A lot of people thought the American President was going to adopt a dog from a shelter, he did not. In truth it was not a “campaign promise”, but it was one that was followed by animal lovers across the nation who saw it as a great way of promoting shelter animals as pets.

He had earlier promised his two girls they could get a dog, unfortunately what should have been a private family matter, was picked up by the media who took it all over the place. The president was offered dogs not suited to his taste or family life. Because one daughter suffers from allergies, he needed to consider one of the non-shedding breeds. It was also mentioned he was considering a “Golden Doodle”, this sent up cries of outrage from dog lovers throughout the nation. Most people know these dogs are “designer” dogs, overpriced dogs purchase from unscrupulous breeders who are more interested in profit than producing quality dogs. As a point here if their parents were good quality dogs, they would be breeding purebreds, not cross breed dogs which a Golden Doodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever.

Image via Wikipedia

For a while it looked like President Obama was going to get a dog from the shelter. Animal lovers waited with bated breath. However it was not to be.

In April of 2009, the President was given a 6 month old Portuguese Water Dog puppy. This was also a breed he had previously considered, so it was not a total surprise.

“Bo” is a Portuguese Water dog pup, who had been sold by a breeder, and as in any reputable breeder contract, there was a clause that if the owner couldn’t keep him that he be returned to them. As this was the case, Bo was returned by his originally purchaser to his breeder, who have gifted him to the Obama family.

This is “Bo” and the Obama Family. 

image source

It is reported that Barack Obama has, or will, make a donation to the Washington Humane Society, and other shelters as well.

So, Bo was not truly a rescue dog, but neither was he one from a “puppy mill” or “designer breeder” while he does not set the example many thought the First Dog would, of being a shelter dog, it is important to note that Barack is keenly aware of shelter dogs and did not discount them totally. Remember it is harder to find non-shedding dogs at shelters, and this was one of his concerns.

About the Breed

Image via Wikipedia, and example of a PWD in agility.

Typically when a breed of dog gains celebrity status, they become a sought after breed, but this breed is not the dog for everyone.

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly intelligent, and smart dogs require smart owners, that have sufficient time to meet the dogs needs for mental stimulation. They are water dogs, with webbed feet, breed for retrieving ducks shot by hunters. They are very similar to standard poodles, and are often called PWD’s, or “Porties”.

Male PWD’s are just over 20 inches in height at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller. They are mostly black (although other colors are seen) and usually have a bluish skin under their darker coats.   They are considered a non-shedding breed, which means they require regular grooming.

Although this is an older breed it was never really popular until recent years, with the advent of dog friendly sports such as Agility, where dogs such as this excel. Additionally their retrieving instinct is high, they enjoy carrying things in their mouth, as such they will pick up and carry anything left lying about, whether they are suppose to, or not.

Like any smart breed if not kept in check, and mentally satisfied with their role, they will find something to do. This may mean a neglected dog will become destructive as it looks for something to do.  They may not be good for families with very young children.

They are prone to hip dysplasia, and eye problems. The chances of both can be reduced by purchasing from a reputable breeder whose bloodlines show no problems, and who have had the parents shown and vet checked.

The Obama family and “Bo”

If you are considering getting a Portuguese Water Dog as a pet, do more research.  Make sure this breed is right for you.  Do not assume that because one family owns a certain type of dog, that the breed is right for you.  Do not consider this breed unless you have lots of time to devote to keeping the dog busy and happy.