A dog for Obama
As we've reported here before, Republican presidential candidate John McCain has 24 pets, while Democratic contender Barack Obama has none.
As we've also reported, Obama has promised his family that, win or lose, they will get a dog when the campaign concludes.
Not that he needs any help with that task, but the American Kennel Club is offering some -- being so bold even as to recommend five breeds and create a website where we can vote on which the Obama family should have: presidentialpup.com. 
"The AKC has scoured all of the canine candidates to assess each breed’s credentials as potential first pet." the organization reports. Because of Obama's 
daughters’ allergies, AKC experts made the selection from a list of hypoallergenic breeds.
“Deciding what breed to get is as important as deciding whether to get a dog in the first place,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The first step in being a responsible pet owner is to do some serious and careful research to determine which breed of dog is right for you and your family.” 
You can vote before August 19, 2008 at www.presidentialpup.com where the winning breed will be announced.
Personally, my hope is Obama (A) wins (B) tells the AKC to take a hike and (C) opts for a shelter mutt.
But, for the record, here (with only a few edits and insertions) is what the AKC recommended, based on how child-friendly each breed was (Obama's daughters are 6 and 9); whether they were good travel companions, their energy level and temperament:
The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY) –- A small yet sturdy dog with a white, loosely curled double coat, Bichons are naturally sociable. They have a self-assured temperament and are likely to get along with just about everyone. Their active, alert and curious personalities make them easy to train, and the breed’s has a history of being a companion to noblemen in the courts of 16th-century France.
The Chinese Crested -– (pronounced chai-KNEES Crest'd) -- Their Chinese and African heritage makes for an exotic pedigree, and with its unique appearance it’s certain to turn heads. Coming in two varieties, hairless and the powderpuff, Cresteds are lively, playful and alert dogs with plenty of energy. While they are exceptionally loving and affectionate with children, they are only appropriate for mature children who can be taught to handle this diminutive breed gently and responsibly.
The Poodle (pronounced POOH-dull) -- Although often considered high-maintenance show dogs, Poodles are exceptionally smart and athletic. They excel in obedience training and even as hunting companions. The breed comes in three sizes. While their coat does require frequent grooming, their intelligence and versatility more than make up for the extra care. The Poodle is currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC registrations statistics, but it spent more than two decades in the top spot -- a testament to its suitability as a family pet.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s coat grows longer on his chin and over his eyes, giving him a scruffy appearance, but this intelligent, affectionate and loving breed makes a dignified companion. The breed’s playfulness and courageous spirit would likely make him an ambassador of goodwill in the White House. Despite their affable and gentle nature, they are true terriers and thus must be handled firmly, fairly and with consistency.
The Miniature Schnauzer -- Schnauzers also come in three sizes (although unlike the Poodle, each size is considered a separate breed). The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three breeds and is an active, alert dog who loves to be the center of the household. This versatile breed makes a sturdy playmate for kids, is highly intelligent and an excellent watchdog.
(Illustrations courtesy of American Kennel Club)
Comments
What he really needs is to adopt a Mutt from a shelter.
Posted by: Ted | July 9, 2008 6:45 AM
As the mom of two shelter mutts, that's my favorite option, too! But my stepdad has dog allergies, so I can understand how the Obama girls' allergies could rule out the lovable mutt option. Mom and stepdad have two standard poodles (minus the absurd hairdo) that are pretty great dogs.
Posted by: KristinB | July 9, 2008 9:54 AM
a mutt from the shelter would be great! as long as whatever mix they pick doesn't become the next over bred "designer" mix dog!
how about a retired racer? Greyhounds are great dogs and could use the PR ;)
Posted by: jen | July 9, 2008 12:38 PM
A mutt probably wouldn't be hypoallergenic. I support adopting animals from shelters, but not if it will conflict with health needs.
Posted by: Rachel | July 9, 2008 2:03 PM
Well, then I sure hope he looks into a breed rescue for whichever hypoallergenic breed they decide on! There are just as many purebreds (of all kinds) dying for homes too. After his buddy Oprah did her big expose on puppy mills (and said she'd be adopting from now on) you sure would hope that someone would lead him down that path as well.
Posted by: Amy | July 9, 2008 2:45 PM
Believe it or not, I actually sent an e-mail to Obama (or more accurately, to whatever peon is stuck sorting through his e-mail these days) a few months ago about this. As I told him (or whomever) it seems unAmerican for a US President not to have a dog and that he would seem more approachable and "of the people" if he and his family had one. Furthermore, since he's from Chicago, I pointed him in the direction of PAWS Chicago (www.pawschicago.com) and did a little PR for all the incredible things this pioneering no-kill shelter accomplishes in his own hometown. I wrote that it would set an amazing example for the public if he and his family adopted a shelter dog from PAWS Chicago. Of course, if he waits until after the election, then it would make more sense for him to adopt from a local DC area shelter, but there are certainly many to choose from.
Mutt Lovers for Obama!
Posted by: Julie | July 9, 2008 6:49 PM
I'm not entirely in favor of the Obama family adopting a 'shelter mutt'. Adopting a shelter dog is admirable (My dear friend Pansy is one)--but when a public persona opts for a mixed breed dog it can send a message that mixed breeds are admirable. Personally, I think good breeding of healthy sound dogs is preferable to accidental backyard procreation. I would tell the Obamas what I would tell any inexperienced family looking for a dog--buy from a reputable breeder!
Posted by: Maiasaura | July 9, 2008 7:28 PM
I know for a fact that Obama is aware of puppy mills and that the vast majority of purebreds come from them because there is a wonderful picture of him holding Baby, the 'spokesdog' for puppy mills, that lived in a cage at one for about 10 years and was about to be killed because she could no longer produce puppies. She was rescued literally the day she was going to be killed by the puppy millers.
The picture, and lots of other wonderful photos, as well as Baby's story and puppy mills is in the book "A Rare Breed of Love" by Jana Kohl. That is also the name of their website with some of the pictures and more info. I had the priviledge of meeting both of them and Baby is so happy with her life now and is a joy to see! She is a toy poodle with three legs and can't vocalize due to cut vocal cords from being in the puppy mill but she's very happy now and loves people, despite how she was treated for years!
Anyway, Obama knows her story and the evils of puppy mills so hopefully he will keep that in mind when they get a dog. I hope his family adopts from a shelter or rescue group.
Posted by: Linda | July 9, 2008 9:56 PM
John - Something went awry in your commenting system. The comment that I posted was credited to "Amy" and the comment below mine was credited as mine. As my comments link to my doggie bakery, I would greatly appreciate it if you would kindly fix this error. I do not want to misrepresent myself in any way. Thank you.
~Julie Newman
Posted by: Julie | July 10, 2008 5:25 PM
Julie,
Do not adjust your set. Nothing went awry, it's just confusing as heck. If you start with the first comment, you'll see that the poster's name appears underneath the comment -- and underneath the faint line. It would make more sense to have the thin rules separate the comments, rather than separate the comment from the commenter, but my attempts to point this out haven't produced any results. I'll point it out again though. Thanks.
Posted by: john woestendiek | July 10, 2008 10:18 PM
Isn't "pimp" a strange word to use for this? Or is it just another example of an OLD lady being out of touch in today's sexy society? ef
Posted by: ef cobb | July 11, 2008 12:35 AM
There are rescue groups for every breed including standard poodles which don't shed. We've just adopted another dog who was about to be killed. I've had both pure breds and mutts and there is no doubt in my mind that mutts are healthier and tend to be smarter. I wish everyone who wanted a dog would look online at petfinder.com and adopt. There are so many dogs waiting for homes and being killed for no reason other then no one wanted them.
Posted by: Daisy | July 11, 2008 2:06 PM
This is about a political spin to win based on a Yahoo poll conducted between June 13-23. The poll showed that if the election took place during the poll dates, McCain would win. Why? Pets. McCain has a small menagerie. Obama doesn't have a pet. A majority of active voters in America are pet owners and they trust another pet owner. So suddenly the Obama's need a dog. I am certain their daughters would have loved a pet (as all children would) prior to this poll. However, it wasn't a good idea until it would benefit daddy--Nice! Is this really the best situation for any pet? You can read all the details:
http://selfhelpguru.typepad.com/memoirs_of_a_selfproclaim/2008/07/political-machine-at-work.html
Posted by: itsmiadear | July 11, 2008 2:38 PM
Assuming the girls have either hypersensitivity issues or clear dog allergies, getting a shelter dog is probably not the best course of action for them. Outside of an established breed, it is very difficult to predict how a coat will handle and it can encourage designer mutts.
The girls are old enough that the family could get a breed rescue and work with them. With kids, this is a bit more risk though, so honestly, I would recommend working with the breed club of the desired breed to identify a breeder (honestly, they'll have to vet them like a political nominee) and get a puppy that way.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 14, 2008 9:46 AM
My Thor Saybone is one third cocker, one third min husky & one third samoyed-the most unconditionally loved mutt around & allergies or not, he is MY love & best friend.
Posted by: Kathey McMaster | July 16, 2008 2:18 PM
I think Obama doesn't need a pet to run this country, I myself am a pet lover and have 2dogs, adn over 26 barn cats and a heard of cows still think it is OK if Obama doesn't have a pet and if he did get a pet I would recemend a Doberman Pincher because they are vary protective and will be a life long companion.
Posted by: Sakema | October 1, 2008 9:42 PM
Yes Get a Shelter Dog.
A Mutt that is half Kansas Farm dog and half African Basenji would be perfect.
Sue
Posted by: Sue | November 5, 2008 9:59 AM
I think its a good idea for them to adopt a dog from a shelter because maybe more people would rescue dogs from shelters. Because since it should be already spayed/neutered its a perfect fit. No breeders please. Adopt from a rescue group or shelter. Beagles and buddies rock(hint for people in california)
Posted by: Susy | November 9, 2008 6:58 PM