And my money was on a cocka-poo...
February 25, 2009 4:41 PM Subscribe
Portuguese Water Dogs of the world, rejoice! The Obama clan has finally decided on the new breed of dog that will be roaming the halls of the White House soon.
The Portuguese Water Dog is an interesting breed (think scruffy poodle/straighter-haired puli) that actually originated in central Asia. It was brought to Portugal through North Africa and Morocco. Strangely enough, it was a breed facing extinction as recent as the 1930s.
The Portuguese Water Dog is an interesting breed (think scruffy poodle/straighter-haired puli) that actually originated in central Asia. It was brought to Portugal through North Africa and Morocco. Strangely enough, it was a breed facing extinction as recent as the 1930s.
My grandma got rid of her parakeet.
posted by five fresh fish at 4:46 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by five fresh fish at 4:46 PM on February 25, 2009
Ted Kennedy already has one
That should stoke the right-wing-noise-hate-machine for a few hoursdays.
posted by ornate insect at 4:48 PM on February 25, 2009
That should stoke the right-wing-
posted by ornate insect at 4:48 PM on February 25, 2009
Portuguese Water Dogs of the world, rejoice!
Yeah, be happy you're not Scottish Terriers.
posted by gman at 4:51 PM on February 25, 2009
Yeah, be happy you're not Scottish Terriers.
posted by gman at 4:51 PM on February 25, 2009
When are they going to get back to keeping Hippos on the White House lawn?
posted by PenDevil at 4:59 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by PenDevil at 4:59 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
OHMYGOD PLEEZE TELL US THE NAME THE NAME THE NAAAAAMMMMMME!!!!!!
posted by orme at 4:59 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by orme at 4:59 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
from mupuppies link: The relatively obscure breed is described by the American Kennel Club as providing an "indelible impression of strength, spirit and soundness."
The president too was an obscure candidate who has since provided much of the nation with an indelible impression of strength, spirit and soundness. Barnie did not of these things.
Also, when did the terms "first dog" and "first cat" start? And can we please stop using them? I mean when the first dog takes its first dump on the White House lawn, will it be front page news?
posted by ornate insect at 5:00 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
The president too was an obscure candidate who has since provided much of the nation with an indelible impression of strength, spirit and soundness. Barnie did not of these things.
Also, when did the terms "first dog" and "first cat" start? And can we please stop using them? I mean when the first dog takes its first dump on the White House lawn, will it be front page news?
posted by ornate insect at 5:00 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
I am crushed, I thought they were going to adopt from a shelter and I was so excited and proud about that.
posted by bunnycup at 5:08 PM on February 25, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by bunnycup at 5:08 PM on February 25, 2009 [3 favorites]
A mostly-black dog with patches of white? The bad jokes write themselves.
posted by GuyZero at 5:09 PM on February 25, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by GuyZero at 5:09 PM on February 25, 2009 [3 favorites]
Skirt-wearin' poodle-walker.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 5:09 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by kuujjuarapik at 5:09 PM on February 25, 2009
The LA Times articles mentions that the rumoured Portuguese was a rescued dog - there are a fair number of purebreds available for adoption if you can find the right rescue group.
posted by GuyZero at 5:10 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by GuyZero at 5:10 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
At least it wasn't a labradoodle.
posted by Pants! at 5:19 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Pants! at 5:19 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
My dad used to talk about the Portagee down the street, good with his hands he always said. Take a look at this shot, I mean what end is Barack's and which end is the wife's?
posted by pianomover at 5:20 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by pianomover at 5:20 PM on February 25, 2009
Oh, and is this where I admit to owning a cockapoo? Because I own one. He actually gets mistaken for a Portuguese at times. They probably should get a cockapoo. He's pretty mild-mannered. My kids chew the dog more than the dog chews my kids and he doesn't seem to mind.
cockapoo cockapoo cockapoo
posted by GuyZero at 5:25 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
cockapoo cockapoo cockapoo
posted by GuyZero at 5:25 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
The LA Times articles mentions that the rumoured Portuguese was a rescued dog
Great!
posted by bunnycup at 5:26 PM on February 25, 2009
Great!
posted by bunnycup at 5:26 PM on February 25, 2009
Jesus, Barry, get a normal dog, not a Portuguese Snobhound named Raoul Xavier that comes with a turtleneck and a reading list.
posted by fleetmouse at 5:30 PM on February 25, 2009 [29 favorites]
posted by fleetmouse at 5:30 PM on February 25, 2009 [29 favorites]
I am crushed, I thought they were going to adopt from a shelter and I was so excited and proud about that.
Yeah, we don't need his wife breaking promises too.
posted by gman at 5:31 PM on February 25, 2009
Yeah, we don't need his wife breaking promises too.
posted by gman at 5:31 PM on February 25, 2009
One of his daughters is allergic, IIRC, so there's a relatively small number of breeds that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Poodles are... poodles (I mean, they're great dogs, but if any dog opens you up to accusations of snobbery, it's poodles), the hairless breeds are lacking in Cute, and I'm really wary of making the various Poodle crosses even trendier than they already are. There are a few other toy breeds that are hypoallergenic, but I think the press would have a field day if he got a Bichon Frise. In that context, a rescued Portuguese Water Dog is a fantastic choice.
posted by Jeanne at 5:47 PM on February 25, 2009 [5 favorites]
posted by Jeanne at 5:47 PM on February 25, 2009 [5 favorites]
OHMYGOD PLEEZE TELL US THE NAME THE NAME THE NAAAAAMMMMMME!!!!!!
Miguel Cardoso.
posted by donpedro at 5:48 PM on February 25, 2009 [5 favorites]
Miguel Cardoso.
posted by donpedro at 5:48 PM on February 25, 2009 [5 favorites]
...that comes with a turtleneck and a reading list.
Much laughter. Thanks.
posted by mmrtnt at 5:50 PM on February 25, 2009
Much laughter. Thanks.
posted by mmrtnt at 5:50 PM on February 25, 2009
While the PWD is a great choice for the Obama kids, knowing what's going to happen to the PWD breed standard now that it has achieved instant fame, and therefore the inevitable huge consumer/breeder/puppymill demand, I'm just glad they didn't choose one of my favorite breed.
posted by webhund at 5:59 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by webhund at 5:59 PM on February 25, 2009
I got my Portuguese Water Dog from a rescue outfit. He was a lot of fun and very active, which for kids that age is a good thing.
Sometimes I want to scream in rage when people think a mixed-breed shelter dogs are the only acceptable choice - sorry, but a mixed-breed dog is more likely to be allergenic than a purebred Portie (and this includes cockapoos and labradoodles). It comes across as some kind of bizarre reverse elitism - that it's better that a child be sick or be without a dog than that a purebred be rescued.
Dog elitism is such nonsense, either way.
posted by watsondog at 6:00 PM on February 25, 2009
Sometimes I want to scream in rage when people think a mixed-breed shelter dogs are the only acceptable choice - sorry, but a mixed-breed dog is more likely to be allergenic than a purebred Portie (and this includes cockapoos and labradoodles). It comes across as some kind of bizarre reverse elitism - that it's better that a child be sick or be without a dog than that a purebred be rescued.
Dog elitism is such nonsense, either way.
posted by watsondog at 6:00 PM on February 25, 2009
"Jesus, Barry, get a normal dog, not a Portuguese Snobhound named Raoul Xavier that comes with a turtleneck and a reading list."
Oh, for all we know the dog will be a Dan Brown fan.
posted by krinklyfig at 6:13 PM on February 25, 2009
Oh, for all we know the dog will be a Dan Brown fan.
posted by krinklyfig at 6:13 PM on February 25, 2009
and now the tension builds to decide what name to give the creature!
will the dog be male/female or fixed? these are pressing issues that must be
discussed by our tv pundits...what does Rush think about this?
posted by Postroad at 6:27 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
will the dog be male/female or fixed? these are pressing issues that must be
discussed by our tv pundits...what does Rush think about this?
posted by Postroad at 6:27 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
Pool dog! PWD's used to carry messages between fishing boats at sea. Those kids are going to have fun sending messages to each other back and forth in the pool.
posted by tellurian at 6:36 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by tellurian at 6:36 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
Porties are AWESOME.
