A Tough Decision for Obama: Picking the First Dog

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»

(NEWSER) - After months of anticipation, the moment the nation has been waiting for is at hand: America's First Dog will arrive Tuesday, says TMZ. The presidential pooch, a Portuguese Water Dog acquired with the help of Ted Kennedy’s family, is a 6-month-old puppy for whom the White House will be his second home; his first owner returned him to the Texas kennel that bred him. More»

They're allowed to compete in 'skill-based' events, but not beauty contests

(NEWSER) - The purebred Labradors, spaniels and collies of the dog-show world have a new rival: mutts. The American Kennel Club has changed its rules after 125 years to allow mixed breeds to compete in some events for the first time ever. At a dog show in Virginia this weekend, Otis, the product of an "illicit tryst between a purebred husky and a rakish Lab-chow neighbor dog," took third place in a "Rally" obedience event, the Washington Post reports. More»

(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»