Americans Elect Poodle As Obama's Top Dog

Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his running mate, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family.

The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (www.presidentialpup.com) after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven-week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama's run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.

The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to the distinct characteristics that make them uniquely suited for the Obama family. Every family is unique, but for the Obamas who have a daughter with allergies, a hypoallergenic breed with a very consistent and predictable coat is crucial.

"Most of our Presidents kept purebreds in the White House," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "When times get tough - during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak - these dogs serve as devoted and non-judgmental companions that bring joy and relaxation to our first families."

If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog. The AKC's puppy-buyer resource page at www.puppybuyerinfo.com offers links to responsible breeders who are members of AKC clubs as well as to affiliated breed rescue-groups that have dogs for adoption. For instance, the Poodle National Breed Club web site can be located at http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm.

The Obama family may be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but Republican nominee John McCain is ahead of the pack with 24 pets, including four dogs. Therefore, animal lovers may be ready to help him "fetch" the election. According to a recent Associated Press survey, "Pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner."

"It's no surprise the American public chose a Poodle for Obama," said Peterson. "Poodles are currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007 AKC registrations statistics, and it spent more than two decades in the top spot - a true testament to its suitability as a family pet. And while Poodles require frequent grooming, their consistent and predictable coat is crucial for their daughter and all who suffer from allergies."

Poodles, often considered high-maintenance show dogs, can also be kept in a simple one-length clip. They are exceptionally smart and athletic, excel in obedience training and are great hunting companions. They are the only breed that comes in three sizes, any of which can easily adapt to life in the urban environment of the White House or the rural setting at Camp David. The Standard variety is the largest size, measuring over 15 inches at the shoulder. It is the oldest of the three varieties and developed for water retrieving. The Miniature measures over 10 inches but less than 15 inches and it is speculated that it was used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle measures 10 inches and under and was often used in performances and traveling entertainment groups. Learn more about the Poodle and its suitability for your family at http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/.

Comments

[norgotoad]

What dog? I don't see a dog. Where's the dog (aka, related to a wolf)? Look at a picture of a wolf. Now look at the fluffy genetically engineered to be worthless thing in the picture. Resemblance? Why not get a cat? A cat would be cute and at least be able to take on a mouse.

A mouse would kick that thing's but. Oh wait. This campaign was looking for symbol of the courage and resolve of the Dems. A bishon ( fagae? frise ? sorry forgot the second term) poodle fluffy wussie thing is the perfect symbol! Never mind... I agree this is the perfect mascot for this campaign. Yes, I can see that now. Better run you silly Repubs, Mr./Ms. PC Fluffy is comin! Oh yeah, they're shakin' in their boots.

[fedupwiththis]

Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs. But of course you were too busy coming up with a cute little bon mote to discover that little fact. Poodles were bred smaller and smaller by rich land owners (you know the type, so much property they can't keep track of it all) so at least one other being on this earth would pretend like them.

[picard922]

Actually based on DNA, poodles are the closest dog relative to wolves.

[kotipup]

The dog you are referring to is named "Baby", she was rescued from a puppy mill where her owners were going to put her to sleep because she could no longer produce puppies. They had cut her vocal chords because the owners of the puppy mill did not want to hear her bark. She lived in a small cage and slept in her own feces. Her leg needed to be amputated because it had been so mangled by her cage. Now she is a spokes-dog, representing the cruelty of puppy mills, and is the subject of a book "A Rare Breed of Love", in which she is also pictured with Republican Elizabeth Dole.

The dog pictured is neither worthless nor a "wussie". She's endured a very hard life, but still gives the humans she meets a lick and a wag of the tail.

[SantaFeStars]

Adopt from an animal shelter! There are poodles at shelters that need good homes.

[noneIn2008]

Obama does not like dogs, why force one on him?

[RRonin]

Obama doesn't like dogs because he didn't have one as a kid. When he was with his mom they didn't have much money and then they moved to Indonesia. Then when he went to live with his grandparents they lived in a condo and didn't have room for a dog. The dog will be the kid's dog and he won't have to mess with it if he doesn't want to. Mark my words though, the mutt will glom onto him like white on a Bichon Frise.

[lovethesinner]

Take the girls to the pound and let 'em pick out a mutt, they're always less neurotic than pure breeds:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain

O B A M A - B I D E N ' 0 8

[PrimaDonna526]

Amen.

[1will]

I can see Obama with a poodle. He's very poodle like.

[relikx]

McCain is like the pit bull that would snap a baby's neck while playing. Let's vote that.

[1will]

Hmmm.....somebody's off of their meds and throwing a little hissy fit today.

[hydenorhare]

Whatever it is, it's more qualified to be POTUS than Obamacles.

[1will]

Too true.

[hydenorhare]

Nope.
Poodle is perfect.
He's a blouse wearing poodle walker lefty.

[theblueAmerican]

I see Obama with a bigger dog like a lab, preferably a chocolate lab. That's what we own and he is a great kid friendly dog . His girls would like the foo-foo dog. Barac Obama is a working class, middle class friendly politician. And that's what I need for America now.

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

Poodles are wonderful dogs. THey're extremely intelligent and do not shed since they have hair, not fur.

[soundfury]

Dalmatian

[OneLiberalLady]

My Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Charlie, is the sweetest dog in the world. And he doesn't shed and is great with kids.

[DaRight]

.

Looks like the Laura Ingraham plan worked!

She asked her audience to go vote for the Foo Foo Poodle for O and Family.

O lookslike a complete M0R0N with that dog. must be photoshopped pic.

.

[Betsy]

I thought the dog was for the girls. Malia and Sash should get to pick their own dog.

[Betsy]

The dog Barack is holding looks more like a Bichon, not a poodle.

[sparkandy]

That was my first thought, too.

[quindy]

It is a Bichon

[dwilkerson]

No, it's the "spokes poodle" for an animal rescue organization in Wisconsin.

[patianneb]

The ONLY dog for a President looking to RESCUE this country from its current woes and despair is a SHELTER or RESCUED dog. These days there are more than than ever.

Besides, the AKC is hardly a voice to respect when it comes to animals. They are huge defacto supporters of puppy mills. As long as you've paid for your papers, you're in.

The AKC has no health standards for breeding. The ONLY breeding restriction is age (a dog can be no younger than 8 months. No restrictions on how often she is bred; or how she will be cared for or disposed of when she gets old (way before her time) or sick.

The AKC prohibits member clubs from imposing stricter regulations, that is, an AKC breed club cannot require a higher breeding age, hip dysplasia ratings, genetic tests for inheritable diseases, or any other restrictions.

As a result, attention to health among breeders is purely voluntary. Like a lot of things, it's all about the money and the dogs pay the price. Like they have a choice.

Its pathetic.