My last dog was a Portie and they are incredible animals. All of the smarts of a Poodle without the soft temperament, and all the focus of a Border Collie without the manic obsessiveness.
The breeder I got mine from trained for therapy, specifically cancer-sniffing.
They are gorgeous, fiercely loyal, sweet, and massively-intelligent animals.
My puppy used to have sit-down strikes in the street when he wasn't done for a walk and knew we were headed inside. He'd plunk his ass down and tilt his head at me, as if to say, "oh COME ON! We were only out for like, five freakin' minutes, pal!"
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:52 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
My last dog was a Portie and they are incredible animals. All of the smarts of a Poodle without the soft temperament, and all the focus of a Border Collie without the manic obsessiveness.
The breeder I got mine from trained for therapy, specifically cancer-sniffing.
They are gorgeous, fiercely loyal, sweet, and massively-intelligent animals.
My puppy used to have sit-down strikes in the street when he wasn't done for a walk and knew we were headed inside. He'd plunk his ass down and tilt his head at me, as if to say, "oh COME ON! We were only out for like, five freakin' minutes, pal!"
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:52 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
Dog elitism is such nonsense, either way.
If that was directed at me by any chance, it's totally misdirected - my family have a rescued Chihuahua and a rescued Min Pin. A dog needing a home is a dog needing a home. I liked the example that the Obama family chose to set by adopting rather than breeding, and approve whether they were going down to the local shelter or through a breed-specific group.
I am ALL FOR people carefully researching breeds to carefully select one that will fit their needs and lifestyle - it raises the chance of that dog staying in a permanent, loving home.
posted by bunnycup at 7:00 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
If that was directed at me by any chance, it's totally misdirected - my family have a rescued Chihuahua and a rescued Min Pin. A dog needing a home is a dog needing a home. I liked the example that the Obama family chose to set by adopting rather than breeding, and approve whether they were going down to the local shelter or through a breed-specific group.
I am ALL FOR people carefully researching breeds to carefully select one that will fit their needs and lifestyle - it raises the chance of that dog staying in a permanent, loving home.
posted by bunnycup at 7:00 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
I broke my get-every-dog-from-the-pound method when my son turned out to have pretty bad allergies. We settled on a Softcoated Wheaten Terrier and found a super and conscientious breeder. We couldn't be happier; he is hands-down the smartest and friendliest dog I've ever owned.
I thought the Wheaten was originally in the running for the Obamas. I don't know if I'm happy or sad that they didn't pick one.( PWDs are awesome dogs, too. )
posted by Benny Andajetz at 7:27 PM on February 25, 2009
I thought the Wheaten was originally in the running for the Obamas. I don't know if I'm happy or sad that they didn't pick one.( PWDs are awesome dogs, too. )
posted by Benny Andajetz at 7:27 PM on February 25, 2009
The breeder I got mine from trained for therapy, specifically cancer-sniffing.
I'd be freaked out if I had a dog trained for cancer sniffing. Every time he barked at me I'd want to call the doctor for an appointment.
posted by eye of newt at 7:29 PM on February 25, 2009 [8 favorites]
I'd be freaked out if I had a dog trained for cancer sniffing. Every time he barked at me I'd want to call the doctor for an appointment.
posted by eye of newt at 7:29 PM on February 25, 2009 [8 favorites]
The look of that breed doesn't appeal to me at all. But at least it isn't as stupid-looking as a Kerry Blue Terrier.
My favourite breeds in terms of looks are beagles and golden retrievers. And I rather like the look of German Shepherds too, because I grew up with a series of dogs that were mutts but looked like Germans, since that was my dad's favourite.
Oh yeah, and don't savage me for saying this, but goldendoodles are just adorable. But then lots of dogs are so appealing. I just like dogs, I guess. Dogs! They're so awesome.
posted by orange swan at 8:27 PM on February 25, 2009
My favourite breeds in terms of looks are beagles and golden retrievers. And I rather like the look of German Shepherds too, because I grew up with a series of dogs that were mutts but looked like Germans, since that was my dad's favourite.
