The American Kennel Club recently conducted a poll asking the public to weigh in on this matter. Some 42,000 Americans responded, naming the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog among the top contenders. For entire results of the poll, visit the American Kennel Club.
“Their main consideration should be about a non-shedding dog due to Malia Obama’s allergies,” said Elise von Borries. von Borries, owner of Paws 'N Play, a doggie day care in Columbus, Ohio assists people in choosing the right dog for their families. “This will not limit them to a Poodle, however,” said von Borries.
As for the Portuguese Water Dog, von Borries cautions that they are too big and high strung. “Their exercise needs are too substantial for a busy family such as the Obamas,” she added.
“A Miniature Schnauzer is an ideal breed for allergy reasons,” said von Borries. “In keeping with that, a terrier has a requisite toughness to live in the White House. Because of its size, this breed gives the Obamas flexibility for White House living and frequent traveling. Also, it will be manageable for the girls to walk,” said von Borries.
A rescue dog is a great option. “They could potentially find a Schnauzer mix at a shelter,” said von Borries. “Also there are rescue groups for every breed,” she added.
Sheila Heil Ferguson, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) stressed that the Obamas choice should be throughly vetted, especially if it is a rescue dog. “You have to dig and ask lots of questions,” she said. Anyone who has handled the animal since it's been brought to the shelter should be questioned. “This will help them weed out behavioral and health issues before they bring the dog home,” Ferguson added.
Ferguson warned that often times there is a honeymoon period when a dog comes to a new home. Behavioral problems do not arise for a couple of months, so the more information, the better. “You don’t want to upset the girls (Malia and Sasha Obama) if the dog doesn’t work out,” Ferguson added.
As for Ferguson’s opinion on a good dog for the Obamas, she did not want to recommend any one breed but offered this advice: “Look for a wiry haired dog because they generally shed less.”
Training tips
Ferguson also recommends that the Obamas use a trainer that is certified through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. It assures that they will be getting a qualified person who has the experience in working with pets and families.
Every animal needs to get exercise, von Borries said. “All dogs need company of their own species for socialization as well as a break from the every day stresses of being the First Dog,” she added. A good way to provide this is through a doggie day care center.
von Borries stressed that dogs are a lot like kids. “Don’t leave them to their own devices or they will get in trouble.” Give them toys like Kongs or soup bones from the White House kitchen.
Crate training is also a must, said von Borries. “This keeps everybody happy and puts the dog out of trouble. Dogs are denning animals and see the crate as a safety spot. It is not a punishment.” she added.
“An optimal canine member of the Obama White House should show restraint in chewing and have bladder control,” von Borries added.
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