President-elect Barack Obama probably thought his biggest challenge would be dealing with the sagging economy.
But he said Friday during his first news conference that the most popular discussion on his website was what kind of dog he intends to bring to the White House.
A de facto transition-to-power team — made up of pet lovers, talk show hosts, political pundits and animal rescuers — has perpetuated the buzz since Obama publicly promised his daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, that they had earned a new puppy.
“The average person or family is always interested to see what kind of animal someone famous or someone they admire gets,” says Stephanie Shain, The Humane Society of the United States’ companion-animals director. “It’s been fun for people to be able to identify with that decision and feel like they are sharing in such an exciting time with the Obamas.”
The two factors that will determine which dog becomes the first dog are the need for a hypoallergenic type that is less likely to aggravate Malia’s allergies, and the family’s preference for a shelter dog.
“A lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me,” Obama said when a reporter raised a question about the pooch decision.
A Republican-inspired coup might start with gifting the family with a Labrador retriever, the most popular dog breed in the country according to the American Kennel Club. But its hyperactive nature and year-round shedding would certainly wreak havoc.
That’s why the first dog will more likely be a poodle, a bichon frise or a miniature schnauzer, dog experts say.
“The poodle is a breed that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves, but it is truly an ideal family pet,” AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson says.
More than 42,000 Americans cast their vote in the American Kennel Club’s poll at , electing the poodle as their candidate among a list of five hypoallergenic breed contenders. The list included the bichon frise, the Chinese crested, the miniature schnauzer and the soft- coated Wheaten terrier.
Additional favorites have included a beagle, cocker spaniel or a designer dog such as a goldendoodle, a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle that is said to be hypo- allergeneic. But others were wary of the dog du jour.
“What (the Obamas) have to decide is what every family has to decide when bringing an animal into their life,” the Humane Society’s Shain says. “They need to find a dog that will fit into the lifestyle they are leading and make sure the relationship will be successful for many years to come.”
Shain says the best bet would be an adult, small to mid-sized rescued poodle mix. Shain nixed the idea of a puppy, suggesting, instead, a 1- to 3-year-old dog that’s more trainable. Puppies tend to nip and scratch, common play antics that can trigger allergic reactions.
“People think they want a puppy to grow up with, but those ideas are based on a lack of understanding about dogs,” Shain adds. “Adult dogs form equally strong bonds with their humans.”
Meanwhile, poodles and dogs like them, such as the bichon frise, have soft, constantly growing hair that requires frequent grooming and clipping, a factor that will help the family control allergens.
Less is more when it comes to dogs too, because the smaller the animal the less irritating fur and dander.
Dogs to avoid would include year-round shedders such as golden retrievers and Dalmatians. Experts also warned against dogs with lots of wrinkles and folds of skin such as Shar-Peis, bulldogs or basset hounds, which are prone to skin problems.
A common mistake many people make is to assume that a busy family needs a high-energy dog. But breeds like Irish setters require more exercise than most families can provide. For the Obamas, that would require aid from a presidential pet sitter.
Suzanne Hetts, a Littleton certified animal behaviorist, said the first dog will have to be a people lover with no protective or herding tendencies. The dog must also be outgoing and immediately friendly to the myriad White House guests. That fact became evident last week, when Barney, President Bush’s Scottish terrier, bit a Reuters TV reporter.
Hetts’ favorite choices for the Obamas include a Portuguese water dog, pug or Boston terrier. She also recommends lessons from a certified dog trainer.
If the election of Obama signals a return to a more intellectual style of governance, as some pundits claim, the family would be wise to pick Hetts’ favorite, a papillon. “Papillons are known as one of the more intelligent breeds of dog,” she says.
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
Some breeds that can get the work done
The first family-elect is on the hunt for a new White House pet. Concerns about shedding and pedigree notwithstanding, there are some working breeds that the new administration might find useful at home and on Capitol Hill. One thing is for sure, there will be no pit bullswith or without lipstick — at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. this term.
St. Bernard
A working breed that is both strong and friendly, this dog’s mythology includes chapters of lore about heroic Swiss mountain rescues.
Political upside: Could be dispatched to deliver the next emergency rescue package to Congress in a wooden cask worn hanging from its collar.
Political downside: Slobbery nature could cause embarrassment during formal state dinners.
Portuguese water dog
Ancient working breed beloved for its ability to help with water-based tasks, including serving as couriers between boats or between boat and shore. They’re the dogs that purportedly fetch home runs hit from AT&T Park into McCovey Cove in San Francisco Bay.
Political upside: Could be trained to help bail out the auto industry.
Political downside: Tendency to paw in any body of water — including its bowl — could wreak havoc on White House floors.
Heelers
Available in red and blue, these working breeds are hardy and tenacious and most happy when they have a job. No winter recess for this dog!
Political upside: Could be used to help keep Congress in line.
Political downside: So single-minded, it could spur a power struggle to develop between it and chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
Pointers
Developed as gun dogs, these graceful breeds see things humans are wont to overlook.
Political upside: Might be deployed to point out the sticky points of the next economic recovery plan.
Political downside: No guns, no gun dogs…
Scottish terrier
Originally bred to fight skunks and badgers, Scotties are quick, alert and endlessly determined.
Political upside: Stick-to-it nature could be useful in untangling the knotty mortgage crisis.
Political downside: Tendency to bonk prey with their heads could be trouble at the negotiating table.
Chihuahua
With some tiny enough to stuff into Paul Volcker’s suit pocket, Chihuahuas are beloved as fashion accessories.
Political upside: Owing to its supposed origins in pre-Columbian Mexico, the dog could work toward improving U.S.-Mexico border relations.
Political downside: Would further blur the line between Washington and Hollywood.
