(www.meowbarkblog.com) — President Elect Barack Obama’s daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are probably more excited about the upcoming addition to their family than their new digs after Dad’s January 20 inauguration next week. Obama promised his girls a dog to keep them company in the White House, and the family is reportedly deciding between the designer Labradoodle and the long-famed Portuguese water dog.
My pick? The Labradoodle.
I’m not generally one for designer dogs, but the Labradoodle just warms the cockles of my heart. Maybe because the apricot color of this breed reminds me of Barkley from classic Sesame Street. Labradoodles are a cross between labrador retrievers and poodles. While their physical characteristics may vary with any combination of traits, they are consistently smart, energetic, friendly, and loyal. In short, Labradoodles are great family dogs, and for two girls the ages of Malia and Sasha, the Labradoodle strikes me as a perfect match.
A poodle or poodle mix is also a great choice because 10-year-old Malia has allergies, and poodles are a non-shedding breed.
What dog would you pick for the Obamas?
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Contents Copyright © 2009 Kristen King
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I would pick a shelter dog from a NO-KILL shelter!!
I know that there are allergies to consider, but many animal shelters will put your name on a list and let you know when just the right dog comes in. The good ones are staffed with people who genuinely care for the dogs, and take steps to make sure good matches are made.
The president adopting a shelter dog would set a great example for the country!
Lol…
I wouldn’t pick any dog. “Labradoodles” are mongrels. Poodles ARE a SHEDDING breed, EVERY dog sheds. FACT- 99% of Poodle mixes are HEAVY Shedders, and have lots of Dander which makes them HORRIBLE for Allergy Sufferers.
I Love Labradoodles.
Kendra, you couldn’t be more wrong. I have horrible allergies and dog dander is my number one allergy. Any breed with hair is said to be a non-shedding breed because they do not shed their entire coat annually. They also do not have fur. Terriers, poodles, shih-tsus and others dogs in those categories have hair, just like us humans or sheep. Think about when you take a shower, I’m sure some of your hair comes out and this is exactly what happens to these dogs. So if you own a labradoodle, you will find their hair on your furniture, but they do not have fur or dander. And they definitely do not shed. I am highly allergic to dogs and can’t pet them without having an attack. But with labradoodles I have no problems.