Americans Elect Poodle as Obama's Top Dog

American Kennel Club News Article
Americans Elect Poodle as Obama's Top Dog


Date of Article: August 28, 2008


Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his vice president, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family.

The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (www.presidentialpup.com) after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama's run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.

The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to their distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for the Obama family - hypoallergenic coat, child friendly, moderate energy level, and stable and social temperament.

"Most of our Presidents kept purebreds in the White House," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "When times get tough - during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak - these dogs serve as personal companions and give much relaxation and laughter to our leaders during difficult times."

If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog. The AKC's puppy buyer resource page at www.puppybuyerinfo.com offers links to responsible breeders who are members of AKC clubs as well as to affiliated breed rescue groups that have dogs for adoption. For instance, the Poodle National Breed Club web site can be located at .
The Obama family may be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but Republican nominee John McCain is ahead of the pack with 24 pets, including four dogs. Therefore, animal lovers may be ready to help him "fetch" the election. According to a recent Associated Press survey,"pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner."

"It's no surprise the American public choose a Poodle for Obama," said Peterson. "Poodles are currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007 AKC registrations statistics, and it 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 their daughter and all who suffer from allergies."

Poodles, often considered high-maintenance show dogs, can also be kept in a simple one-length clip. They are exceptionally smart and athletic, excel in obedience training and are great hunting companions. They are one of the breeds that come in three sizes, so it can easily accommodate living in the White House or at Camp David. The Standard variety is the largest size, measuring over 15 inches. It is the oldest of the three varieties and developed for water retrieving. The Miniature variety measures over 10 inches but less than 15 inches. It is speculated that the Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle measures 10 inches and under and was often used in performances and traveling entertainment groups. Learn more about the Poodle and if it's a good fit for your family at http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm