Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

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

Potential buyers face tough application process

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2009 2:25 PM CDT
Email

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
DeniseVB
Jun 21, 2009 12:42 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 :(
Mad
Jun 21, 2009 9:55 AM CDT
It's not "prestige" that one seeks with a purebred dog, it's anticipated behaviors and expected traits that are completely unpredictable in a mutt. Buy your dog from the actual home where it was whelped, don't have it shipped, nor trust a breeder who does ship. Ask many questions, and request references. That should help you avoid puppy mills.
hamsammichs
Jun 21, 2009 4:55 AM CDT
I grew up with purebreds, but I'm definitely going to a shelter for my next dog. There is just no point in applying for and having to "prove yourself" a worthy candidate for a dog, when you can go to the humane society and pick up a sweetheart who might get put down in a few weeks if it weren't for you.

Bo gets his first official portrait
Chicago Tribune

US

 
Barack Obama • application • breeder • dog breeders • First Dog • Portuguese water dog • Bo Obama

More Newser Stories

Is Bo Obama a Pricey Jetsetter?

Palin Rips Obama Family Holiday Card

Michelle: I Sneak Out Unrecognized 'Frequently'

First Dog Bo Cost $1,600

Sasha, Malia Dish on White House Christmas
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne