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Who Should be Obama’s Best Friend?
We love dogs here at PopPolitics. And we love Best Friends Animal Society — a great organization that rescues and cares for the neediest of animals, especially dogs.
So when Best Friends asks us to send a message to Senator Obama, we’ll give it serious consideration.
In this case, they are responding to news that Obama has promised his daughters a new puppy after the election — and the American Kennel Club polled “AKC experts” to determine what pure-bred breed would be the best match.
Here’s the start to Best Friends’ petition — which they are promoting on ObamaFamilyDog.com:
If Sen. Barack Obama becomes president, he’ll instantly be faced with decisions that will affect millions of Americans. Obama will also soon be making a decision that could affect millions of American dogs. It has been reported that once the election is over, the Obamas will be looking for a new four-legged family member (much to his daughters’ delight).
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has suggested five types of purebred dogs that would fit the Obamas’ lifestyle. While we don’t disagree that it’s important to choose a dog that matches well with the family, mixed breeds should certainly be considered along with pure breeds. Also, whether purebred or mutt, we believe the Obamas should make a winning choice and adopt a family dog, not buy one.
In America’s shelters, millions of dogs are killed each year, in large part because there aren’t enough families for them. For a candidate focused on “hope” and “change,” adopting a homeless pet is the right choice. Win or lose, this is an opportunity for Obama to effect change on this very important issue.
From my perspective, how you treat the neediest around might say more about your character than any policy position.
Posted at 7:07 AM | Permalink | | 
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July 16, 2008 at 1:54 pm
He should pick a Goldendoodle. Because golden retrievers are the best dogs in the world, and mixing them with Poodles makes them hypoalergenic and gives them fluffy hair too.
July 16, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Boxer. They are wonderful family dogs, incredibly patient with children and the most loving, goofy critters on the planet. Their only faults are farting and slobbering. Would that those were the only faults in the current White House!
July 16, 2008 at 2:20 pm
As a parting gesture to his home city of Chicago, he should visit a kill shelter and save a life. But of course he won’t do that anymore than his children will be sent to public school.
July 16, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Attagirl. Way to get your (completely unrelated and theoretical) digs in.
Aussie, fwiw. He can run all over the Lawn.
July 16, 2008 at 2:42 pm
What is your problem Mary? Do you have insight regarding the very personal decision of where the Obamas send their children to school? Do you really think it’s any of your business? I’m sure that the McCains with all of their inherited (that is to say, unearned) millions sent their kids to public school. This is a silly article speculating on what kind of dog they should get. Stay on topic and keep your unfounded judgements to yourself.
July 16, 2008 at 2:43 pm
A miniature schnauzer or a poodle. These are smart, really personable dogs that do not shed a lot and like to play. I would not get a herding or a hound dog of any kind as a first foray into the world of dogs. They take a lot more understanding and work to train and keep happy.
I am having a lot of problems with my herding dog now even though I’ve had two other dogs of the same breed. Ugh.
July 16, 2008 at 2:45 pm
This is in no way a dig. It is a simple illustration of what the odds would be of their rescuing a pup from a shelter.
July 16, 2008 at 2:46 pm
jesus, just go to the washington human society shelter on georgia ave. where he can get a dog
or washington animal rescue league if he doesn’t want to slum it
July 16, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Given the fact that the AKC promotes arbitrary “breed standards” which have led to an increase in birth defects and doing being born with hereditary malformities (see German Shepard hindquarters) Obama might want to think twice about taking any recommendations that that organization would make.
July 16, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I second the goldendoodle nomination.
July 16, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I’ll certainly not recommend the somewhat rare breed of our dog. He is a wonderful pet but as soon as the First Family got one, the demand would be so great that the factory breeding would soon follow. I totally agree they should adopt an animal from a shelter. With any luck that would then become the fashionable thing to do.
July 16, 2008 at 3:12 pm
OMG Beagle! It’s so obvious.
For the first time last year, a Beagle won best in show at Westminster. If Obama wins the presidency, he will be the first African-American to hold office.
I can’t imagine a better dog to represent change at this time in history.
Oh, and they’re sooo flippin’ adorable.
July 16, 2008 at 3:15 pm
naturally, a french bulldog named muhammad.
/snark
July 16, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Clearly, any sort of mixed breed mutt. And I like Mary’s idea about rescuing one from the pound.
July 16, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Two choices:
(1) A Basenji. They’re an African breed, and they’re damn cute.
(2) An Aussie. Because they’re the best dogs in the world.
July 16, 2008 at 3:30 pm
pembroke welsh corgi!
July 16, 2008 at 3:31 pm
A Bahamian Potcake is the obvious choice. These are the feral dogs one sees all over the Caribbean, the result of 500 years of ships sinking and dogs swimming ashore and surviving. They are intensely loyal, tough and totally loving.
July 16, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Very simple: Washington Animal Rescue League
July 16, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Boston Terriers are fantastic family dogs. Sweet, gentle, intelligent and very loyal.
July 16, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Tibetan Spaniel
July 16, 2008 at 4:04 pm
NOT A PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI
I’ve had three and they are alpha dogs that require a lot of know how to keep peaceably, especially if you are a busy family.
July 16, 2008 at 4:16 pm
We think the Obamas would be delighted with a “Schnoodle”. The Schnauzer-poodle mix is the most lovable - and loving - dog imaginable. We have one named Chloe, and she loves to hug! Can you imagine a better dog for little girls?
Linda and Terry in Oregon
(Obama fans since 2004!)
July 16, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Shelter mutts — two, so they are company.
Another major fashion statement for hybrid vigor(!).
And a blow against AKC fascistic configuration breeding.
(We have sister husky/border collies from the Penn SPCA and they are a wonderful handful.)
July 16, 2008 at 4:23 pm
The problem with adopting a dog will be the inevitable family that steps forward to demand their dog back.
July 16, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Chris has an interesting point. But there must be a way around it. Certified orphan perhaps?
July 16, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I don’t care what breed they pick as long as it makes the Obama girls happy. That said, it definitely needs to be a kid-friendly dog that is easily trainable so it doesn’t destroy the White House furniture. Shouldn’t be too hard to find a dog that fits the bill!
I’m a Beagle person, but they aren’t hypoallergenic so . . .
July 16, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I second Boston Terrier. Obama would be the first African American president (not counting Bill Clinton of course) and the dog would be the first Boston Terrier in the White House!
July 16, 2008 at 5:36 pm
The country needs a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be first dog. They are beautiful and good-hearted.
July 16, 2008 at 6:08 pm
American Bulldog
Extremely patriotic and tough on defense
July 16, 2008 at 6:22 pm
The very definition of hubris and lack thereof.
July 16, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Border Collie - very smart and energetic for a young family
July 16, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Obviously - a pit bull. Those people love dog fights.
July 16, 2008 at 7:31 pm
There is only one logical, true choice: the Basset Hound.
July 16, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I second Mickey’s recommendation of a Cavalier King Charles. And given the fact that Reagan had one too, this will be yet another component of President Obama’s reach across the partisan divide…
July 16, 2008 at 8:36 pm
You are all wrong.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
American Breed
Loyal w/o the Labrador/Golden health Problems
No Dander: no allergy
Silly dog great with kids
Smart as you let ‘em be.
Regionally close to DC, good for jumping into the Potomac and breaking through ice!
July 16, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Dogs should look like their owners.
Weimereiner.
July 16, 2008 at 9:02 pm
A Border Collie would be quite helpful in herding Congress into coalitions. Intelligent. Cute. Hard Workers.
July 16, 2008 at 9:14 pm
The Obama family doesn’t need to go to a shelter to rescue a dog — they could rescue one of the breed or mix they like by checking the pertinent rescue network. If they wanted to rescue a poodle, which is what I did, they could start looking online, find a poodle located so that they can get to know it before finalizing the rescue, and start visiting. If the poodle is healthy with no major behavior problems — and many rescue poodles are both — and if they (all five of them) click, for a small fee to keep the rescue network going, the Obamas can take their poodle home. A volunteer will help to ensure it’s a really good match, so that the adoption will not have to be disrupted. If they do this, they will get a great dog through exercising both compassion and due diligence — a perfect message to send their well-wishers.
July 16, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Forget dogs - they’re tired, loud and unsubtle. The Obamas should get a cat.
July 17, 2008 at 12:38 am
I love Border Collies, BUT they are not PETS. They are working dogs. They LIVE TO WORK!
Don’t get a Border Collie.
Shelter dogs…especially crossbreeds, or mutts, are often very smart dogs, and can be loving, brave, playful, and loyal.
The choice should be mutual: the dog should indicate that he likes the people.
Some breeds do not make good pets. Hounds like to roam.
Many purebreds, bred for specific purposes…type of work or sport…and not suitable for pets.
Mutts are good.
Personally, I love regular collies. Very loyal and family oriented…if they have had a “normal” puppyhood.
July 17, 2008 at 8:13 am
He and his family should get a shiba inu! Why not???? They are adorable and rarely bark. Mine is named Kaleb Imperial.
July 17, 2008 at 9:07 am
A pomeranian. It’s a cute, fluffy, vivacious dog who will love to pose for the press and so portable they can take it anywhere.
July 17, 2008 at 9:16 am
The Obama’s should adopt an ex-racing greyhound. Not only are they fully trained but their temperament is ideal for his daughters, affectionate and gentle. Just give them a soft bed and they will love you forever because they are the laziest dogs ever! This adoption would offer the plus of rescuing instead of buying while offering an adult dog a new life. Plus, if you think that the dogs should look like their owners , the greyhound is a perfect match for the tall and slender Obama.
July 17, 2008 at 7:18 pm
let the girls see a number of pups, some mixed, some purebreed; I have a boston terier, a welsh springer spaniel and a scottie- cairn mix, all are good dogs, but for girls who want to cuddle and be loved by their dog, m y vote goes to my welshie, not a mean bone in her body, smart, easily trainedand loyal beyond belief; they call them “velcro dogs’, plus, most breedes have been very good with keeping the breed genetically sound; only down side is they would become too popular and overbred, but for kids, this is the dog.
July 17, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I’m sure he’ll go to a shelter and adopt a dark, mixed-breed dog. Those are the hardest to place. Bush, to his credit, went to a shelter and adopted a dark, adult cat, which are the hardest cats to place.
July 17, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I agee with many posts above, that instead of getting a purebred dog Obama should adopt one from a shelter.
August 4, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Wow…this post has become a microcosm of precisely what’s wrong with American politics. Bernie posted (quite sensibly) on the issue of dog breeding (which is often inhumane, and does nothing for the current overpopulation problem endemic to feral companion animals), not on the issue of which breed the Obamas should choose. Yet somehow in the comments on the post we’ve strayed gravely off the original topic and are bickering about goldendoodles, which, admittedly, are hilarious. This bespeaks a greater issue, particularly with gen X/Y-ers–the overarching need to make light of, to render ironic or trivial. Even looking back at the Bush presidency, I see a general lack of authentic critique, and instead see a laundry list of Bushisms–mangled phrases, things that are laughable. And this in light of things that are truly horrible.
Maybe John Hughes’s films are to blame–they used up all the best authentic sentiment and now we’re just left with callow irony and goldendoodles.
November 5, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Cavalier king charles spanial
November 5, 2008 at 9:13 pm
They should adopt an American Pit Bull Terrier no doubt. They get such a bad rap, but have been and still are the ideal family companion. In the 1950s the Pit Bull was the “golden retriever” of today. Thomas Edison owned one, as did Woodrow Wilson. And if any canine needs a CHANGE its the pit bull! Loyal, and loving defiantly not the monsters the media and Peta make them out to be. Save the pit bulls!! No Bread Specific Legislation !!
November 6, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I recommend a Brussels Griffon. They are loyal and loving with the cutest expressions. Hearty yet small and light so the girls can cuddle and carry him/her with them. You can never hold or pet one too much. Also, they do not shed and hardly ever bark. They are inteligent and easy to house train. They love to travel a lot too! They can keep up with little ones, yet are not hyper or jumpy and will follow the girls everywhere. They come in a variety of colors from red to belge to black and can be smooth coat or rough coat. Can’t go wrong with one!
November 8, 2008 at 10:10 am
I think he should get a shiba inu because they are hyper-allergenic and his wife is allergic to dogs. I have one and im not allergic to him at all. Plus there great dogs