US President-elect Barack Obama is struggling to make good on his promise to his daughters that he will buy them a puppy after election. But finding a suitable dog for his daughters is probing to be a bit of a challenge.
First of all, the President’s daughter has allergies and therefore the kind of dog that he will give his daughters must be hypoallergenic. Secondly, the President and his family prefer to adopt a dog from an animal rescue shelter. But most dogs found in animal rescue centers are not pure breed. He jokingly said that “a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me” in apparent reference to his mixed race.
Dog enthusiasts and clubs across the USA have conducted surveys on the most preferred dog for the first family and here are some of them:
Poodle
By popular choice, Poodle dog breed is emerging as the first choice of Americans for President-elect Barack Obama and family. More than 40,000 people where asked about their choice of dog for the presidential couple and Poodle emerged as the number one choice.
Poodle is a breed of dog that is generally regarded as one of the most intelligent dogs. Poodle’s unique appearance makes it as popular circus dog and a favorite pet of the rich and famous.
There are basically three kinds and sizes available for Poodle dog breed lovers. These include the Standard Poodle which is 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder, the Miniature Poodle which is under 15 inches with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches, and the Toy Poodle which is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulder. Standard Poodle has an average lifespan of 11.5-12 years.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small dog breed that originated in the Mediterranean area. Though small in size, Bichon is a sturdy kind of dog that weighs 8-10 pounds and stands about 9-12 inches. It has a black nose and dark eyes. It has a cheerful disposition and gentle mannered, playful and affectionate.
Bichon Frise dog breeds are hypoallergenic for people prone to allergies, though they are themselves are prone to allergies. A significant number of Bichon Frise dog breeds have skin problems and allergies.
Like other dogs that require good grooming, Bichon should be accustomed to frequent grooming from a young age to prevent the accumulation of foreign matters. Bichon average life span is 12.5 years.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a dog breed that originated in Ireland. They are considered hypoallergenic because they are good for dog owners who are asthmatic or have allergies.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog and weighs 30-45 pounds and about 17-19 inches in height. They have a dark coat of either red, mahogany or white/wheaten. Average lifespan is 13-14 years.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are playful and energetic type of dog breeds. They are best when exercised regularly.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie) is a small breed of dog that originated in Yorkshire, England in the mid 19th century. Yorkies are long haired breeds with no undercoat which means that they do not shed as much as their short haired types. They are born with black and tan coats until they change in color as they grow older.
Yorkshire terriers are generally intelligent, independent and courageous. An average Yorkshire terrier could understand a new command after approximately 15 repetitions and would obey a command the first time it is given 70% of the time or better.
Yorkies weighs approximately 7 pounds and has a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is a rare dog breed that originated in Portugal. This dog breed was used in early days by fishermen to assist them in their fishing expeditions. They were taught to herd fish into the nets and most often used as couriers from ship to shore.
PWD can easily be confused as Poodle because of its appearance. But unlike Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs are will built. They have webbed toes for swimming; they have brown eyes, curly black or brown coats or reddish brown.
Portuguese Water Dogs are good companion dog breeds. They are intelligent and obedient dogs. Because of their nature as working dogs, they normally settle beside their masters awaiting directions. It is therefore very important to walk them outdoors and give them something that will keep them busy. They should not also be left hungry as they will find a way to look for food from unsafe sources.
PWD’s normally weighs around 40-60 pounds and stands at about 20-23 inches. They have a lifespan of 10-14 years.
All these five dog breeds are hypoallergenic which are suitable to the President’s daughters, one of whom has allergies. What is your dog choice for the first couple considering that his daughter Malia has allergies