Oh yeah, and don't savage me for saying this, but goldendoodles are just adorable. But then lots of dogs are so appealing. I just like dogs, I guess. Dogs! They're so awesome.
posted by orange swan at 8:27 PM on February 25, 2009
I have to say I'm going to be really disappointed if they get there dog from a breeder. Even if you want a purebred, it only takes a little research to find one that needs rescuing. (I know because I just adopted the senior pug of my dreams in October). Every "bought" pet dashes the hopes of another potential pet that needs rescuing.
posted by Jess the Mess at 8:32 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by Jess the Mess at 8:32 PM on February 25, 2009
This prompted me to look up Presidential pets. There's some doozies - a pygmy hippo, goats, alligators, silkworms as well as a dog named Satan.
posted by tellurian at 8:55 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by tellurian at 8:55 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
When are they going to get back to keeping Hippos on the White House lawn?
Hopefully never. Hippos fucking kill people.
posted by clearly at 9:07 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
Hopefully never. Hippos fucking kill people.
posted by clearly at 9:07 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
Boxers
posted by mmrtnt at 9:33 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by mmrtnt at 9:33 PM on February 25, 2009 [2 favorites]
Metafillter:Hippos fucking kill people.
posted by mmrtnt at 9:34 PM on February 25, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by mmrtnt at 9:34 PM on February 25, 2009 [4 favorites]
As much as I would vastly prefer a rescue of whatever breed (or non-breed), at least we know that the likelihood of the Obamas pulling a Millie under this much scrutiny is close to nill. No White House puppies! (After the first, if it's young.)
Also, the wiki page on Billy the pygmy hippo is more educational than you'd realize.
posted by bettafish at 9:39 PM on February 25, 2009
Also, the wiki page on Billy the pygmy hippo is more educational than you'd realize.
posted by bettafish at 9:39 PM on February 25, 2009
Commence massive PWD in-breeding program to capitalize on the sure-to-be fad breed of the year.
posted by Fupped Duck at 9:43 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by Fupped Duck at 9:43 PM on February 25, 2009
Dateline 2011: President Obama is expected today to announce his PWD rescue plan. The government will be taking a stake in mortgages held by underwater PWD-owners made destitute by the 2010 crash in PWD values after overbreeding overheated the market and the bubble burst, leaving foreclosed Porties wandering the streets of many US cities, stripped of their metal chains by scavengers.
posted by dhartung at 10:17 PM on February 25, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by dhartung at 10:17 PM on February 25, 2009 [3 favorites]
Calvin Coolidge had two lion cubs. One named 'Tax Reduction' and the other 'Budget Bureau'. I think Obama should also get two pets and name them after significant high points of his presidency.
One can be called 'Recovery Act' and the other 'Bobby Jindal Fucked Up'.
posted by PenDevil at 10:42 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
One can be called 'Recovery Act' and the other 'Bobby Jindal Fucked Up'.
posted by PenDevil at 10:42 PM on February 25, 2009 [1 favorite]
im staying undercover til they break the news more official-like
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:30 PM on February 25, 2009
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:30 PM on February 25, 2009
Surely this...
posted by Devils Rancher at 4:12 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by Devils Rancher at 4:12 AM on February 26, 2009
We recently adopted a rescue that had come to North Shore Animal League from Virginia. Figured it was a typical mutt but were watching Westminster and realized it was a Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. What a great dog. Adorable, well-behaved, friendly and very smart.
posted by stargell at 7:44 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by stargell at 7:44 AM on February 26, 2009
They could've gone for a North American house hippo.
posted by bentley at 7:55 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by bentley at 7:55 AM on February 26, 2009
Just because there's a lot of dogs that need rescuing doesn't mean that it's a total sin to buy from a respectable breeder. If Obama wants to buy his daughter a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog, and then uses the rest of his day fixing the economy and getting us out of Iraq, I'm cool.
posted by Bookhouse at 8:23 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by Bookhouse at 8:23 AM on February 26, 2009
I've never met a Portuguese Water Dog I didn't like.
posted by dorgla at 8:57 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by dorgla at 8:57 AM on February 26, 2009
Ted Kennedy already has one
That should stoke the right-wing-noise-hate-machine for a few hoursdays.
