Vote Now! Poodle and Wheaten Terrier Neck-and-Neck in Race for White House

Less Than Two-Weeks Left to Cast Your Vote for The Best “Canine Candidate” for the Obama Family @ www.presidentialpup.com

The American Kennel Club® (AKC) reports a tight race between the Poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in their poll to determine America’s breed of choice for the Obama family. Preliminary results indicate that the Poodle is up by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders. But, with 13 days until the polls officially close, the Miniature Schnauzer and Bichon Frise are still in the running. Cast your vote at www.presidentialpup.com before August 19, 2008.

The AKC launched www.presidentialpup.com after reports that – win or lose – the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election.

“With 158 breeds registered by the AKC – each with its own unique temperament, coat type, size, energy level and appearance – we felt the Obama’s interest in getting a dog was an opportunity to underscore the many factors that go into deciding whether to acquire a dog, and into determining what characteristics match your lifestyle so that a successful match can be made,” said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. “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. This factor informed our choices first and foremost but we also chose dogs that have affable temperaments.”

Once the Obama family is ready, the AKC can assist them in responsibly acquiring a 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. For instance, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Poodle National Breed Club web sites can be located at http://www.scwtca.org/rescue/rescuecontacts.htm and 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 that presidents and other politicians love their dogs. Dogs give unconditional love and can even help reduce stress levels,” added Lisa Peterson. “And, from an image standpoint, nothing humanizes a candidate more than seeing him lovingly dote on his pet.”