Which dog should the Obama girls get?
OMG. Did you catch that part in President-elect Obama’s speech? Yep, the girls are getting a dog! Sorry, catlovers. “I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House,” Obama told Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, during his victory speech, according to Associated Press. “The good news for his daughters came as Obama acknowledged his family’s contributions to his campaign. The news prompted even bigger smiles as they surrounded him. He did not go into details about a name or breed for the new White House pet, who will follow in the steps of the Bush family’s Scottish terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley.” Folks, weigh in please. What breed makes a good presidential puppy? Check out the Presidents and Pets.
Photos from AP: (Top) The Obamas; (Bottom)President Roosevelt with his pooch, Fala, and Ruthie Bie, grandaughter of a caretaker.) 
And check out “All the President’s Pets.” Then, learn more about hypoallergenic breeds before you cast your vote for which one the Obama family should pick.
I think Obama should get his daughters a Pit Bull and name it her Lipstick!
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One of the girls has allergies so that will dictate a non shedding breed. It is so exciting that it will be a shelter dog no matter what breed they pick.
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[…] The rest is here: Which dog should the Obama girls get? […]
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I suggest a mini schnauzer. They are great for people with allergies and the feisty breed will fit in well with the girls.
But I also recommend a shelter dog/ rescue.
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It is so exciting that it will be a shelter dog no matter what breed they pick.
Did they say that? I never heard that it would be a shelter dog. I imagine it won’t, seeing as the girl is allergic. They will probably go with the standard “less-shedding” breeds like Bichons (ooh…too French?) or Wheaten terrier or poodle.
I think a standard Poodle would be a great First Dog (if they aren’t going the mutt route).
I just hope they get it from a reputable breeder, and that it is trained properly and well.
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A mini schnauzer. Nice size at full grown, great temperment, very smart, fun and agile, fast learner, friendly and smart. Low maintenance for grooming. Non- shedding and very healthy breedline. Great for people with allergies. I am looking forward to seeing who the first dog will be!
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They can still get a rescue dog from a breed specific group if the allergies are a huge issue but I’d love to see a true mutt from a DC shelter. Lets see that social responsibility!
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Portugese Water Dog or Standard Poodle (in a “puppy clip,” not show clip!), if they want a larger dog. Havanese or Bichon Frise if they want a smaller one. Since allergies are an issue, will be important to get a purebred because of the “non-allergenic” factor, and as already noted, virtually every breed has one or more breed-specific rescue groups/organizations. I would love to see them adopt an adult instead of a puppy, but sounds as though that’s a lost cause.
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This is a slightly crazy idea, but wouldn’t it be great to have a “First Puppy Shower” for the lucky White House dog? In lieu of gifts, Atlanta’s animal lovers could donate to area shelters to help local dogs find terrific homes.
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Havanese! “Hypo-allergenic” for the allergy sufferers and these dogs ahve such great personalities and love children!
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Toy dogs are notorious for being intolerant with kids, they are too dang small for the busy life of the white house and FAR too delicate for young kids.
An All-American would be great if one could be sure of the mix due to the allergies.
My preference is with a Soft-coated Wheaten or a Portugeuse Water dog. Irish Water Spaniels are really neat but probably a bit too unique
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I think a Boston Terrier would work very well and they are the only true AMERICAN breed.
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I believe that the presidential canine should be a mutt adopted from a shelter. They make the best pets and live long healthy lives. In addition, this will be a symbol that like the American people, we are a hodge-podge like Obama himself.
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They can still get a rescue dog from a breed specific group if the allergies are a huge issue
Not a puppy, usually. I agree that purebreds are available in rescue, but rarely young pups.
I just read somewhere that they have chosen a white toy poodle. Word on the street says his name will be “Maverick.”
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I think they should get a Yorkie and name him/her Miracle or Blessing.
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DecaturCyn, that is a great idea!
I suggest a rescued Standard Poodle or two… (And I agree, with whoever suggested the “puppy cut” rather than the “show cut.”)If I had the space for a large dog, that would be my choice b/c of the lack of shedding and just because they are such a great breed!
However, the OP forgot about the Bushes’ first dog, Spot, the English Springer Spaniel, which was Millie’s grandson, I think (Millie was Bush Sr.’s dog). He passed away I think during Bush (W’s) second term.
I think a presidential pet just needs to have a likeable personality (obviously) but is also loyal enough to trot next to the President on the White House lawn (great photo ops– obviously this wouldn’t work with cats, though). Frankly I don’t care whether it’s a purebred– I would love to see a presidential mutt! If I had to choose a breed, though, I’d go with the Standard Poodle. Either way it should be a rescue. I don’t know if any Presidents have had rescues (I know Barney was a gift from former NJ Governor Christy Todd Whitman, and Miss Beazley was from a breeder– Spot obviously came from within the family). I would love to know, if anyone knows.
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A Dachshund or a Maltese!
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A shelter dog would be great i’m just glad the White House is finally getting a little **COLOR**
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The most beautiful dogs in the world are Samoyeds. But, they do have a double coat, so if the problem allergy is to “dog hair or dander” that won’t work. BUT, if the allergy has nothing to do with dog hair, etc., you cannot beat these dogs for loving, playful, and beutiful animals. Either way, I think it is great that people are actually discussing which type of dog will be our nations next First Dog! That says something to me about our people - in general.
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I think the shelter idea is great.
A black laborador or a St. Bernard would be a good dog. I have/had both; they are good family dogs.
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It would be great if they got just a plain old regular dog form a shelter. You have to know these make GREAT loving pets. We have 4 plain old CATS we got from 3 rescue groups. I don’t really care for the breeders when we have so many homeless loving pets that need good homes. GOD BLESS all the pets and the people who love and care for them.
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I agree with the above — a rescued poodle, PWD, or something in that vein would probably be a good idea. One from a breeder with a good track record of producing healthy stable dogs would be even better. The problem with the shelter dogs and -doodles is that you never know what the genes will cough up, whether a hairball, allergens, or Sudden Rage Syndrome. These aren’t people who need hairs on suits, sneezes on prime ministers, or a ravening monster for the Secret Service to put down on national television.
Yes, I do wish people put as much thought into breeding and acquiring dogs as they do into building and buying cars. Both really should last you at least a decade. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a consumer guide for pet-owners. Or rather there are far too many, few of them any good.
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A Great Dane of course!
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Rottweiler
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I agree with Sam! I would love to see a rottweiler as the first dog
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I think I read on BestFriends that Michelle announced somewhere that they’d be getting a shelter dog … due to a large petition from when he first announced his promise to get the girls a dog if he got to the White House. Which dog, there are a lot of shelter dogs that don’t shed much, e.g., I adopted a wonderful little dog (llasa mix) who never shedded and at 16 he is still a happy dog.
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I’m so happy to see him become elected.
The dogs at the animal shelters need homes so badly, and many of them would make great pets. Also they are a drain on government resources—the fiscally responsible thing would be for the Obamas to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter.
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I vote for a dog that can make full use of the White House lawn … a German Shorthaired Pointer. They’re energetic, bright, aristocratic … very fitting for our President-elect.
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I think they should get 2 shelter dogs, one for each girl.
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A Bulldog of course, one that looks like UGA!
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Bichon Frise
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A Cavachon..half Cavalier and half Bichon. Non-shedders; loves children and can be litter box trained.
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The Obamas should adopt a shelter dog or rescue dog. Maybe a poodle mix since one has allergies. I’ve had two mutts, they have great longeviety and are soooo thankful to get homes. I know both my mutts understood the score when they went from a cage in a shelter to a nice loving home.
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I think the Obamas should rescue a mixed breed from a Washington DC or Chicago animal shelter. If one of the girls is allergic, then a terrier mix would be good. One that kind of looks like Benji. Dogs with that kind of hair often don’t produce allergies, are smart and sweet. Whatever they get, they should adopt from a rescue group or animal shleter and not buy from a breeder!
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An american bulldog,sweet family dog”,they love kids!
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I think they should get chihuahas!
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or maybe get a nice dog from a shelter or pound.. like a lab retriever or something like that
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I agree with Double D.
