Dan: We've heard that once the election is over, Michelle and Barack Obama might be bringing a dog into the home. What is more, we've heard that - because their kids have pet-dander allergies - the Obamas might be thinking about getting a Poodle. In your esteemed opinion, what are the upsides and downsides to this breed?
Laurie: Poodles are indeed a very trainable breed! In Stanley Coren's book, The Intelligence of Dogs, Poodles are ranked #2 (out of 110 breeds) in intelligence according to data gathered from over 200 dog-obedience judges. They were second to none other than Border Collies. Not too shabby!
Cross-Posted at Fred2Blue
I consider the Poodle a breed that can be trained to do almost anything from basic obedience to agility, tracking and even water retrieving. A lot of people don't realize that Poodles were originally bred to be hunting dogs. And one of the best things about Poodles is they come in 3 different sizes (toy, miniature and standard) to fit a family's specific needs.
However, one thing to consider is that Poodles do require regular grooming to maintain their curly coat and prevent it from growing too long.
Since the Obama family is young and certainly on the go, out of the three sizes I would recommend a Standard Poodle, the largest out of the three.
Dan: Are there other non-shedding breeds they should consider?
Laurie: There are actually quite a few breeds that are considered "hypoallergenic." Among them is the Maltese, and of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention them! In addition to Andrew, I have two other Maltese and find them to make wonderful family pets. And as Andrew demonstrates they are very trainable, obedient and loyal. Maltese have hair, like humans, rather than fur, so people with allergies do very well with them. They are a toy breed and normally range in size from 4 to 8lbs. Maltese also require regular grooming to maintain their long, luxurious coat. Many opt to get them cut short in a "puppy cut." Greatest American Dog Judge Wendy Diamond's dog Lucky is shown in this shorter clip. At first glance you'd never even know that Lucky and Andrew are the same breed!
Dan: What advice would you give them regarding timing? Bringing a doggie into the family, especially if Sen. Obama becomes President and the family moves into The White House, would be a big challenge. Should they wait and if so how long?
Laurie: I would definitely advise the Obamas to wait until they are settled into their new digs before adding a dog to the family. But this will give them adequate time to research the various different hypoallergenic breeds and determine which might best fit in their family. It will also give them an opportunity to visit various breeders should they decide to start out with a puppy. But I do hope they will also consider a shelter dog or rescue. People would be surprised how many purebred dogs are given up each year. Most national breed clubs have rescue divisions all over the country, and many rescues are listed on petfinder.com. How symbolic would it be for the President of Hope who will lead this country into a brand new day to also give hope and a second chance to a rescue or shelter dog by giving him a forever home?
Dan: Thanks, Laurie!
Aside from Andrew, Laurie's family includes Moet, a Standard Poodle.
By the way, the finale of CBS's The Greatest American Dog airs next Wednesday Sept. 10 on CBS Television (in the D.C. area on WUSA TV Channel 9 and in Richmond on WTVR Channel 6).
Go Laurie and Andrew!
In my opinion, there are two possibilities:
1. Shelter mutt - anything that looks down on its luck but ready for a loving family.
2. Golden Retreiver/Labrador Retreiver/other hunting sport dog. I don't think the average American would care if poodles were originally bred to take down caribou single-handed or fetch beer from the fridge, they look French and they yap all the time.
Then again, after the election the Obamas may not care about the politics one bit.
My two cents.
No, seriously...doesn't shed. We have one, and it (unlike other breeds)has never caused me allergy problems.
Me? I love Shetlies but no they are NOT for those allergic -- I have dog hair all over the house no matter how often I clean.
Ok, back to dogs (if they insist) our family has a beagle and they don't seem to shed much, plus they are great with kids.
"Tryin to reason with hurricane season"- Jimmy Buffett
I hope/bet Laurie & Andrew win -- well at least if the judges are fair they will!