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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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11

Want a Dog Like Bo? Here's Your 11-Page Application

Potential buyers face tough application process

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(Newser) – Since Bo Obama became first pup, everyone seems to want a Portuguese water dog, the Wall Street Journal reports. Good luck with that. Though requests are soaring, the nation's approximately 200 breeders are a pretty picky bunch. About 1,400 puppies are born each year, and only 1 in 10 applicants make the cut. (It helps to be president.)

Breeders "made it clear I had to prove myself worthy," said one recently qualified owner. Applications for buying the $2,000 pooch can run up to 11 pages, featuring essay questions like: “How would you describe the ideal dog for you and your family?" and "Of the dogs you have owned, what do you enjoy most about dog ownership?"

In this file April file photo, Malia, left, and Sasha Obama walk Bo.
In this file April file photo, Malia, left, and Sasha Obama walk Bo.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Bo, the Obama family dog, is walked by a handler on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 27, 2009.
Bo, the Obama family dog, is walked by a handler on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
This image provided by the White House shows the official portrait of Bo.
This image provided by the White House shows the official portrait of Bo.   (AP Photo/Official White House Photo - Chuck Kennedy)
The Obama's family dog Bo is seen in the Rose Garden at the White House, Tuesday, June 2, 2009, in Washington.
The Obama's family dog Bo is seen in the Rose Garden at the White House, Tuesday, June 2, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
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11 comments
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dragonflies43
Jun 20, 09 2:47 PM CDT
1 out of 10 people qualify for a Portuguese Water dog.... 1 out of 10 Shelter dogs qualify for a home. Hmmm. Reply
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+4
maevealleine
Jun 20, 09 2:50 PM CDT
With so many homeless dogs that will be killed because no one wants them, its a terrible SHAME people will just go buy one instead. We have an epidemic-level homeless dog and cat population. PLEASE consider adopting a poor soul that just wants to love you unconditionally. Reply
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+3
Deebles
Jun 20, 09 3:54 PM CDT
The only thing better than rescuing a dog is all the years he rescues you in return. Reply
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+3
DeniseVB
Jun 20, 09 7:42 PM CDT
I wonder when the puppy mills will be cranking them out ? Sadly, no breed escapes them if there's money to be made :( Reply
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+1
riffran
Jun 20, 09 8:47 PM CDT
The best dogs that I have seen, were good ole mutts...no inbred issues such as congenital hip dysplasia, (bull mastiff for example) and a few other problems such as hyperactivity.....but they don't carry any prestige, like specific breeds might Reply
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