Of all the pictures of Bo Obama that Unleashed has been faithfully documenting since the First Puppy's debut last spring, the ones that show him interacting with his family are the best. (Like these.)

You have to love this one, of the president giving Bo a scratch on his oh-so-furry belly. Bo's tongue is out. Clearly he's in doggie heaven. 

Even better -- the rub-down is happening on the edge of the Oval Office, where important matters of state and belly rubs happen.

BONUS BO: MOST EXCELLENT BO RELATED BUSINESS AFTER THE JUMP!

Continue reading "Bo Obama: That's the spot" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

We haven't had fresh Bo in a few weeks. Perhaps he'd been lying low for a while following the No. 2 on Air Force One dustup....

It's nice to see the First Puppy thriving.....tennis ball in mouth.

Dale Haney, superintendent of the White House grounds, can often be seen with Bo. He's amazed by the public's fascination with White House pets. "Sometimes I think they're more interested in the pets than the president," he told the Associated Press.

Bo Obama plays outside the White House on Oct. 26. In the smaller photo, Bo holds his own leash as he walks on the South Lawn. (AP Photos/Alex Brandon)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama
        

While appearing on Jay Leno's new show, First Lady Michelle Obama, looking really pretty in a "Mad Men"-style dress, talked a little about First Dog Bo. Jay asked her 10 questions including one, of course, about the pup: How did you celebrate the dog's birthday? ...A cake made of "veal stuff"? That bro Cappy stole most of? Awesomeness.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama, Fun stuff
        

Say it isn't so, Bo!

The Wall Street Journal speculates today that the First Puppy left a little something in the aisle of Air Force One. And it wasn't a bone.

Of course it's all unnamed sources, so who knows what to believe. But the paper quotes one supposed eyewitness saying: "You can imagine the horror on board when they discovered what it had done."

They add that a flight attendent "nearly stepped in it."

Poor Bo. A dog's gotta go when a dog's gotta go. And you know how those airplane bathrooms are.....

White House sources are apparently denying. The Journal says: "A White House press official was certain — the scoop on the poop was a crock. The press office checked with the Air Force One flight crew who said Bo had not desecrated the jet."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Animal advocates are banning together, hoping to whisper a little message into President Obama's ear: Bo Needs a Friend.

That's actually now an official campaign to get the First Puppy a playmate, with its very own website.

Organizers, which include representatives from Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles, Best Friends and the Companion Animal Protection Society, are trying to organize a letter writing and email campaign so that the First Family will adopt a shelter dog to keep Bo company. Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, came from a breeder, a gift from Sen. Edward Kennedy.

There's an unmistakeable undercurrent of anger in the group's mission -- they're upset that the Obama family missed an opportunity to send a message about the pet overpopulation in the country and the importance of adopting.

For whatever reason, I'm sure Bo would enjoy some dog play on the White House lawn.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama, Fun stuff
        

Sure, everyone knows the President was on David Letterman last night. But the First Puppy got some airtime as well. Among a few other fun photos of Obama's first months in office, Letterman flashed this picture of the president playing with Bo on the White House lawn. A classic.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Ah, sweet, fresh, Bo....

This one was just yesterday at the White House. President Barack Obama's daughters Sasha and Malia wait with puppy Bo as the Marine One presidential helicopter lands on the South Lawn. They wanted to greet their dad upon his return from a trip to Ohio and Pennsylvania.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images.

Continue reading "A Bo Obama greeting committee" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

First Puppy Bo Obama, fresh off his Martha's Vineyard vacation with the family, boards the plane home in Cape Cod and arrives at Andrews Air Force base in Washington. He disembarks from Air Force One with his "I love Obama" leash on and throngs of paparazzi to capture his every bark.  JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images.

Continue reading "Bo comes home" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Who do you love?

There's no doubt here. Bo loves Obama. Of course he is an Obama. Oh well. Healthy self-esteem never hurt a puppy.

The Obama family dog, Bo, lies on a carpet in the White House on July 27. Official White House photo by Chuck Kennedy.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

In the sea of tributes emerging to Sen. Edward Kennedy, who passed away last night, a tiny one to remember is that he's the guy who gave the country First Puppy Bo.

The Kennedy family loved Portuguese Water Dogs and when they found out the Obama family wanted a dog for their girls, and that it had to be hypoallergenic, Sen. Kennedy arranged for the puppy that would become Bo.

The Kennedy family had owned three dogs from the Texas kennel where Bo was born. Bo is from the same lineage as the Kennedy's Porties.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Here are a few more shots of First Puppy Bo Obama as he arrives at Cape Cod to begin his weeklong Martha's Vineyard vacation with the Obamas. The island has already rolled out the red carpet for him -- there was a dog parade in his honor over the weekend.

White House staff holds fuzzy Bo at the Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station. JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images.

Continue reading "Bo does vacation" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

It's our first glipse of the vacationing Bo Obama!! The Obama family dog is walked to the grass by his handler before boarding the helicopters in Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station, Mass., on Sunday. Hopefully we'll see more Bo as the Obama's Martha's Vineyard vacation unfolds. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

It's been sooooo long since we've seen any fresh images of First Puppy Bo Obama, that when this picture moved on the wire, even though it's just basically his butt, I had to jump on it.

It's President Barack Obama, Malia, Sasha, and first lady Michelle Obama greeting the dog as they arrived back at the White House on Monday after their trip out West. The girls reportedly ran across the lawn to see their pup. AP Photo/Charles Dharapak.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

John Farrington shows off a hat he designed featuring the most famous of Portuguese Water Dog's Bo Obama. He's in Edgartown, Mass., on the island of Martha's Vineyard. President Barack Obama and his family will visit Martha's Vineyard and stay at the Blue Heron Farm off South Road in Chilmark while on vacation during the last week of August. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

A little bit of sad news to report... The breeder who brought us the Portuguese water dog puppy who would become the nation's first dog has died.

Martha B. Watson Stern, who lived in Texas, was 73. She died July 21 at a hospital in Charlottesville., Va., where she and her husband, Art, had a summer home. Her obituary did not list a cause of death.

The couple became famous in April as breeders of Bo Obama, the Portuguese water dog that became the pet of President Obama, his wife and their two daughters.

Art Stern told the Dallas Morning News that the couple became interested in Portuguese water dogs while watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in the 1980s.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

With Bo Obama at home back in the U.S.A., President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle are mixing it up with a cat during a visit to the presidential residence outside Moscow in Gorki on July 6. It's unclear if the kitty has a name. Great tail on that cat though! Russia's Dmitry Medvedev and Obama were meeting to discuss Afghanistan and cutting their nuclear arsenals. MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/AFP/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, First Dog Bo Obama
        

While Baltimore's pet community was certainly showed a venerable turnout on July Fourth, particular at the American Visionary Arts Museum's annual parade, (See pictures of that here, and here and also here), First Puppy Bo Obama had a little parade of his own. He kind of paraded about the White House lawn on July 4th. He celebrated Indepence Day here on the north side of the White House. AP Photo/Alex Brandon.

For more Bo Obama, click here.

And if you have pictures of your own pets on parade, either from this Fourth of July or some other parade, submit them here to show off to all the online world.

Continue reading "Bo Obama sets off cuteness fireworks " »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Aloha! U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, first lady Michelle Obama, Malia Obama and family dog Bo arrived on June 25 at a luau for members of Congress and their families on the South Lawn of the White House. In a celebration of the president's home state, the South Lawn was decorated with tiki torches and palm huts and the meal prepared by famous Hawaiian chef Alan Wong. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

Continue reading "Bo Obama enjoys Congressional luau" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

In case yours hasn't arrived in the mail, here's what the official First Dog Bo Obama baseball card looks like -- front and back.

It includes all sorts of nifty details about the nation's puppy in chief. Did you know his favorite workout is going for a run? Did you know where his name comes from? Did you know his favorite foods? Do you know who he's been spotted canoodling with?

Here's how to get one.

To read more about the always adorable White House resident, click here.

Photo of card, from Official White House photos.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

According to the Washington Post, when the president takes his kids out for a treat -- he makes sure to include ALL the kids.

President Obama was spotted taking his daughters Saturday to an ice cream shop in Alexandria, Va, called The Dairy Godmother. He bought himself and the girls frozen custard. But he made sure to take home a package of frozen "puppy pops" for First Dog Bo.

The Post reports: "President Obama and his girls motorcaded over to Alexandria from the White House this afternoon. Malia had a waffle cone of vanilla custard and Sasha had her vanilla custard in a cup. The president enjoyed a cup of vanilla custard with hot fudge and toasted almonds, a pool reporter was told by the shopkeeper. The three were in the shop for about 15 minutes, where they sat at a table to enjoy their snacks.

"As they left, the trio received applause from the staff and customers inside and a small crowd outside. Carrying a bag of frozen "puppy pops" for the First Dog, Bo, Obama waved to the crowd before stepping into his SUV for the short jaunt back to the White House."

Official White House photo of First Puppy Bo Obama.

For more on everyone's favorite Portuguese Water Dog, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

And now it's a baseball card....

Our sweet little First Puppy, shown here in his new and official White House portrait, now has his own baseball cards.

USA Today reports, The cards include all kinds of details, such as where the First Dog was born and what are his favorite foods.

Katie McCormick Lelyveld, the first lady's press secretary told USA Today that copies of Bo's baseball cards can be obtained by simply sending him a request. Address all correspondence to:

Bo Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

The official portrait of the Obama family dog, "Bo", a Portuguese water dog, on the South Lawn of the White House. White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy.

For more on Bo, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

First lady Michelle Obama gets casual for a walk on the South Lawn of the White House with First Puppy Bo on June 14. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

We've seen pictures of this April day before, but not this shot. The White House just released this one today. Here President Barack Obama and his daughters Malia and Sasha play with their new dog Bo on the South Lawn of the White House, April 14, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson.

To get even more of a Bo Obama fix, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Continue reading "Bo Obama's tricks and treats" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

The Koesener toy company is the latest to jump on Bo's cuddly, cuddly bandwagon. Koesener Spielzeugmanufaktur Managing director Helmut Schache debuted the stuffed toy this week in Bad Koesen, eastern Germany. AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz.

Ok. So he's a Beanie Baby. He's a watch. He's a comic book hero? What next?

For more on the ever-fluffy Bo, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Bo Obama's got cuteness, panache and now -- an itch for advocacy work?

According to the blog, Bo the First Puppy, In Bones We Trust, the first Portugese Water Dog is raising awareness for the National Canine Cancer Foundation. 

In fact, the puppy has allowed his image to be put on a watch to benefit the foundation. Ten percent from the sale of each Bo the First Puppy watch will go the the cause, which helps pay for research into canine cancer.

"Like the president," Bo supposedly writes on the blog, "I felt it was my duty to raise awareness and funds for a special type of campaign…and that campaign is one that can help save lives of dogs and puppies around the world. I know people things get cancer and other terrible diseases, but did you know that every one-out-of-three dogs get cancer? That’s a doggone shame. "

The puppy watches are $45.

For more on Bo Obama, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama
        

That Bo is one lucky dog. Eating from a silver spoon and sipping from, well, a bowl that's a replica of the White House.

According to stories all over the British press, including this one in the UK Telegraph, Barack Obama ordered a specially designed travel bowl from Road Refresher.

Designer Natalie Ellis created the bowl complete with Bo's name in rhinestones.

According to the company, the bowl promises to reduce slobber by 90 percent. Bo, are you having a hard time holding your drool?

The plain version of the bowl sells for about 12 pounds. Whatever that is in the U.S. More, I guess. And I suppose it's priceless in the shape of the White House.

Photo of Bo Obama's bowl from Road Refresher. 

For more on the adorable Bo Obama, click here. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Comic book company Bluewater Productions is set to release a book starring First Puppy Bo Obama.

Puppy Power: Bo Obama, which is for children, is scheduled for a September release. The company is also planning comics about Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Pretty sure those won't be as much fun.

The book is written by Paul J. Salamoff and drawn by Emmy Award winning Disney and Warner Brothers artist Keith Tucker. Bluewater says there will be two covers for the book.

Another Bo title, Bo, America's Commander in Leash, is already available. That one's by Mascot Books.

Getty Images photo of Bo by Saul Loeb

Find out more about Puppy Power and the political comic series from the comic book company here. 

More about adorable Bo, here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

President Barack Obama runs away from the family dog, Bo, during a brief break from meetings on the South Lawn of the White House on May 12, 2009. The president is pretty dressed up for football on the lawn. Then again, Bo is still wearing his leash. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

For more on First Pup Bo Obama, click here. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

The newest member of the Beanie Baby family is a shaggy black and white pooch who looks a lot like First Puppy Bo Obama.

According to a story in Huffington Post, the Bo beanie is selling fast.

Ty Inc. introduced the stuffed animal on April 16, two days after Bo the Portuguese Water Dog made his White House debut in a photo session with President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, the Associated Press reported.

"We are very proud of the First Family and wanted to join in celebrating their choice of a family pet," Ty chief executive officer Ty Warner said in a statement. He also told the Associated Press the company will donate a portion of its profits from the "Bo" doll to local animal shelters.

Continue reading "Bo's a Beanie!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

I knew Bo, the First Dog, would factor into a few punchlines at tonight's White House Correspondents' Association dinner. President Barack Obama only mentioned Bo by name once, but the Portuguese water dog puppy was a presence in two of his jokes. Bo got off easier than Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh or Larry Summers. The jokes were more political than pet-oriented, but here they are:

-- "All this change hasn't been easy. Change never is. So I've cut the tension by bringing a new friend to the White House. He's warm, he's cuddly, loyal, enthusiastic. You just have to keep him on a tight leash. Every once in a while, he goes charging off in the wrong direction and gets himself into trouble. But enough about Joe Biden."

-- "In the next 100 days, we will house train our dog Bo, because the last thing Tim Geithner needs is someone else treating him like a fire hydrant."

Wild woman Wanda Sykes (above), who was the featured entertainer at the event, closed with a joke that mentioned the First Dog:  

-- "They even gave you grief about the dog, about Bo. You know, animal rights people on you, 'Why didn't you get a rescue dog? Why didn't you get a rescue dog?' Look, the man has to rescue a country that's been abused by its previous owner. Let him have a fresh start with a dog."

Photo by Richard Hartog/Los Angeles Times 

Posted by Mary Corey at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

On Twitter, there's a fluffly black Portuguese water dog who claims to be the nation's First Pup.

Though it's likely something less than true, it's kind of fun to imagine Bo Obama holed up in a Wi-Fi spot in the White House, throwing down his thoughts on things like:

*this garden is sooooo much fun to bury bones in

*for all you chicagoans Bo Obama is hoping for a Bulls win tonight!

*sasha needs to learn to stop pulling my hair!

*mmmmmmmmm, nothing better than a belly rub!

Real or otherwise, his Twitter account has more than 1,200 followers.

Bo Obama watches as President Obama walks across the South Lawn recently. MANDEL NGAN/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

The White House has released new photos of First Dog Bo Obama getting to know the West Wing. By the looks of things, the doggie seems to be bringing the nation's powerbrokers to heel. All photos were taken by White House Photographer Pete Souza.

White House Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations Brian Mosteller, maybe not so much a dog person, attempts to protect his shoes as he plays with Bo Obama in the Cabinet Room at the White House on April 21.

Continue reading "Bo Obama: Master of the house" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Bo Obama wants to know: Where do you keep the squirrels?

Pictured: White House Horticulturist Dale Haney walks with Bo, the Obama family's new, outside the Oval Office of the White House. We can only imagine that Haney spent some of the walk encouraging Bo to avoid the new White House vegetable garden. Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

We're getting to know Bo. Today we learned from First Lady Michelle Obama that the First Dog is "kind of crazy."

She was meeting with more than 100 children visiting the White House for Take Your Child to Work Day, and a hot topic was, of course, the six-month-old Portuguese water dog that joined the family last week. 

Here are some of our favorite quotes from the First Lady, and what they might say about the still-emerging personality of the pet that the president promised his daughters, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10.

-- "It was like 10 o'clock. Everybody was asleep and we hear all this barking and jumping around. The president and I came out and we thought somebody was out there. And it was just Bo. He was playing with his ball."

Our take: Bo is going to be the night owl of the family.

-- "He loves to chew on people's feet." 

Our take: Portuguese water dogs are known to be "mouthy," so no surprise here that he likes to nibble on toes. Entertaining him with toys, as many Portie owners have pointed out, is the answer. 

-- "Right now I'm taking care of this puppy, so I'm doing a lot of dog walking and dog training.''

Our take: We always suspected that Michelle Obama would be in charge of Bo's care within the family. You could even see that during his official debut.

-- When one child asked what would happen if Bo ran away, she replied: "I think everyone at the White House would probably help go out and find him. That's why we're working on training him, so that he doesn't run away and he listens when we call him. And so far he's doing OK, so we hope we don't have that problem."  

Our take: Something tells us that the Secret Service wouldn't allow the world's most famous dog to go far.

Photo by Alex Wong/AFP/Getty Images: Michelle Obama takes questions from children today during a Take Your Child to Work Day event in the East Room of the White House.

FOR MORE:

See the LATEST PICTURE of Bo.

Read extensive coverage of the First Dog.

Check out the Bo Obama photo gallery .

Posted by Mary Corey at 7:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Bo is already getting the welcome-home thing down. In his latest picture, the six-month-old Portuguese water dog watches as President Barack Obama returns to the White House from a trip to Iowa.

Photo/April 22, 2009: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Posted by Mary Corey at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Bo Obama has become an instant celebrity, the subject of books, gossip, a magazine cover and a new Beanie Baby. Here's a look at the latest news about the famous six-month-old Portuguese water dog:

A book deal. Mascot Books is about to release Bo, America's Commander in Leash. According to the publisher, the book  details the adventures of the first dog as he learns about the traditions of the White House, including the Easter Egg Roll, Fourth of July fireworks, and festivities surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Modeling for Beanie Babies. Ty, the toy company that got in trouble earlier this year for its Sasha and Malia dolls, has introduced Beanie Baby Bo. According to the company, proceeds will go to support animal shelters. So far, the Obamas haven't protested this doll like they did the girl dolls.

A less-fortunate relative. Bo's half-sister Ruby has been found in a small town in Minnesota. According to published reports, she and Bo have the same father, but the two have never met. But Bo, who lives the life of fame and fortune, has so far ignored his older sister.

Magazine cover. The current issue of The New Yorker features a Bob Staake illustration of Bo on the White House lawn. Staake says he has written his own book about the first dog but hasn't found a publisher. Bet it won't be long.

Posted by Liz Atwood at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Bo Obama, the first family's new Portuguese water dog, became the source of many jokes in the last week. Jimmy Fallon came up with this one:

"The Obamas have a new White House dog. It is a Portuguese water dog named Bo. Bo arrived just in time, because Sasha and Malia were getting tired of throwing Frisbees at Joe Biden."

You can find others on Daniel Kurtzman's Political Humor Blog.

Tribune photo by Nancy Stone/April 14, 2009: President Barack Obama with daughters Malia, left, and Sasha walk Bo on the South Lawn of the White House.

FOR MORE:

See a PHOTO GALLERY of the first dog.

Read EXTENSIVE COVERAGE of Bo.

Watch VIDEO of the first trick we think Bo should learn.

Posted by Mary Corey at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

OK, OK, we know some people have hit Bo Obama overload, but we couldn't let the week end without calling attention to a comment left by Bucky.

Before Bo had even arrived at the White House, the six-month-old Portuguese water dog was catching some grief from Brit Hume of Fox News, who called him a "girly" dog, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich who called the whole thing stupid.

Bucky, in his wisdom, had this to say: "Anybody who thinks a Portugese Water Dog is a 'girly' dog, doesn't know anything about them.

"They are the Michael Phelps of the canine world."

What does Phelps think of being compared to the president's Portuguese water dog?

Continue reading "Is Bo Obama "the Michael Phelps" of dogs? " »

Posted by Mary Corey at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Bo, President Obama's adorable Portuguese water dog, arrived at the White House this afternoon at last. With cameras rolling, the President, first lady Michelle and daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, introduced the world to their new pet on the White House South Lawn.

What a charming picture they presented. The girls were dancing around in excitement. The president, dressed in a suit, was smiling broadly and chatting with reporters. He commented that Bo is a "good-looking dog" and that "I've finally got a friend." He joked that Michelle's new garden is in danger. You can read about the threat on Susan Reimer's blog Garden Variety.

But did you notice that Michelle was the one crouched down petting the dog and leading Bo on the leash when the family walked away? 

