He still has to do some homework, but it appears President-elect Barack Obama and family are closing in on their choice for First Dog. Obama appeared on ABC News' This Week and made some solid statements as to his nominations: Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Hound.
“They seem to have narrowed it down to a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Hound. We’re closing in on it. This has been tougher than finding a Commerce secretary," he told host George Stephanopoulos. Stephanopoulos had been prompted to ask the question of their father by daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, who had joined him in the studio.
The choice of the First Dog has been difficult because of Malia's allergies. The search has centered on hypoallergenic dogs, such as the Labradoodle or the Portuguese Water Dog (not hound, as Obama said) because of that, although Obama stated when first asked about it that he would love a mutt, "like himself."
Despite what would seem to be a shaggy coat, the Portuguese Water Dog (once again, not hound) doesn't shed much, and is thus one of the breeds the AKC recommends on its website. The description on the AKC website says:
Known for centuries along Portugal's coast, this seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work in and out of the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina, who aided his master at sea by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. He is a loyal companion and alert guard.
The Labradoodle, on the other hand, is a designer breed, a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle, and thus not recognized by the AKC. It is described as follows on the Wikipedia:
Like most Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, Labradoodles are generally friendly, energetic and good with families and children (although as with any dog the temperament may vary between individuals). Labradoodles also often display an affinity for water and the strong swimming ability present in both their parent breeds.
Like their parent breeds, both of which are amongst the world's most intelligent dog breeds, Labradooodles are very intelligent and quite trainable.
The Labradoodle is on the left above, while the Portuguese Water Dog is on the right. As a hybrid, Labradoodle appearance and temperament many vary.
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