Poor OBAMAS!!!!

(Standard SIZED Schnauzers are kind of special – they are a little harder to find ... I would make sure they don't bark a LOT. I had a mini and a GIANT that barked even more than the MINI.)

I think that the Obama's should go for a mutt from the pound. I mean all Americans are mixed from different countries so the first dog should be too. And if they get one from a shelter then they are saving it's life. Plus they bring to light the other dogs who need adopting out. Maybe more people would look into adopting pets from shelters instead of buying them from stores.

Which ever kind that they get I hope that it will make the girls happy. That is really all that matters.

Cindy...Ga.

I pray they have more choices other than that ugly dog you showed last night. If not, "Sasha, I'm sorry but no dog for you. How about a gold fish?"

I havent a clue,but beyond the two requirements Obama mentioned,they would most likely want a dog that was easy to train because the White House isnt exactly a house its a living museum and I would think there would be a trainer to help. Whatever lucky doggy it is I hope Sammy gets the exclusive paw to paw.

I would love to see the Obama's get a rescued pup of any kind!
There is an over-pupulation of dogs in this country and the President should set the first example of helping our communities and our country by giving a homeless four legged friend a chance.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for a mixed breed loveable homeless mutt. Not an expensive fancy bred dog.
The euthanasia of millions of homeless and over populated pets in this country is disturbing and a holocaust of the innocent. Dogs must feel that we are an evil one to allow all the suffering. We have terrorized and elploited man's best friend.
I believe President elect Barrack Obama will do the right thing.
Thanks!

A poodle, they take about 15 minutes to train, don't shed and are great for a family.

Why is the Obama's getting a dog such a issue? There are more important things to ask about Obama when he takes office. Important issues like illegal aliens will be getting driver's licenses and amnesty under Obama. He plans to initiate a $1 a gallon gas tax. I am sure that will help the poor and middle class!! It is beginning to look like his campaign promises are lies.

I would get four cats (from a shelter), older ones 2-3 years old. Don't have to take them for walks or outside to the bathroom. They groom themselves (and sometimes their "people"). Very, very intelligent, loving and fun. Whatever they choose, I would definitely get it from a shelter and save a helpless life.

Bev, owned by Serena, Jasmine, Scarlett & Tabitha

I think the girls should get online with their parents and research what is best. There are many options for adoption and this is still a personal decision for their family. It would send a wonderful message to others if they do adopt and we are looking for them to lead us in many areas. I think naming the doggie is entirely up to the girls. It is tough to have your every decision watched – but I feel these young ladies will do the right thing and adopt a pet. They just all seem so reasonable and smart – so I have faith that there's a homeless pup – perhaps not even born yet – who will be living it up at The White House come spring.

I agree with Jessica. A poodle or bichon frise would be the best choice, but of the two, a poodle would be my suggestion. They are one of the easiest breeds to train. The bichon can sometimes be hard to housebreak. Neither breed sheds at all. The poodle comes in 3 sizes so whether the Obama girls' choice is a big or small dog, there is a poodle made for their preference.

There are breed specific rescue shelters so If the Obama's preference is a rescue puppy, they could likely find a perfect puppy for the White House at poodle rescue.

Since their oldest daughter is allergic to dogs they're choices are limited so no mutt for them!

I think their dog should be named Chance since this is a chance for America to become what it use to be and this will also be a second chance for this dog if it's a rescue.

They should just get one from every shelter and every breed in this country to make everybody happy. There are certainly enough to choose from and they certainly have enough resources to pay for all of them and give them good care. And while they visit every shelter in this country, they could make a sizeable donation to those shelters to save a few more from certain death.

As having served as a director of a humane society for 25 years and a democrat, I would like to offer my expertise to find President elect Obama's family a suitable dog.
I really would like to do that! No charge!
XOXO!!!

Well anything is better for this little girls than that dog from peru, that you showed last night. That dog would scare poor Shasa and Malia. Since there so cute i would recomend little dogs like Havanese, Yorkie, or the Shih Tzu. They are all hypoallergenic dogs and very cute; just waiting for little girls to play with!

I say a cute black/white border collie! I hear they are ranked number one in intellegence (doggy IQ)! Reminds me of President Elected Obama! I had one when I was small, best dog ever! Jeez...I forgot about that hypo-allergetic issue with his baby girlz.