It's called Splash. For reals. Apparently when he got it, it was already named. He really loves that dog.
Also, it seems the Obamas are getting a shelter dog.
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:26 AM on February 26, 2009
That should stoke the right-wing-noise-hate-machine for a few hoursdays.
It's called Splash. For reals. Apparently when he got it, it was already named. He really loves that dog.
Also, it seems the Obamas are getting a shelter dog.
posted by CunningLinguist at 9:26 AM on February 26, 2009
I'd be freaked out if I had a dog trained for cancer sniffing. Every time he barked at me I'd want to call the doctor for an appointment.
Eye of Newt -
On the contrary, it was wonderfully touching. My dog, Fado, would pounce on me and hold me down on the floor and examine me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and skin issues, and he'd sniff at my joints and scars and doctor me up.
perhaps I overshare?
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 9:45 AM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
Eye of Newt -
On the contrary, it was wonderfully touching. My dog, Fado, would pounce on me and hold me down on the floor and examine me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and skin issues, and he'd sniff at my joints and scars and doctor me up.
perhaps I overshare?
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 9:45 AM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
I love these dogs, and I think it will be a terrific gesture if they take a rescue dog.
posted by Mister_A at 1:14 PM on February 26, 2009
posted by Mister_A at 1:14 PM on February 26, 2009
What? No Peruvian Inca Orchid? Folks back at home are disappointed they didn't take the country's offer...
posted by ratita at 2:12 PM on February 26, 2009
posted by ratita at 2:12 PM on February 26, 2009
Lipstick Thespian : They are gorgeous, fiercely loyal, sweet, and massively-intelligent animals.
I don't disagree at all. They look beautiful and from what I've heard are very cool animals to have around.
But... I had hoped he'd go a different way. I really kinda wanted him to get a pit-bull. I know people would have gotten all weird and assumed it was a racial thing, but I've been noticing that the fear of pits seems to be on a downswing and I thought that the president adopting one to play with his adorable children might have finally made people see how sweet the dogs can be.
Extra bonus points would have been given if he had called it "Pete" (which technically was an American Staffordshire, but most people can't tell the difference and assume that anything that looks like that must be a pit.)
posted by quin at 2:24 PM on February 26, 2009
I don't disagree at all. They look beautiful and from what I've heard are very cool animals to have around.
But... I had hoped he'd go a different way. I really kinda wanted him to get a pit-bull. I know people would have gotten all weird and assumed it was a racial thing, but I've been noticing that the fear of pits seems to be on a downswing and I thought that the president adopting one to play with his adorable children might have finally made people see how sweet the dogs can be.
Extra bonus points would have been given if he had called it "Pete" (which technically was an American Staffordshire, but most people can't tell the difference and assume that anything that looks like that must be a pit.)
posted by quin at 2:24 PM on February 26, 2009
These dogs can sniff cancer, dive underwater to herd fish into nets, AND are hypo-allergenic?!
Shit I want one!
Or they should invent a cat that gives therapeutic massages, runs up walls, and can direct air plane landings or something equally amazing.
posted by fontophilic at 2:29 PM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
Shit I want one!
Or they should invent a cat that gives therapeutic massages, runs up walls, and can direct air plane landings or something equally amazing.
posted by fontophilic at 2:29 PM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
They're not for everyone, though. They are a very, very high-energy breed of dog that won't cotton well to apartment living at all. They would work best in a home with a big backyard or great trails nearby, or beaches, rivers, etc.
They like to move. A lot. Fado could be all the way across a dog park in three seconds if I let him.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 3:15 PM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
They like to move. A lot. Fado could be all the way across a dog park in three seconds if I let him.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 3:15 PM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
yep - that's the gist, Liza.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 10:02 AM on February 27, 2009
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 10:02 AM on February 27, 2009
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