A German Shorthair Pointer. Daisy and I have been together for almost 12 years now. At one time we hunted, but now she just points at cats. GSP’s make a wonderful addition to a family. They have a sweet temper (Daisy has “raised” two litters of kittens) She never barks. The only bad habit she has is she tends to sprawl across the couch and sleeps on her back.
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Perfect breed: Cockapoo - a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. They have the best personality, friendly and great with kids, and extremely smart.
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They should get a Shih Tsu and name him/her Hope!
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they should get a schanzer geat dog love mine………………………………………………………………………….
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I think they should get a golden retriever from a rescue group if the hair doesn’t affect her allergies
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Not that they personally will be feeding, walking, cleaning up or even training the dog. But a lab or even better a lab mix from a shelter would be great.
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I think they should get a maltese mix. I adopted a malti-pom and he is wonderful. He loves to be held and always makes himself known. At the same time, he settles down and loves to sleep on you. - not bad for a dog who was given away and didn’t know what love was his first year of life.
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I think the Obama’s should consider a Bull Terrier. They are wonderful and would make a great 1st dog!!!
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A lab
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OK a LABRADOODLE they do not shed so bad and it’s still a LAB
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The Labradoodle is a good choice. They have the loving temperament of the Lab and the intelligence of the Poodle. Plus they are non-shedding so that is a plus for the First Daughter with the allergy issue.
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I think they should save one of Mike Vick’s dogs, heck Obama wants to take from the rich anyway!
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A lab or a beagle from an animal shelter. The little puppy should be well behaved because it’ll be so happy to be out of there.
Hell nah to the Michael Vick pit bulls. Let someone other than little girls give them a home. Come on.
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ONE WORD … PUG
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Get a Basenji!
(a good non-shedding alternative for the daughter with allergies)
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How about a greyhound. Short Hair, like silk, friendly, and gentle.
Most are beautiful as well.
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I think they should get a pot-bellied pig.
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The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 4 to 5 million cats and dogs are killed each year in the U.S. because there are no homes. Given those statistics, it is unfathomable to me why people breed and sell dogs. Whether it’s puppy mills or not, selling one dog for profit sends a homeless dog to its death. The first family, like any of us giving a home to a new dog, can literally save the life of one innocent dog who never asked to be born into a world with too few homes. What a wonderful example the Obamas are setting (See Best Friends website) by adopting a shelter/rescue dog–saving him/her from death row. They’ll set another great example when they spay or neuter the dog to prevent more homeless dogs, and I’ll bet they will do just that–spay or neuter.
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Definitely a cocker spaniel:)
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a mixed breed..
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How about a Bichon! This is the perfect dog for such a loving adorable First Family.
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I think they should get an Alaskan Malamute or a Husky, and name it “MAVERICK”!!!!
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I think they should get a Pekingnese. What you think?
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The Obama girls should get whatever kind of dog they want as long as they will love it and take good care of it (fortunately it’s NOT up to the American people to decide that issue).
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Golden retrievers are the best dogs for kids they are playful and protective both and have the best temperments ever!
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a pitbull with lipstick!
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GERMAN SHEPARD !!
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I am loving the idea of a ‘puppy shower’. Perhaps a Bouvier des Flandres? They are very protective of family and loving to those they protect.
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A mutt from the dog pound.
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Adopt a shelter puppy!! What a wonderful message to send to America that our “first dog” is a mixed breed from a shelter. It would also stop a certain breed from becoming overly popular just because people want a dog like the Obama’s choice — not because it is the right dog for a particular family. If a shelter choice makes people want to run to the nearest shelter so that they too can adopt a shelter dog, then that’s GREAT!! Maybe they will decide to adopt a shelter cat too, hopefully. Only through adoption and responsible pet ownership can we stop the needless deaths of unwanted pets every day.
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definitely an adopted Lab mix . . . they are marvelous and need a good home with 2 darling little girls . . .
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The Obama’s need to adopt a Jack Russell — they are the best!
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Please AJC — is someone moderating these comments?
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I would go for either a miniature (or regular) Australian Shepherd or a Border Collie. They are our countries working dogs. I have and do have both kinds, and they are good with kids, very intelligent, loyal, and protective. And they do have the stamina to keep up with the kids.
