Obama Narrows Pet Choice
Big news in the pet care world! President-elect Barack Obama has announced that his family has narrowed down the choices for their new pet. The two options? A labradoodle or a Portuguese water dog.
Here at Sittercity, we only have experience with the labradoodle. On Take Your Dog to Work Day last year, one of our staffers brought in the biggest, cutest, sweetest labradoodle named Marley. He was THE BEST. Check him out:
http://www.sittercity.com/blog/petcare/tydtwd_photos.html
Here’s what USA Today had to say about the two breeds:
Mary Harkings, who oversees a Portuguese water dog rescue group, says the breed is “funny and very family-oriented” but adds that the dogs crave exercise. “You can’t just put them in a backyard and let them run it out,” she says. “They want to do things with you.”
That might be one huge plus for the labradoodle. “They can get by on 30 minutes a day of walking,” says Melissa Angelini, a breeder in Monroe Township, N.J. “They’re not that high-energy. Mine have been lying around for three days and are fine.”
What about you petsitters — any experience with these breeds? Which one would you recommend for the Obama family?
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January 14th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Why is the issue even being raised as to what kind of dog Mr. Obama is going to get and what makes anyone think the majority of people even care whether he gets a dog or for that matter a pet of any variety? For that matter would it be a big deal if they had no pet of any variety at all?
January 15th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I thinkg the Obama’s should get a Wheaten Terrier. They are loving and happy dogs. I was going to get a Labradoodle, but I was told they shed and I could have an asthma reaction. Wheaten are for people who have allergies, because I haven’t had any problem with my dog.
January 16th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
What does this have to do with childcare?
January 16th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Labradoodles do not shed. They are also hypoallergenic which comes from the poodle part of the gene pool. They are this way because they have no undercoat, only an upper coat and dogs lose and gain their undercoat depending on the season. However, Labradoodles are extremely hyper, need a lot of attention, and a lot of yard space to run. The white house could be a good place for the dog if it were to be trained properly and receive the right amount of exercise. However, if Obama decides to get a labradoodle and neglects to give it excess attention, training, and exercise, the consequences would not be pretty because when dogs like Labradoodles get bored, they chew and get into everything they can. If Obama is going to spend the money, take the time, and be an awesome dog owner then he should pursue a labradoodle. But since he is a new coming president and is going to be quite busy (i can imagine), I suggest he should rescue either a standard poodle or a regular Labrador because as separate breeds, they are easily trainable, very calm, and very good dogs.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Why is this question on here? This has nothing to do with childcare.
January 16th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
January 19th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
A portuguese water dog. These are great dog that is both regal and family oriented - perfect for any president.
dogbreedinfo.com has great details on this dog. The kids would love love love this dog.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Yah I dont really understand all the hype about Obama getting a dog? I dont really care. what I do care about is if hes going to be a good president or not?
January 28th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Labradoodles!!!!! Just get a standard poodle!!!! You are guaranteed NO shedding—NO allergy reactions—–you never know what part of the dog will come from the lab and what will come from the poodle!!! And as far as the exercise—-they don’t require as much as you think—–throw the tennis ball while their outside doing their business and a walk to the mailbox!! As for the grooming—-who never know what will have to be done with a labradoodle!!! The poodle, well, you can do a number of things—keep it long, short or anywhere between!!!!
February 9th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Whatever dog they decide on, it should come from a rescue organisation. More people need to become aware of the over population of animals there are.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:50 am
any dog he gets should be a rescue. i recently got a puppy from the animal shelter, and he is the most loving and grateful thing i have ever seen. he’s already become a lifetime companion, and so i think that when anyone considers buying a dog, they should definetly get a rescue or shelter dog.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Definitely not the Portugese Water Dog. They need so much exercise and I have seen them go nuts run through the house and up and down all of the furniture. I think considering that this dog will be a White House pet for hopefully 8 years (the larges portion of a large dogs life) that a more laid back dog like would be better.
Dianna
March 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Get a dog that they are not allergic to and is easily potty trained and well behaved. From:Mrs. Yvette Jackson
April 9th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Thats funny my dogs name is Marley. Thats crazy!!!!!
-Amanda <3<3<3
April 13th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
i think those dogs are both really ugly but labradoodles are cute if they are blonde with more lab than doodle.
May 5th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Any dog that you can love is a great dog.
http://www.allstarpetsitters.fatcow.com
June 6th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
They should get a staffy if anything. Absolutely amazing with kids, extremely loyal, loving, not to mention they’re great looking dogs. They do need a lot of structure, considering they are terriers with very high energy levels. Regardless of the breed they choose, all dogs need structure.