Bo might be the long-promised present to the girls, but we know who's going to be walking the dog in the rain -- Mom.

Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

FOR MORE:

See a PHOTO GALLERY of the first dog.

Read EXTENSIVE COVERAGE about Bo.

Watch VIDEO of the first trick we think Bo should learn.

Posted by Liz Atwood at 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

The crafty bloggers at Gawker have stumbled on a picture of a very young Bo Obama on his breeders Web site. He was called "Amigo's New Hope" at the time.

The Obama's new dog is expected to make his White House debut sometime this afternoon. CNN reported this morning that the dog would have his big moment in the media spotlight after Sasha and Malia returned home from school today. But reporter Suzanne Malveaux did hedge her bets a bit, explaining that the soggy weather could delay the fun.

(Photo courtesy of Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs)

Posted by Tim Swift at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

So it’s a pretty good bet that more people will want to make the Obamas’ new pet their new family pet after all the hoopla and news coverage over Bo. You look at that cute black puffball in the rainbow lei and think, “I want one!” But hold up, wait a minute. What looks cute, awesome and placid in picture form, is actually a really energetic breed (although still cute and awesome).

So we asked an expert to give us a Portuguese water dog reality check, to talk us down from making any hasty decisions. Diane Keppen, a veteran Annapolis breeder of Portuguese Water Dogs, happily agreed to help us out.

“Many of my friends who are breeders are very concerned about the fact that this wonderful breed will go the way of the Dalmatian,” she says. “Like all the wonderful breeds that become popular, some people think ‘look at that cute little dog on TV’ … and don’t realize that this dog likes to greet you with a body slam.”

Keppen says that last part jokingly, but there is some truth to the quip.

“They are a working breed, very athletic, very high energy,” she says. “They need to work, and they need to have something to do, or they will find some thing to do, which may not be what you had in mind.”

Keppen does not currently have any dogs available to adopt (we know you were wondering), but here is some of her tough love advice to prospective PWD owners:

Continue reading "Snap out of it! Our Portuguese water dog reality check " »

Posted by Tim Swift at 8:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Watch out, Reggie Love. The president may have a new exercise buddy. 

 (AP Photo/Pete Souza, White House/March 15, 2009)

FOR MORE:

Words of wisdom for the Obamas from Portuguese water dog owners

The Obama girls name their dog Bo

Extensive coverage of the First Dog

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

First daughters Sasha and Malia are getting their puppy at last, but we know who's going to take care of it. Mom, of course.

That's the way it always is. Four years ago, my sons begged for a dog, saying it was all they ever wanted and that they would take care of it. Today, the boys, who are about Sasha and Malia's age, love their dog as much as ever. The older one insists on sleeping with him each night. But who walks and feeds the dog? Usually I do. I have to contantly remind the boys to take the dog out for his afternoon walk.

Some kids are more willing to share the work. You can listen to kids who help care for their dogs here. But when it comes to picking up the poo, even these responsible kids say no.

FOR MORE:

DOs and DON'Ts for the First Dog

Playing the name game with Bo

Extensive coverage of the Obamas' new pet

Posted by Liz Atwood at 5:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

A&E Editor Tim Swift has more on First Dog Bo:

Yeah the pictures are cute, but not everyone is in love with Bo Obama. The young Portuguese water dog hasn't even had his official White House debut and GOP trash talk and the "gay" rumors have already started.

Yesterday on ABC's This Week, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich seemed rather grumpy at the prospect of the first dog's arrival. "I hope that the girls love the dog," he said. "I hope the family ... and all the pressure they’re going to be in ... finds it useful. And I think that this whole thing is fairly stupid."

Continue reading "Has the Bo backlash begun?" »

Posted by Tim Swift at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

A&E Editor Tim Swift offers this guest post on First Dog Bo Obama and the many Bos that have made the name famous before him.

So we all know by now that the first dog was named (partly) for rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley (left). But the blues guitarist isn't the only famous Bo. 

Sometimes short for Beauregard, it's a verstile name that works both for a man or a woman. So we did some digging and found that the first dog could have some intriguing alternative namesakes. Here are our top four, but free feel to add your own list to the comments section.

Continue reading "Playing the name game with Bo" »

Posted by Tim Swift at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

In politics and pet ownership, if you really want to understand what you're getting yourself into, it's best to talk to people who have been there before you. 

In that spirit, we turned to owners of Portuguese water dogs and asked them what guidance they would give President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, on raising Bo, their 6-month-old puppy.

Granted, the Obamas have a White House staff to help them. But we figured they'd still appreciate a few words of wisdom from the Portie pros out there. 

Alison and Robert of Oakland, Ca., owners of Maggie (right), almost 4, suggested:

1. INVEST IN TOYS: Toys are a must. What I read was no less than 6, although Maggie is quite spoiled.  Her favorite is pink pig, followed by yellow bear.  She likes the stuffed ones better than the plastic or rubber dolls. 

2. TRAINING IS KEY: We hide treats and play hide and seek.  She sits in the backroom and waits while we hide little cookies around the house.  She trained well, and I would highly recommend puppy school.  She loves to give a high 5 (especially if a treat awaits), sit, stay, lie down, leave it, take it, let's go. When staying in the doggy hotel, she would do agility. PWDs are quite good at that, and you could tell she loved it!
So training!

3. HIT THE WATER: A pool, a nice river or lake is a requirement!  They love their water, and Maggie will even shuffle around in a 2-inch puddle of water if that is all she can find!

Tina Tomblin of Columbus, Ohio, owner of Dudley (left), 17 months, suggested: 

1. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE: Portuguese water dogs are high-energy pups who demand attention! Offer frequent runs outdoors.

2. INVEST IN CHEAP TOYS. Buy many toys, but don't spend a lot. We get the $2 toys as Dudley will find a way to pull the stuffing out in no time!

3. TEACH RELAXATION, TOO: Scratch him until his tail curls back (that's a sign he's relaxed).

Continue reading "Raising Bo Obama: Portuguese water dog owners show the way" »

Posted by Mary Corey at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

We should have known Hope would get in there somewhere. We're only surprised that Change didn't as well.

We're talking, of course, about the name of the six-month-old Portuguese water dog that will officially call the White House home beginning Tuesday.

The Obama girls, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, have named their new dog Bo, but Mark Silva in The Swamp points out that the dog's registered name, according to the American Kennel Club, is a bit longer: "Amigo's New Hope.''

That name often references the kennel where the dog was bred. The AKC reports that the Obamas' puppy was bred by Art and Martha Stern, long-time breeders near Dallas. Their kennel is called Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs.

The naming of the dog is actually even more complicated than that. Before he was Bo, he was owned by another family and called Charlie. He was returned to the breeder, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an owner of three Portuguese water dogs, is now giving the dog to the Obamas as a gift. Bo is a litter-mate of Kennedy's Portie named Cappy. 

The AKC has a new Web site devoted to the first dog.

For more on Bo's name, click here.

FOR MORE:

DOs and DON'Ts for Bo

The debate over PHOTOS of the first dog

Will Bo really be Sasha and Malia's responsibility?

Posted by Mary Corey at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have been clear about wanting their daughters, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, to take responsibility for Bo, the family's new Portuguese Water Dog.

But who within the family can be expected to do most of the work (when, of course, the White House staff isn't around)?

Our bet is on Malia.

From reading the Washington Post, it's clear that she takes her role as pet owner seriously. In the family's first meet-and-greet with Bo, Malia was the one focused on the training and care for the now six-month-old dog. She had even done "extensive research," according a source quoted by the Post.

Something tells me Bo and Malia will be likethis.

(AP Photo/The White House, Pete Souza): In this undated photo released by the White House, President Barack Obama holds his daughter Sasha as he pets the family's new dog, Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog.

SEE MORE:

Playing the name game with Bo

PHOTO of Bo and the president during their first "workout"

Bo's other name: 'Amigo's New Hope'

Posted by Mary Corey at 2:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)
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Firstdogcharlie.com posted a picture (left) yesterday that the site said was of the Obama family's new pet. The news about the arrival of 6-month-old Portuguese water dog Bo came out today, and the White House released this photo (right by Pete Souza). The White House calls the picture on the firstdogcharlie.com site "bogus," according to the Washington Post.

We present both images. You decide.

Posted by Mary Corey at 1:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

DOs and DON'Ts for President Obama's new dog, Bo.

