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--
A Pair of Poodles for Pennsylvania Avenue?
A pair of six-week-old Toy Poodle puppies rescued by Flora's Pet Project/Poodle Rescue Connecticut
visited the American Kennel Club offices in Manhattan today to be photographed in hopes of catching
the attention of the Obama family. The pups 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 thumbnail for a hi-res image.
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.
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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 |
