Vote For the Breed You Think Is Best for the Obama Family
Vice President isn't the only high-level position that Barack Obama is currently trying to fill. It's been widely reported that - win or lose - Obama promised his two daughters a dog after the presidential election.
The Obama family will be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but according to an Associated Press survey Republican presidential nominee John McCain and his wife already have 24 pets, including four dogs. The "McCain canines" are an English Springer Spaniel named Sam, two Yorkshire Terriers named Lucy and Desi, and a mixed-breed named Coco.
In the true spirit of doggy democracy, the AKC is asking Americans to vote on the breed they think the Obama family should select. The AKC scoured all of the "canine candidates" to assess each breed's credentials as potential "first pet" and best friend of the Obama family. Choices were narrowed significantly due to their daughters' allergies. Therefore, AKC experts made the selection from their list of hypoallergenic breeds.
Cast your vote wisely, making sure to consider the distinct characteristics of each breed and whether it's uniquely suited for the Obama family. In addition to having a hypoallergenic coat, other required qualifications to fill the vacant "presidential pet" post include: child-friendly (Obama has two daughters aged 6 and 9 years); a good travel companion (aboard Air Force One); moderate energy level (appropriate for a child to walk), and of course a stable and social temperament - able to adapt to varied visitors - from heads of state to members of the press corps.
Poll results will be announced in late August. Cast your vote before August 19!
| The AKC's polls are officially closed. Please check back the week of August 25th for election results. |
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Canine Candidates:
 The Bichon Frise |
The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY) — A small yet sturdy dog with a white, loosely curled double coat, Bichons are naturally sociable. They have a self-assured temperament and are likely to get along with just about everyone (including members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation). Their active, alert and curious personalities make them easy to train, and the breed's history of being a companion to noblemen in the courts of 16th-century France have primed it for a high-profile life in the White House. Additional information for those considering a Bichon Frise can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/puppy.cfm |
 The Chinese Crested |
The Chinese Crested — Their Chinese and African heritage makes for an exotic pedigree, and with its unique appearance it's certain to turn heads. Coming in two varieties, hairless and the powderpuff, Cresteds are lively, playful and alert dogs with plenty of energy. While they are exceptionally loving and affectionate with children, they are only appropriate for mature children who can be taught to handle this diminutive breed gently and responsibly. Additional information for those considering a Chinese Crested can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/chinese_crested/puppy.cfm |
 The Miniature Schnauzer |
The Miniature Schnauzer — Schnauzers also come in three sizes (although unlike the Poodle, each size is considered a separate breed). The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three breeds and is an active, alert dog who loves to be the center of the household. This versatile breed makes a sturdy playmate for kids, is highly intelligent and an excellent watchdog (qualifying him for Secret Service duties perhaps?). Additional information for those considering a Miniature Schnauzer can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_schnauzer/puppy.cfm |
 The Poodle |
The Poodle — Although often considered high-maintenance show dogs, Poodles are exceptionally smart and athletic. They excel in obedience training and even as hunting companions. The breed comes in three sizes. While their coat does require frequent grooming, their intelligence and versatility more than make up for the extra care. The Poodle is currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC® registrations statistics, but it spent more than two decades in the top spot -- a testament to its suitability as a family pet. Additional information for those considering a Poodle can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/puppy.cfm |
 The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's coat grows longer on his chin and over his eyes, giving him a scruffy appearance, but this intelligent, affectionate and loving breed makes a dignified companion. The breed's playfulness and courageous spirit would likely make him an ambassador of goodwill in the White House. Despite their affectionate and gentle nature, they are true terriers and thus must be handled firmly, fairly and with consistency. Additional information for those considering a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/soft_coated_wheaten_terrier/puppy.cfm |
Meet McCain's Canines
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The English Springer Spaniel — The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog of combined beauty and utility. He can function both as a hard-working hunting companion or an adoring family pet. The versatile breed would fare well in the White House (city life) or during retreats to Camp David (country life). A typical spaniel, the breed is eager to please, quick to learn and always willing to obey. Additional information for those considering an English Springer Spaniel can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/ english_springer_spaniel/puppy.cfm |
The Yorkshire Terrier — Yorkshire Terriers, despite their diminutive size, are true to terrier temperament - they will play hard and be unafraid to investigate their surroundings. They are also ideal travel companions who desire nothing more than to always be by their owners' side. Ranking second in popularity amongst all AKC breeds (outdone only by the universally lovable Labrador Retriever), this portable pooch is sure to win support for the McCain family wherever they go. Additional information for those considering a Yorkshire Terrier can be found online at http://www.akc.org/breeds/ yorkshire_terrier/puppy.cfm |
