Poll: What sort of dog would you recommend for the Obamas?

[WagNBragShane]

<p>Last night, during his historic victory speech in Chicago, President-elect Obama made the following statement to his daughters: "Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House."</p>
<p>So, as pet owners, what advice would you give the Obama family in selecting a new four-legged member of the First Family?</p>
<p>Here's what we know. The two girls are 10 and 7 years old. They are quite active. Malia (the oldest) enjoys soccer, dance, and drama. Sasha enjoys gymnastics and tap. Both girls are learning piano and tennis.</p>
<p>The new home should have plenty of space for a dog to explore with 18 acres of lawn and garden space outside. Inside, there are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 6 levels, 28 fireplaces, and 8 staircases to sniff.</p>
<p>The Obamas will likely be looking for a dog that won't chew up the historic furniture and can keep up with the demands of public appearances. It's probably helpful that the dog doesn't mind riding in helicopters from time to time, too.</p>
<p>So, in your experience as pet owners, what sort of dog should the new First Family be on the lookout for?</p>
<p>Share your opinion here!</p>

[WagNBragShane]

<p>I'll start with my own opinion. Yours may be different. I would love to see the Obamas reach out to a shelter dog or a dog from a Chicago- or DC-area rescue group.</p>
<p>A good group to look at might be the Washington Animal Rescue League (www.warl.org). They even have a personality test you can take on their web site to help you match a type of dog to your needs and lifestyle.</p>
<p>From my own experience, I think a Golden retriever or Labrador retriever would be good dogs for the children to get know. They are loving companion animals and I've always found ours to be good and patient with children. They like activity and would enjoy chasing tennis balls on the White House lawn, but wouldn't object to a nap beneath a window in the private residence.</p>

[maryangelastrain]

<p>Absolutely, positively a wonderful adult mutt from a shelter or rescue organization. &nbsp;The best thing they could do for pets everywhere would be NOT to choose a puppy from a mill. &nbsp;If they were to choose a specific breed, there would be some "status" in also obtaining such a pet, and inevitably the backlash would be that many of these dogs would end up surrendered (or worse) when the trend passes. &nbsp;A MUTT is a truly American choice, and they make the best pets! There are hundreds of smiling and hopeful faces on Petfinders just waiting for the chance to be loved by those two girls. &nbsp;The acreage, the great house, the media - just the window dressing for a fabulous relationship with a loyal champion. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

[WagNBragShane]

<p>Ang&amp;Lori,</p>
<p>I agree that having the First Family stand as national advocates for adopting rescue dogs would be a wonderful thing. In fact, I think I'll be blogging a bit about that later today.</p>

[pitaholic]

<p>Did you guys take in account that Malia is very allergic to dogs, they aer seeking a low allergen&nbsp; producing dog,&nbsp; that makes it a bit harder to find the perfect dog,&nbsp; i know that poodles are&nbsp;a good choice for people that have allergies,&nbsp; so maybe a&nbsp; golden doodle , or a labradoodle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;i hope they find the right&nbsp; pup for their family</p>