DO

1. Get along with the staff. Like Socks before you, you may eventually end up living with one of them.

2. Make friends with Joe Biden's German shepherd puppy Champ. Everybody in Washington needs an ally.

3. Insist on lots of exercise. The Obamas are into working out in a big way. (You've seen Michelle's arms, right?) They can make you part of their exercise routine.

4. Learn a trick. We recommend the fist bump (see video above). It's big in the family and will help you fit in.

DON'T

1. Pull a Barney and bite the press. George W.'s Scottish terrier may have gotten away with it, but President Obama is into civility -- even toward the media.

2. Make chew toys of Michelle's shoes. If you absolutely can't resist, choose the Jimmy Choos from the Inauguration. She's worn them twice, and the color is tough to match. 

3. Become too curious about the White House's new kitchen garden. It's a very high-profile pursuit at the moment. Sniffing, digging or, um, fertilizing the garden will not win over the staff or public.

4. Let anyone snap pictures of you licking where dogs sometimes like to lick. There's this thing called the Internet. And quicker than you can wag your tail, these embarrassing photos will be everywhere.

Do you have other DOs and DON'Ts for Bo? Please fill us in.

Posted by Mary Corey at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Now that we know the Obamas' pet is a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog named Bo, we turned to dog trainer extraordinaire Cesar Millan for advice on how the Obamas can get off on the right foot with the dog. (It might help if the Obamas tuned in to Millan's show, Dog Whisperer, on National Geographic Channel Fridays at 8 p.m.)

The word is that Bo came from a Texas breeder, was sold to a family and then brought back. Knowing how spirited Portuguese water dogs can be, that makes us a little nervous for Bo. How can the dog make sure his first 100 days in the White House are a success? Millan had the answers:

1. Bo is going to be the world's most famous dog with nearly every bark and misbehavior chronicled. What are the most important training tips for a dog getting all that attention?                                                       Establish leadership from day one! Start off with a nice, long walk. This is the best way to bond with the new dog. Make sure Bo is next to you or behind you. Canine pack leaders walk in front. Establish rules, boundaries and leadership right from the start, and be consistent. Don't send Bo a mixed message. Then, at the end of the day when he is in resting mode, you can share all that affection you've been storing up!

By starting off right, the family can help prevent bad behavior down the road, such as excessive barking, leash-pulling or biting White House reporters.

2. Bo is new, but the house is old and rich in history. How can the Obamas make sure that this new dog doesn't rough up the Lincoln bedroom or the new White House vegetable garden?         Set rules, boundaries and limitations. Let Bo know that certain places are off-limits by claiming the area. Use your body, your mind and your calm-assertive energy to create an invisible wall that the dog is not allowed to cross.

If the family decides an area is off-limits for the dog, the dog should always be supervised in those areas. He should never be left alone there, especially in the first six months.

Continue reading "'Dog Whisperer' Cesar Millan's advice for First Dog Bo Obama" »

Posted by Mary Corey at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)
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Arts & Entertainment Editor Tim Swift, author of the popular Swift Picks, is the go-to guy for pop culture and also happens to be a history buff. He combines both interests in this entertaining guest post on the top 5 presidential pets.  -- MC

No. 1. | Fala

Yes, the Obama family’s puppy Bo is all the rage now. But young Bo will has his work cut out for him if he's ever going to match the popularity of Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottish terrier Fala. Murray the Outlaw of Falahill (or Fala for short) was a trailblazer. He was present at pivotal moments in world history like the signing of the Atlantic Charter. He had his own comic strip. He got so much fan mail a full-time secretary was hired to answer it. And like any member of the Washington elite, he had his own scandal. During the war, it was rumored that a lost Fala was retrieved from Alaska using a warship at great expense. But FDR deftly deflected the flap with a bit of satire. The president said in a 1944 speech that he and his family didn’t resent personal attacks, "but Fala does resent them ... his Scotch soul was furious ... he has not been the same dog since." That loyalty to his boss was richly rewarded. In honor of FDR's fondness for his scottie, Fala is the only pet that is part of a presidential monument.

Continue reading "Move over, Bo: Our top five presidential pets" »

Posted by Tim Swift at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Continue reading "Obama girls name their dog Bo" »

Posted by Mary Corey at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama