUST be hypo-allergenic since the girls are allergic. (Second criteria mentioned by the Obama people is that it WILL be a rescued dog).

Thus the reason for these specific breeds.

I'm glad it's their choice, I don't like either of their favorite breeds.

I used to be a dog person, and I wanted a cocker (or a mostly cocker mutt.) So I tried a rescue dog and learned it wasn't what I remembered from having dogs in my youth where I had a whole family to help. The dog had to go back to the agency because I couldn't manage it, with my work schedule and life then.

So now I have cats -- much more feasible for me.

My "domestic partner" used to want a miniature long haired daschsund, and I'd probably go along with that, if we chose to add a dog to the menagerie, but not unless we fenced in the yard -- I'm getting too creaky to walk a dog any more.

But the Obama choices -- not my taste, more power to them!

as long as they adopt an animal from a shelter and give it a loving home it is fine with me. I would prefer that they don't announce what breed or mix they get (the Water Dog is a breed, the other one is a mix of Labrador and poodle). Announcing them makes the dog popular or trendy and then tons of them end up in shelters because people cannot take care of them. The Obama's should do the right thing and first think if a dog is right for their life, then try to find it in a shelter and not worry about the breed as much

If you aren't interested in this topic, why waste your time posting how much you don't care about it?

Anyways, I hadn't heard that the Obamas had definitely decided to rescue a dog as opposed to going through a breeder. I hope they go the adoption route. I can't imagine life without my adopted pup. As for the breed, labradoodles are quite trendy, but whatever pup they find with the right personality for them is the best breed.

I think they should definitely go with the pitbull.

RE: SherryBinNH

You mentioned you rescued a dog then it was to much and dumped it back at the agency. Then you mention wanting to get a another small breed dog when you have a fence. Please people like you who are not prepared for dogs and are not willing to work out the needs of a dog with a job etc (having another dog wont be different then the first time) Please people like you are the reason dogs are at shelters. Stick with your cat - sister!

A labradoodle is a mutt. For a dog to be a member of a breed, it's got to breed true to type--breeding a labradoodle to another labradoodle doesn't yield anything but a bunch of mixed-up puppies.

If you want a dog with curly, poodle-y hair that's good sized, smart, and a great companion, get a poodle, for crying out loud. You don't need to mix up lab in the thing.

@lyla

First of all the correct grammar is "it was too much" not it was to much." Second, SherryBinNH did make the responsible choice by returning the dog to the shelter. Most shelters now ask (demand) that you bring back an animal to them if it does not work out. Yay, Sherry, for realizing that the dog has greater needs than she could handle, and being responsible enough to bring it back to the shelter, rather than dropping it off on the side of the road.

Also, there are many things that might be different now for Sherry. She does not say how many years have passed since she got her first dog, or how her living or working arrangement may have changed or how getting a different breed (which is the plan) could affect the outcome. Geesh.

Anyhoo, my parents have a Labradoodle, and as much as I love him, he four or five handfuls. I don’t know about the water dogs, but I'm glad they will be adopting.

"I think they should definitely go with the pitbull."

Nah - She was sent back to Alaska where she belongs...
;-)

These 2 dogs are supposed to be hypoallergenic. I am allergic to dogs (and cats), and these are on the list. If the reason they are choosing these is because of allergies, then they should all be in a room with the dog, and see what kid of reaction they get. I think that is the best way to decide.

I think they want a dog that won't shed, thus these are the two choices that made the final cut.

Getting a shelter mutt is an insane idea considering the circumstances. The worst possible outcome for shelter animals would be either an abused, frightened dog overwhelmed by the new circumstances and acting out with the little girls, or morons rushing to adopt so they can be just like the President.

may i suggest an spca puppy.
lots of dogs aren't fixed, so litters of puppies come in to our spca branch weekly. in time the mom gets adopted (after being fixed and well-rested), while lots of people overlook the puppies as "work".
it's a great way for the pres to set an example during these recession times (kinda like canine recycling!), but most importantly it is giving a "misfit" a chance at a stable healthy life -- and palmetto, they most likely won't have PTSD (and if psych/stress issues do exist such as seperation anxiety, it isn't much to retrain them with lots of love, patience, and professional help!).

... rescue an animal for those of you considering a new addition to your home.

I hope they get a unicorn.

labradoodle! like top gear dog! :) http://www.bebo.com/PhotoAlbumBig.jsp?PageNbr=1&MemberId=3458185434&PhotoAlbumId=3466313193&PhotoId=3553940898

I have a soft coated weaton terrier, also 'hypo-allergenic' as they dont shed and a lot better looking then the other two choices

From a political perspective, a rescued mutt would be best. Both the labradoodle and the Portuguese water dog will feed the impression that the Obamas are elitist yuppies, and I doubt he needs to add any fuel to that particular fire.

Seaside, you made me smile. And Shawn, you actually made me LOL. This is a great thread.

I thought I was visiting a home design website???

HATERS,
stop complaining. STOP COMPLAINING. There are PLENTY of other things to complain about right now, people.

Absolutely ridiculous that they are getting so much advice from professionals and they still have a doodle in the works. Doodles are such a crock. They are mutts, always poorly bred solely for profit. They are a MIX. 50% you get the poodle coat that is better for people with allergies, 50% you get the retriever coat you're allergic to! And many people are also allergic to dog saliva and dander, so it still doesn't matter.
And, having experience in the animal field, every labra/goldendoodle I have ever met has been a hyperactive mess with a horrid, impossible to keep clean coat.

Nothing wrong with a mutt. Best dogs I've ever known have been mutts. Damn, girl, get off your AKC high horse.

The real point being missed by the haters is that every dog post is a good post, especially when it pictures a puppy with pink toes.

Whose paws are kissable? Whose?

Seriously, who p*ssed in everyone's cheerioes this morning? The First-Family-To-Be did say they were going to get a dog from a shelter. I think that's a fantastic idea. Think about it this way - two young girls who are probably used to running out to play with friends whenever they want are now going to have an incredibly restricted life, with media attention when they go out, and constant presence of 'handlsers' when they are in the white house - I would think that the dog will be a great transitional item for them - something they can take comfort from, and be with when their dad is suddenly gone all. the. time. to places like Iraq, China, etc.

It's not going to be easy, so why not think of it as a sweet gesture that is humanizing a family that is pretty much going to be living in a fishbowl for the next 4-8 years.

Obama is about CHANGE - so naturally it will be a RESCUE dog. I can only hope one certain CHANGE will happen with all this, is that others follow his example and adopt from a shelter or rescue. Maybe this could lead to a whole new education for people out there, SPAY & NEUTER.

@StacyLC212: Yes, and many purebred AKC-certified dogs come riddled with health issues caused by a tiny little thing called inbreeding. Charles II of Spain, anyone? And, if the inbreeding doesn't get you, poor breeding might, whether the dog is "pure" or otherwise; poor breeders and caretakers don't just raise mutts--it's a risk you take with pretty much any kind of dog, regardless of pedigree.

Update:

They are indeed getting a unicorn. I just put a down payment on one. I want to be one of the first to follow Obama's example.

Welcome to Obama Headquarters: ATDC This whole topic is so tired.

Kissy paws kissy paws kissy paws!!! (And tiny little puppy tongues.)

Sorry, what were you all saying?

Love the poodle mixes, their fur needs regular trimming though! The two we've had are sweet, friendly, healthy. Don't shed and don't cause allergy problems when kept clean (they drag in "stuff" from outside on their fur).

We have rescued three dogs, one cat from the street, shelters. I recommend this to anyone, not just the president: adopt from a rescue or find a dog through a shelter that has been in foster care. Even though the Obamas can afford a dog trainer, a foster can give so much more info on an animal than just going to pick one out at a shelter. We've fostered three dogs before adopting. Gave us a chance to see how well they could adjust to our home.

The new kitty was in foster care along with her mother and littermates. The foster "mom" was also a shelter employee. She was able to tell me the kitten got along well with dogs, people, other cats, and a little about her personality. She has been with us a month and will cuddle up to my bearded collie and our poodle mix. She is gentle with our 7 mos. old granddaughter. The kitty is only 3 months and has been a steller addition to our family.

Fostering helps socialize the animal, and is a great way to help a pet if you can't adopt.

It is repugnant to me that the Obamas would get a dog that, regardless of whether it itself is a rescue, encourages "designer crossbreeds" like the labradoodle.

Even if the individual dog itself does not have health issues, these crosses are not bred by reputable breeders, it damages spay/neuter efforts, and it will boost the numbers of these poor dogs being sold for 500 dollars apiece to impulsive, irresponsible, dog-uneducated people by mercenary backyard breeders.

Besides which, if they're that worried about the coat being hypoallergenic, they'd be less likely to get the 50% likelihood of a retriever-type coat if they got a purebred (poodle, portugese water dog, schnauzer, or similar) from a purebred rescue.

I have an adorable Cockapoo; only 13 lbs. who doesn't shed. She loves people, especially children. I've had a few dogs and this one has the best temperment. The experience has been so great, I have to go with the poodle mix.

I think it's wonderful that President Obama is getting a dog for his girls, and that he's chosen to rescue one from a shelter. I hope he chooses a crossbred, as it would be great to see a "mutt" in the White House. Labradoodles rock!

All dogs are great! But, living in Lisbon, Portugal, and knowing one terrific Portuguese Water Dog personally (Nicolai, are you reading this?), my vote is swung!

Thank you, AT, for some comic relief!

Cheers! (Woof!)