AKC Congratulates Obamas and Welcomes "Bo," a Portuguese Water Dog to the White House

-- Newest “First” Dog Prepares to Make Its Mark on Washington --

New York, NY . – The American Kennel Club congratulates the Obama family on the anticipated arrival of their 6-month-old, AKC registered Portuguese Water Dog, Amigo’s New Hope, affectionately known as “Bo.” Bo was bred by Art and Martha Stern, long-time breeders who reside near Dallas, TX, and is a littermate of Senator Ted Kennedy’s pup Cappy. The first dog ever owned by the Obama family, as well the nation’s official “First Dog,” this new presidential pup will not only leave a mark on the Obamas’ lives but shine a spotlight on dogs and the importance of responsible dog ownership around the world.

“With one of the American Kennel Club’s primary missions being the encouragement of responsible dog ownership, we are delighted with the wonderful example you have already set in researching the right breed for your family and obtaining a dog through a reputable breeder who is a member of the AKC parent club, The Portugese Water Dog Club of America,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in a letter to the Obama family today. “We have been highlighting the First family’s quest to find the right dog for them on www.presidentialpup.com and using the unprecedented public interest as a platform for public education.”

“This breed possesses a lot of energy, so without training or a job to do, the dog may entertain itself by running full-speed down the West Wing or barking at Republicans,” said Mary Burch, Ph.D, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and CGC Director. “That type of behavior may not make the best impression on visiting dignitaries, so we recommend that the Obama’s enroll Bo in an obedience class such as the new AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.”

AKC has provided the Obamas with some basic training tips to get them started as well as a list of S.T.A.R. Puppy and CGC evaluators and training clubs in the Washington D.C. area that are ready and willing to assist them with their dog.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy (www.akc.org/starpuppy) stands for what every puppy needs – Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible Owner. Dogs up to one year of age are eligible to enroll in a six-week puppy or basic training class that is instructed by an AKC approved CGC Evaluator. Classes include valuable training tips for puppy owners such as housetraining and lessons on practical skills for puppies such as coming when called. The program is a pre-cursor to the AKC Canine Good Citizen® Program, which teaches and rewards dogs with good manners at home and in the community.

As a purebred, the Portuguese Water Dog has a predictable temperament, activity level and coat type, which is ideal for allergy sufferers like Malia. They are loyal and loving companions, cherished by many Americans throughout the country. However, the breed was developed to be a working animal and requires daily vigorous exercise. Historically, the breed spent most of its day swimming, assisting its fisherman owner by retrieving broken nets, diving for fish and delivering messages between ships.

Although currently only the 64th most popular breed in the United States according to 2008 AKC registration statistics (http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm), the Portuguese Water Dog’s popularity is likely to rise due to its appointment as First Pup. Therefore, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the AKC Parent club which monitors the health and well-being of the breed in U.S., has issued a press release of their own to urge the public to be cautious before jumping on any trend that involves a living animal.

“PWDs are classified as working dogs. That means they enjoy being given jobs to do where they can display their intelligence, strength and stamina,” said Stu Freeman, President of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. “Like all dogs, they need positive training and socialization.”

The best way to find a responsible breeder and start a search for a healthy, happy puppy is through the AKC parent club for your chosen breed or local all-breed kennel club in your town. Visit www.puppybuyerinfo.org to locate a local club or breeder.

AKC recommends that prospective buyers educate themselves on the hallmarks of a reputable breeder. Visiting the breeder’s home or kennel and seeing at least one of the puppy’s parents is ideal and will let you know what the future holds for your pup in terms of temperament and appearance.

Editor’s Note: AKC has b-roll available for broadcast. To pre-view the footage visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEf7hquR48U. To request a higher quality version, contact communications@akc.org or 212-696-8343 to get a copy of the footage or download from presidentialpup.com (link above right).
Michelle Obama Reveals Portuguese Water Dog as Choice for Her Family

New York, NY [February 25, 2009] – The burning question on the minds of many was answered today when First Lady Michelle Obama announced that her family is looking for a Portuguese Water Dog that is “old enough” and a “match” for the family dynamic this April. According to Ms. Obama the only thing still up in the air is the name.

With the Obama family pondering over what to name their new pup, the American Kennel Club is offering up a list of most popular dog names in the U.S.A. AKC data shows that “Lady” and “Bear” topped the list for females and males respectively. For more information on AKC’s top dog names, click here.

AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson said “One of the great benefits of a purebred dog is predictability – knowing what you are going to get. In the case of someone with allergies this is particularly important, so a Portuguese Water Dog would be a great choice for the Obamas.”

For more information on Portuguese Water Dogs visit www.akc.org/breeds/portuguese_water_dog or www.pwdca.org.
Obama Narrows Choices for “First Dog”

New York, NY [ January 12th, 2009 ] - President-Elect Barack Obama announced that he has narrowed his search for a canine cabinet member and is seeking to appoint a Portuguese Water Dog or a Labradoodle as America’s as first pet. While the AKC does not recognize the Labradoodle (considered a mixed breed), over 42,000 voters on the organization’s web site chose a Poodle as the ideal dog for the Obamas in a poll conducted this summer.

AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson said “One of the great benefits of a purebred dog is predictability — knowing what you are going to get. In the case of someone with allergies this is particularly important, so a Portuguese Water Dog would be a great choice for the Obamas.”

The AKC breed standard for the Portuguese Water Dog describes it as “an animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue. A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion.”

Read more about the Portuguese Water Dog on the AKC’s breed pages and the at the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America site.
American Kennel Club Offers to Help Obama Make Good On His Campaign Promise to His Daughters
--Results of AKC’s www.presidentialpup.com Poll Point to the Poodle--

New York, NY [ November 5th, 2008 ] - As President-Elect Barack Obama prepares to move into the White House he will now have to make good on all his campaign promises, including his most important vow to his family - to get his daughters a dog. Obama reiterated his promise in last night’s acceptance speech, telling his daughters “you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.”

In August, more than 42,000 Americans cast their vote in the AKC®’s poll to determine the right breed of dog for the Obamas at www.presidentialpup.com. The Poodle was chosen from a list of five hypoallergenic breeds, each with distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for Obama’s daughter who suffers from allergies. Learn more about Poodles.

“We hope the Obamas consider the survey results,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This poodle is a breed that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves, but it is truly an ideal family pet. They are currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007 AKC registration statistics, and the breed spent more than two decades in the top spot - a true testament to its suitability as a family pet. And while Poodles require frequent grooming, their consistent and predictable coat is crucial for Obama’s daughter and all who suffer from allergies.”

And, it seems the whole ticket is going to the dogs. It has been widely reported that Vice President elect Joe Biden also made a deal with his wife, “If you get the vice presidency and get elected, you can get a dog,” Biden said his wife told him.

No matter what breed the Obamas or Bidens choose, the AKC hopes they can assist both families.

“I would be happy to personally assist Obama and Biden in identifying a responsible breeder if they are looking for a puppy,” said AKC President & CEO Dennis Sprung.

The best way to start a search for a puppy is through the AKC parent club for your chosen breed or local all-breed kennel clubs in your neighborhood. AKC clubs can be located using this directory: http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm

AKC recommends that prospective buyers educate themselves on the hallmarks of a reputable breeder. Visiting the breeder’s home or kennel and seeing at least one of the puppy’s parents is ideal and will let you know what the future holds for your pup in terms of temperament and appearance.

Also, every AKC registered breed, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier, has a rescue organization devoted to their particular breed. These breed experts carefully screen prospective homes and are adept at making the best match for both the dog and the prospective family. Before being re-homed, the dogs typically receive extensive veterinary exams, shots and preventive care.

The Poodle Club of America (PCA) consists of responsible breeders and individuals devoted to Poodle Rescue. They are the ideal resource for the Obamas as they conduct their search.

With the PCA’s help, the AKC located potential Poodles for consideration as Obama’s new canine cabinet member. Among the eligible candidates:

* AKC Delegate Mary Ellen Fishler of Halcyon/Camelot Miniature Poodles has a 7- week-old litter of Miniature Poodles available in Gaithersburg, MD, just outside of Washington, D.C. Contact: PoodleClubOfAmerica@yahoo.com
* Six-week-old Toy Poodle puppies rescued by Flora’s Pet Project/Poodle Rescue Connecticut will be available for new homes in early January. They can be adopted by contacting Marianne Smith, President, Flora’s Pet Project at flora@floraspetproject.org. Click here to see a photo of these dogs.

* Rescue dog “Ollie” is a 2 year old Toy Poodle (photo to the right). He is housetrained, neutered, vetted, vaccinated and is on flea, tick and heartworm preventative. Ollie can be adopted by contacting Poodle Club of America Rescue Chair Sally Poindexter at PoodleClubOfAmerica@yahoo.com