Pet People Magazine for Pet Lovers The President and First Family Dog Bo

ell, folks... it finally happened. The President fulfilled his campaign pledge to his daughters Malia, 10 and Sasha, 7 with the arrival of Bo, a 6-month-old, black-and-white Portuguese water dog. It is the fulfillment of a campaign pledge to his daughters that if Obama would win the White House they would get a dog. That famous promise was made to the two daughters during his election night acceptance speech last November. Bo was a gift from Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy and his wife Victoria, who own three of the dogs. Bo's breeders happen to have bred Sen. Edward Kennedy's Portuguese water dogs. The Massachusetts Democrat, an Obama friend and political ally, also acquired a pup from Bo's litter. Bo's breeders are fans of Obama and named Bo's litter the Hope and Change litter.

Portuguese Water Dogs are known as a very active breed and originally were working dogs who helped with fishing. They also have a coat that requires a lot of maintenance. But they are a non-shedding dog which should help with Malia's allergies. Before moving into the White House, the pup spent nearly a month with the Kennedys' dog trainer in Virginia. In an interview with Michelle Obama's spokeswoman, it was learned that Bo, who has been neutered, moved into the White House last week, and that the family will decide later whether or not to give him the run of the place. "Portuguese water dogs aren't for everyone", she added, "they tend to be high energy in-your-face dogs that need a good deal of attention." Stern said the first family did a lot of research and already knew the breed's pros and cons, and that Mrs Kennedy had been closely involved in the process.

Bo seemed like a good fit because the Obamas are an active family and have the resources to give him the training and other things he needs.

Something to produce some smiles in the White House

LOVING FIRST FAMILY - LOVEABLE DOG