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Folks, Michael Vick is not the topic for today.
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How about a PIT BULL
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A toy or miniature Poodle would be perfect!
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An Akita is the very best dog breed!
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I agree that the first family should choose whatever dog they want as long as they will love it and give it the proper care. To the ones who have made somewhat sarcastic and rude remarks on this particular blog, it’s time to stop the hatred and become united in love, peace and unity. Regardless of the color of ones skin whe you pull that top layer off we’re all the same color.
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A greyhound would make a great dog for anyone that has allergies.
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They should adopt from a local shelter, that is the only way to go! There are too many sweet dogs who need a home to buy from a pet store or breeder!
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I would suggest a schnauzer or 2, they are a perfect breed for anyone that has allergies to pets. They are very easy to train, very intelligent, and so very loveable, they are actually ‘LITTLE PEOPLE WITH FUR”. They come in different sizes, mini/toy, miniature, standard and giant, what ever size they get they will be happy with the breed. There are schanuzer rescue shelters too
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West Highland White Terrier (Westie). They are adorable and lot of fun.
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decaturcyn - great idea
we found our dog at the Atlanta shelter. he has given us so much joy over the years. i hope they go with a shelter dog, a great message to all America.
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Whatever they get, it should be a rescue or shelter dog or puppy. There are so many finr dogs out their just waiting for the right owner(s) to find them. We rescued a shephard mix last year and could not have found a more loyal and endearing dog. She is great!! Most of our friends say if they could get a dog like ours they would… get a rescue !!!
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Pitbulls are nice and you can make money on them too.
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If you don’t have a Dobie, you don’t have a Dog.
By the way, The first post that suggested that they get a Pitbull and name her “Lipstick” was absolutely HILARIOUS!!! Seriously, how hood would it be if they got a Pit or Rott? We wouldn’t hear the end of it from the racists.
Someone else made a good point about a “Puppy Shower” with proceeds or gifts going to various Shelters & Humane Societies.
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A great dane. The best and most loyal breed out there and the true gentle giants.
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A Cavalier King Charles - they are so loving and kind.
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It would be wonderful if the girls could choose a pet from an animal shelter and if they are fortunate enough to select a beagle. I recently adopted a 2 yr old beagle from my local shelter and I feel great satisfaction from saving an animal from the streets or worse.
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Pit Bull.
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A toy poodle, They are small easy to care for. They don’t shed. My poodle is very playful kids and adults love him. He would be they perfect pet for the girls.
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I think that a YORKIE would make a great pet for our new FIRST DAUGHTERS. ;o)
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They should get a brown Cairn , or a westhighland terrier
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Highly recommend that you get two small puppies, preferably from the same litter. Get two West Highland White Terriers (our son’s growing up dog), or two beagles. Make sure they are brothers or sisters and they will be inseparable for a lifetime. We now hve two beagle brothers, now 3, best thisg we have ever done pet wise. These are both smart breeds, not too big, and will play together to entertain themselves forever. Good Luck!!!! Don McKinney….
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They promised it would be an adopted dog from shelter and agreed upon this from petition circulated. You can get more information at bestfriends.org
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The Dalmatian is a world class breed that would be symbolic of this historic President. And they make great pets too.
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a toy poodle would be great!
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Don’t go after a particular breed. They should go to shelter, a kill shelter, and rescue two dogs that are on death row and I bet they’ll all fall in love with one another. In their hearts they’ll know they saved them from death and the dogs will be loyal forever. As soon as their eyes lock onto a dog from the shelter, they’ll know it was a good fit for all.
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Daschunds!!!!
The best lap dogs and so very lovable!
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I don’t believe in breeding dogs. There are so many dogs already born who need homes. I am so glad the Obamas will be getting a rescue/shelter dog.
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I think a Black Lab would be just fine.
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A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the best dog ever!
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Get them a whippett
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I think they should get a shelter dog about one year old - still a puppy but the personality would be seen.
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A puppy from a shelter without doubt!!! Set the standard, please.
I would love to see more people getting their animals from shelters…it would be wonderful if they followed in his footsteps.