There are many pure bred shelter dogs. So if they worry that their daughter could be allergic to some part of the mutt they can look into that. Also rescue groups. Usually someone gives the dog as a gift I believe that;s how the Bushs got Barney. Keep in mind all breeds were created from a mixture of other breeds at one time. They say Potus to be Obama cried when his litle poodle died when he was a boy, so would he want another one? Bring back sad memories or he'd be glad to have another one it would bring back fond memories.

Obamas could pick a dog from a rescue.org. Either the Wheaten Terrier or Portugese Water Dog. Wheaten is smaller, PW dog is larger, depending on their preferences. Good personalities both for public life. Both hypoallergenic. Rescue org would be breed specific. I prefer mutts, but 10 plus years of sneezing and runny eyes will not do Obama girl good. This way a abandoned dog is rescued and health is maintained. Both objectives met. Of course, there are always the Havanese if one wants a small, mop dog. Definitely will need at least two of those.

My vote is for a poodle too. Having had poodles most of my life, I find they are easy to train, love to play, and a great family pet. They don't shed but you do need to get their hair groomed every 6 weeks or so. I swear they actually think they are people sometimes rather than a dog. They are also very protective of the family and home! Added plus, you can get them in all sizes and colors....standard, minature, and toy.

Please...not the dog from last night. It doesn't look like a little girls dog. It was generous of Peru to offer though.
How about a Lhasapoo or Shih Tzu? They can be found at shelters or rescue centers. Both dogs are small & would be perfect for them.

I wish them the best of luck finding their dog.

If the Obamas cannot find a rescue dog that is hypo-allergenic, they could always make a large donation to the SPCA or another rescue organization in honor of their new puppy. If his daughter's allergies are severe and a pound puppy is not an option, I would recommend a Portuguese Water Dog because their hair does not shed and they have the least amount of dander of any dog. The PWD Club of America also places some rescues in homes. Plus, getting a Porty would be a nice tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy who has two Portys, one named Splash he featured in his children's book "My Senator and Me." I have a wavy-coated Porty who is smart, loving, and is great with children. Plus, she is adorable!

Hi Anderson,
Put my vote in for a Mutt, or if we're being polite, a mixed breed. They are healthier and tend to have less behavior problems. I tend to like any mix of Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collie and/or Spaniels, but none of those meet the hypo-allergenic requirement. Tell them to do their homework! There are active breeds which will need to run (dalmations), smart breeds which will need to be kept busy with a job or they'll go nuts (border collies), and barkers (any hound). Terriers will chew the heads off all their Barbie dolls. Best to pick the type that works for their family. Never get a dumb dog. There are actually lists that rate breeds for intelligence.

Whether boy or girl, I suggest "Maverick "for its name.

I have allergies to dogs and cats, like the Obama's daughter but have found that Yorkshire Terriers don't make me sneeze. They have hair instead of fur and therefore don't have that much dander, which is what causes the allergy problem.

I'm looking forward to seeing which dog they pick!

The Obamas could always check out a rescue group for whatever breed they choose, there are a lot of them out there. I love dachshunds, have owned two, but they have back problems and all the marble floors in the White House wouldn't be good for them. So I vote for the poodle or Bichon, which are said to take on the personality of their owners.

I'd opt for a golden retriever and have the girl's work to help train it for a service animal for another American who has a disability.

Whatever breed they choose, I hope they name it "Deep Dish," like the Chicago pizza.

If all else fails, they could get the girls a pony and name it "Maverick."

I understand Malia has researched this and has a preference for a Goldendoodle, and I think the girls deserve to make their own choice

They likely have a name in mind, but the secret service code name could be Rebel or Rainbow , and a "R"escue puppy would fit the bill

I would choose a boxer. They are great with kids obedient and easy to train well

hey grinch JIM...it is nice to read some light heart news and not all the depressing stuff going on and UNTIL Bush is in..he is our pres. and not Obama. Obama will do his job in Jan. and shows a lot of character that he is keeping his word with his daughters.

I meant to say until Bush is out in Jan he is the president

Samoyed - they're very fluffy!

Or a Pomeranian - they're too cute for little girls like Malia and Sasha.

Or a Shar-Pei - their wrinkles are adorable. Who would have ever thought wrinkles were desirable?!

By all means, go with a shelter dog or find one on many of the animal rescue groups that have websites. It shouldn't be too difficult to find a nonshedding animal like a poodle, yorkie, or small breed mix. What an excellent example he would be setting for the rest of the nation. If he does rescue a dog, I'm sure there will be thousands more rescued because he has shown it is the right thing to do.

They probably aren't hypo allergenic but bassett hounds are really great – short haired, hardly any shedding, big long floppy ears, and doesn't get too big. I had one growing up and he was the best dog – very protective of the whole family and very easy to train. Ours was named Seymour. I'm sure Melia and Sasha have some names in mind so I won't suggest one but they might want to get him a t-shirt that says "I eat Republicans for breakfast". We used to put t-shirts on Seymour and sunglasses. He was a real cool pooch with his shades on.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

If I were the Obamas, I'd get a weasel. A weasel would know one of it's disingenuous (political) kind as it walked through the door spouting "Congrats" and claims of bi-partisanship.Think Mr. Potter from "It's A Wonderful LIfe". Hello Joe L., er... Jowl L. Potter.

Hmm.... Tough choice! OK..I can solve this puzzle. The one who can say "Yes we can" will be the White House Dog.

Here are some tips:

Even if you choose an hypo-allergenic breed, you still need to maintain a high level of maintanance of care to the dog's coat (grooming) as well as the cleanliness and humidity level of the environment and the air. Because pets have the tendency to pick up allergens in their coat as well as shedding.

And ofcourse there are other responsibilities involved in the care of your dog: such as exercise and nutrition!

I would stick to poodle or poodle mix breeds.

I heard that Irish Terriers are also hypo-allergenic.

Since they have to go hypo-allergenic a bichon would be cute and there are many rescue shelters that specialize in specific breeds so they should be able to find a dog that is a rescue but is still a breed that is hypo-allergenic. I think the obvious name would be "Change" but at the same time, the girls should be allowed to name the dog.

We have a Shih-Poo – Shih Tzu/Poodle mix. She's great, very lively, doesn't shed (one of my main concerns) and she's very good with my two little boys. But she is very timid of strangers. I think ours has more Poodle in her than Shih-Tzu.

My parents have a Shih-Tzu, she is a great dog, excellent with all the grandchildren, very laid back & relaxed, hardly barks, non-shedding and always has a silly look on her face.

Shih-Tzu is my vote.

Our neighbours have a Goldendoodle – very cute, but not a lap dog.

let the girls pick there best friend far life. a playfull happy puppy just as they apear to be.

With the word out that the Obama's are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, shelters across the country should be on the lookout for labradoodles or other hypoallergenic breeds. I'm sure they will be able to find one. Whatever they do, I hope they don't go to a pet store, many of those are from puppy mills.

Why not a dog such as the this one in Kenya:

Stray Dog in Kenya Saves Abandoned Baby

Working in the animal rescue business as I do, every year tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of unwanted dogs are euthanized at shelters because of people who:

1) Do not do appropriate research before they get an family pet and thus wind up selecting a dog that is inappropriate for their family situation;
2) Do no obedience training. Obedience training not only trains the dog, it also helps train the people.
3) Do not spay or neuter.

Having a family member who is allergic means the First Family should carefully and thoroughly do research as to what breed will most likely be appropriate for their family. Dogs that have fur that tends to be more like hair generally are better for those with allergies-such as Portugese Water Dogs, wire-haired terriers, etc. There are breed specific rescues out there which may be able to provide a rescued dog meeting their needs.

That being said, it is entirely possible they may have to look to a reputable breeder for their family pet if one cannot be located in area shelters. I wouold just hope they remember to spay and neuter, and to continue to promote rescue as we need all the help we can get.

Like so many others, my hope is that by selecting a dog from the pound, the new president-elect will shine a light on the problem of homeless animals. If you ever need a reason not to breed your dog, walking into an animal shelter will give you plenty. Few, if any, dogs terrified and lonely in shelters did anything worse than being born to end up there.

A poodle mix should prove to be hypoallergenic, smart, and have that sense of appreciation so many rescue dogs seem to have.

The 'Dog Whisperer' , Cesar Millan, would have many suggestions. Love his show:)

Choosing a puppy names all represent your personality, I think Obama have to take both white and black dogs based on African and American indigenous peoples moving into the white house . Just to say, African and American are all one peoples, whether black or white.

What kind of whitehouse pet? Something that eats reporters.

What a clever way to shift the media from its obsession over Wall Street woes...for Obama to announce the family is getting a new pup...it's a much lighter subject for such heavy times...

How about a Frenchie? They'll not only amuse the family, but the rest of the world looking on. ^..^

Could i suggest a retired racing greyhound? They make ideal pets and you will be saving a life as thousands of these dogs are euthanised each year once their racing lives are over or they are not suitable to race. I have 2 and they are just beautiful, very gentle and they dont require much excercise. Tracey, chief and blondie

Three words: Vizsla, Vizsla, Vizsla

I have a Bichon Frise and a Bichon-poodle-pit bull mix. The Bichon came from a breeder, but the mix came from our local shelter. Both dogs are merry, happy, loving little dogs – and both are hypoallergenic. I have to say, though, that the mix is a bit smarter and was more easily trained. The choice really is up to the Obama family, but I am glad they are at least considering a shelter or rescue dog. There is nothing like a dog for pure love – but a rescued dog is grateful for life. They really DO make the best companions!

If you want a dog that is fun and loving, get a Maltese. They have long fur, BUT, they don't shed. Actually they don't even have fur– they have HAIR. NO fur, NO allergies!! Their lightweight and portable and undeniably CUTE! I call mine (of course I have one!) my "white shadow"–she follows me everywhere and I mean everywhere!! Mine is Precious to me and that's exactly what I named her Precious.

A terrier breed maybe would do the trick a wheaton terrier or poodle
one that is kid-freindly family dog.

The hypo-allergenic dogs have hair, not fur. A Cairn terrier, or any terrier is a good choice.

President-Elect & Mrs. Obama– Rescue a dog!!! There MUST be ONE or TWO that are Hypoallergenic at the pound.

I think the Obamas should get a Westie (West Highland White Terrier)....It is a cousin of the Scottish Terrier (as in Barney Bush), but it is hypo-allergenic, much better with kids, and best of all, it is white, which is the complete opposite of Barney, as Obama is the complete opposite of Bush!

I would consider that the Obamas get a Maltapoo. This is a Maltese and poodle mix. Our dog's name is Champ, he is a great dog for children. I love him. Maltipoos do not shed and that makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers. I really would like for the Obamas to get this type of dog. If they do, please let me know. Good Luck!

I will try this again the first went into cyber lala land.

I will suggest the Obamas look into adopting a retired reacing geyhound. The make a 'greyt' family pet. Are almost allergin free and dont have that doggie smel, even when wet! The are very people friendly as very use to being with many people. They are used to being walked on a leash and are house broken. They are a purebred dog – mostly free of medical defects. They only need a bit of walking and other wise are couch potatoes. They don't have a undercoat and short hair so a mittbrush over them weekly takes care of any loose hair. When I lived back in the states I adopted my grey throungn GPA-MN (Greyhounds As Pets) and ReGAP (retired Greyhound Adoption Program) are both very good groups, And at teh cost of about $250 they would be getting a dog worth $1,000's! They can go on line and look at the many rescued retired racing greyhounds up for adoption and have their pick. They make good family pets and love to meet people so would be great in the White House. I hope the Obamas think about getting a retired racing greyhound as the new White House Family pet.

Sandie Lambert
P.S.
I did work with greyhounds back in Minnesota. I lived there from 1952 until 2004. I had met a man in Australia and fell in love and moved here in 2004. I have recently started a greyhound adoption Group here in Broken Hill, NSW. Australia, it is in the Outback. I have kept up with Obama since he started like many here have. I am glad he got elected on his merits and his plans for the future of the United States. Both for the benefits of my family and friends back in the states but also for all us over seas and all across the world. Not just those of us who are Americans but for everyone. I wish him and his cabinet and everyone in Washingtion and any government office in the states the best of luck in the coming years.

I hope the Obama's consider a greyhound. They are fantastic pets, and rescuing one is nearly as good as getting one from the pound.

The rescue group in the DC/Virginia/Maryland region is:
http://www.greyrescue.org/

A second one in Viriginia is:
http://www.virginiagreyhounds.org/

If it's a female, I recommend the name Hope.
For a male, why "Changer" of course!