First Lady: First Dog Arrives in April

[sabra]

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/02/first-lady-firs.html

ABC News' Karen Travers and Yunji de Nies report: Vogue Magazine scored the first cover shoot with First Lady Michelle Obama. But PEOPLE magazine scores the scoop that many Americans have been waiting for – the Obama girls will get that promised White House dog in April, after the family takes a vacation for spring break.

First Lady Michelle Obama is on the cover of the PEOPLE Magazine that hits newsstands this Friday, her second magazine cover photo in a month. The First Lady dons one of her now signature sleeveless dresses for the story, titled “Our Life in the White House.”

Other tidbits the First Lady offers: She carries two Blackberries – one personal and one professional. The President is still struggling with quitting smoking. And like so many Americans, Mrs. Obama is not looking at her 401k right now.

But what about that soon to arrive First Dog?

A rescue Portuguese Water dog is still at the top of list, Mrs. Obama said, but one that is “old enough” and a “match” for the Obama family’s dynamic.

"Temperamentally they're supposed to be pretty good," the First Lady told People of the breed. "From the size perspective, they're sort of middle of the road – it's not small, but it's not a huge dog. And the folks that we know who own them have raved about them. So that's where we're leaning."

[BuyingThyme]

1. It's about time, Mom.

You could be on your second or third dog by now.

[CTyankee]

13. I think it is responsible of her to think of adopting in the spring.

House breaking a little puppy in the middle of winter is certainly not in either the interest of the puppy (poor little cold tushie) or the family.

[KittyWampus]

17. it sounds like they're going for an older puppy.

[Bicoastal]

2. PORTUGUESE Water Dog?

What's wrong with an AMERICAN Water Dog, for cryin' out loud?! :mad:

[Mira]

4. it can't teach the girls Portugese, duh !

[blm]

11. RW will soon claim the dog is planted and brainwashing the Obamas for Portugal's Evil Empire.

.

[cap]

5. Just be glad it wasn't a FRENCH Water Dog for christ's sake

eom

[treestar]

7. Yeah, be glad it's not a CHINESE water dog!

:rofl:

[ellie]

18. I have a Chinese Shar Pei

he doesn't like the water.

[blm]

8. allergies...remember? And, should lawmakers avoid German Shepherds or Irish Setters because they'd

be insulting Americans?

[ShortnFiery]

9. But the Brits are our best buddies! ---> Non-allergy (dander) Old ENGLISH Sheepdog

;)

[Emit]

3. Portuguese Water dog - photo

[ShortnFiery]

6. Nooo! An Old English Sheepdog is also hypo-allergenic (dander not a problem, hair's everywhere)

BUMMER! OESs have wonderful personalities and are good with kids in addition to being GORGEOUS! :shrug:

[Kalyke]

10. And it's MUCH cuter.

:)

[ShortnFiery]

12. Yes, I wish I had their ear. (to listen silly!)

If they had a trainer and groomer, IMO, a female (less likely to be territorial or wander - even if fixed) Old English Sheepdog would also be great PR as well as provide a loving pet for Obama's daughters.

As a person whose been blessed to have four Old English Sheepdogs throughout her lifetime, I can say with confidence, you could not adopt a MORE ENTERTAINING DOG. They are very loyal and loving but admittedly not the brightest bulb in the shed. What they lack as far as IQ, they make up with in good humor and all about "clownishness."

Old English Sheepdogs are just downright "lovable" albeit high-maintenance (grooming, basic obedience training).

Here's a picture of Ben and his little sister dogie during one of his "bad hair days." ... If you wish to keep them looking GOOD and fully coated, it requires at least 2 hours of grooming/week.

[kestrel91316]

15. I have to disagree. I found OES's to not have the best temperament

around children (and vets). A little too prone to snap and bite.

[ShortnFiery]

16. If you don't thoughtfully socialize ANY dog from the onset then they ALL will snap and bite

out of "fear aggression" if nothing else.

I submit that if you do your homework and either "buy from a reputable breeder" or "adopt from an established OES Rescue Organization" your OES pup will be The Joy of The Neighborhood. ;) :loveya:

http://www.justdogbreeds.com/old-english-sheepdog.html

Old English Sheepdog Temperament

Loyal, affectionate, and protective of his loved ones, the Old English Sheepdog is an intelligent breed. These dogs have plenty of enthusiasm and energy, and love to play - although their large size means that they should be watched around smaller children who could easily be knocked over. The Old English Sheepdog loves the company and attention of his owners and family, and likes to be involved with everything that is going on. This is not the right dog for those with little time to devote to a pet, as failure to provide your Old English Sheepdog with the necessary attention and interaction can lead to boredom and destructive behavior. This is a very entertaining breed, and will keep you amused for hours with his clownish ways. He is also very friendly and sociable, making a good family pet.

Although the Old English Sheepdog gets along well with children he can be quite independent and sometimes may play rough, which means that he is best around older children. These dogs will bark to raise an alarm, making them effective watchdogs. With strangers the Old English Sheepdog tends to be polite, and he enjoys the company of other pets. It is important to socialize your Old English Sheepdog early on to ensure a well balanced personality and temperament, as some can be timid if not properly socialized at an early age. Watch out for the herding instincts of the Old English Sheepdog, which may still be evident in the way he tries to herd people and animals - often by nipping at the ankles. The Old English Sheepdog can be a stubborn breed, and this can make training more difficult. These dogs are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership.

[kestrel91316]

24. Well, I can't recall a single OES that was "properly socialized", then......

Humans are 90% of the problem, breeding animals that lack the temperament to qualify as breeding stock, and then not raising them right.

[Skidmore]

14. LOL! Schuster just reported that Michelle said the girls prefer either "Frank" or "Moose" for

a name, but that neither may be the final name. "Moose"....take that, Sarah! That's too funny.

[Jennicut]

20. Frank?! That is funny. I like Moose. My kids want a dog and want to

name it Biscuit.

[CTyankee]

22. Does that mean it's going to be a male dog?

n/t

[damntexdem]

19. Well, I hope that they thoroughly 'vet' the dog.

We don't need something in the dog's past derailing the nomination as first pet.

[dflprincess]

21. "the folks that we know who own them have raved about them"

Ted Kennedy for instance?

[OnyxCollie]

23. My friend has three week old PWD puppies.

Ready for adoption in April.