Presidential Pup Arrives Tues.

(NEWSER) - Art and Martha Stern, the husband-and-wife breeder team that bred Ted Kennedy’s dogs, give theme names to all their litters. The batch they welcomed into the world six months ago had a portentous one: the Hope and Change Litter. One of those 10 puppies is Bo, the newly famous First Dog. Obama tried hard to keep the lei-wearing pooch a secret, but to no avail. The Washington Post breaks down the dog’s twisty tail. Er, tale. More»

Bo Obama to be newest White House resident

(NEWSER) - The newest Obama will be named Bo, the Washington Post reports in the latest in a series of leaks about the Portuguese water dog the first family plans to introduce to an entranced nation Tuesday. The White House tried to keep a lid on puppy information, but a blog released a picture and interview (yes, an interview) with a dog that looks just like one pictured elsewhere with the family. More»

Obama's have already met their new pup, some say

(NEWSER) - The Obamas have picked a dog, and he'll be joining them in the White House soon, WBBM 780 in Chicago reports. Michelle Obama's office helped establish a timeline—"definitely not this week"—but a source tells the radio station the male Portuguese water dog has already visited the White House. Sen. Dick Durbin confirmed that a dog had been chosen and said it was undergoing training while the senior Obamas were traveling in Europe. More»

First Lady's dog vote just one of four: rep

(NEWSER) - It seems Michelle Obama was using the media to influence household politics when she announced her dog choice, the Los Angeles Times reports. “They have not selected a breed,” her press secretary insists. “Mrs. Obama likes the Portuguese water dog, but she is only one of four votes.” Last month, President Obama narrowed the choices down to that or the labradoodle. More»

Malia's issues have AKC pushing 'hypo-allergenic' breeds; docs say there's no such thing

(NEWSER) - Animal advocates are chomping at the bit to sway President-elect Obama’s choice of first dog, and they’re using daughter Malia's allergies to do it, the New York Times reports. The American Kennel Club suggests the Obamas buy a “hypoallergenic” breed like a poodle or Bichon Frise, but allergy specialists say there’s not really any such thing. More»