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I think a mixed breed shelter dog would be the best. Mixed breeds usually have great personalities and shelter dogs need a home.
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A shelter dog is the best answer. It seems that have already made some good choices so why not make one more.
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Maybe they should get the dog they prefer and not worry about the “politics” of their choice of family pet!
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George Jefferson, you racist but funny Bastard!
Super Dog…a Dalmatian? C’mon man! You cats are tripping on here. Someone even suggested a Mutt, your folks really raised yawl right.
Yo Stimey, what “hearing” were you referring to?
To UGA fans, maybe they can get a Bulldog because that will be the only way a “Dawg” gets into the White House. See, when college football teams actually win a National Championship, you get to visit the White House.
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Does anyone see Charles’ comment (1st on the list) a bit offensive. “get the girls a pit bull and name it her Lipstick”. What kind of comment is that?! These are innocent children. How dare you
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Folks, this is a pets blog. If you’d like to discuss politics, let me direct you to Jim Wooten and Jay Bookman blogs. We want the dialogue to center around the issues affecting pets and pet owners. Thanks.
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get a dog that both girl can enjoy, and take care of.
Name the Joy
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With allergies, a dog with fur (non-shedding) is a no-brainer. How about a miniature schnauzer? They have great personalities!
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The pitbull named “lipstick” was funny, or they could call it Palin. The veiled racist comments are tiresome and infantile and shows the true color, “red”as in neck, of some of these posts. This is supposed to be a blog about dogs, not racist political views. Those little girls deserve a dog that fits the life their family will lead, hectic, busy, crowded. Most people choose a dog based on looks and size, not temperment.They need a dog that is kid-friendly, adaptable and easy with strangers. You don’t want the Prime Minister of France bitten on the butt. Shetler dogs are wonderful but you need to be careful not to adopt someone else’s uncontrollable problem. With a reputable breeder, if you do your homework, you know what you are getting. Purebred dogs deserve to live as much as mixed breds. If people were more responsible with their animals, both cats and dogs, the shelters would not be overflowing. I have both prue breed and mutts, they both are fantastic and are equally loved and spoiled.
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An American Bulldog would be the best pick.
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Go to YouTube and search for: Parrot says Barack Obama.
That’s the pet I want!
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I vote for a Sheltie!
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Get a TFT - TOY FOX TERRIER - Awesome dog!!!
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Definitely a shelter or rescue dog…
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I think a Maltese would be a great dog for the girls… Congrats to the family
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Let the girls and their parents go to the shelter and chose the dog that touches their souls and steals their hearts away!
By the way, shelter cats make great “First Pets” too!
Why not one of each?
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I think a Beagle or two - cute, small, short hair and sweet
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I think a Boston Terrier is the perfect dog. Small with short hair, no wussy dog, the only true all American Breed and the black and white coloring would be politically correct. Very appropo, don’t you think?
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I think a Boston Terrier is the perfect dog. Small with short hair, no wussy dog, the only true all American Breed and the black and white coloring would be so politically correct.
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They should get a pair of Maltese or Maltese mix — whatever the shelter has. And name them “Chiclet” and “Tic-Tac.”
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some of you need jesus.some of you should be full of shame. i say a toy poodle for the girls
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There should always be a Scottish Terrier in the White House.
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seriously though
they should get a Chihuahua and name it Jessie
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I would suggest a Yorkie-Poo. Not one of the itty-bitty ones like I have, but one of the standard sized Yorkie-Poos. They are hypo-allergenic, gentle, and easy to train. They love children and are very loyal. Hell, they are adorable too!!
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The dogs for people with allergies - according to the AKC
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Chinese Crested
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Poodles(Toy, Min, Std)
Portuguese Water Dog
Schnauzers (Min, Std, Giant)
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Xoloitzcuintli (FSS Breed)
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I’d love to see them get a small dog, such as a dachshund or maybe a chihuahua or a small mixed breed. I can just see those little girls dressing up their new “baby”. Also, for a medium sized dog, you can’t go wrong with a beagle…or a sheltie which I truly adore!
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A lhasa apso. They are so cute!
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