Allergist offers advice on Obama dog debate

They can also use a great product called Allerpet--which is a solution that you can use that removes the dander from the dog and thus the allergy.

Obama's dog will officially be known as First Dog of the United States (FDOTUS.com ), just as Obama will be POTUS (President...), Michelle will be FLOTUS, etc. No kidding!

Bichon Frise. Hypo-allergenic, sturdy, smart, small (10-14#), fun companion dogs. There are rescue groups for bichons as well, but lots of rescue dogs (all breeds) come with behavioral issues that may require an unexpected level of attention and training. That may need to be a consideration when dealing with children.

I have never heard of a hypoallergenic labrador. Therefore, mixing 2 breeds will not give the Obama's what they need.
Portuguese water dog is a much better choice if it's the allergy issue that concerns the Obama's.
Also, male and female dogs produce different dander. One worse than the other.I have taken care of two portuguese water dogs, tan and black, and the dog did not shed, was not needy, and did not drool under his chin constantly leaving stains that require constant grooming.

I agree with one of the posters here in that this is a welcome change from what seemed a decade long election cycle. I'll take this bit of fluff- thank you very much.
But when you look at it- this shows a little of the inner workings of President Obama's family -a key ingredient of Obama's success (past and future). This is an American Family!
Now- as for the puppy debate: You can debate shelters vs. breeding all you want and you can find diamonds in the rough anywhere. However-*proportionately* there is a greater chance that a shelter dog could come with personality baggage that could be a negative.
For example- I placed a call two days ago to a shelter after seeing a gorgeous 3 year old Great Pyrenese female that might have been great to adopt and keep my other puppy company. Unfortunately- this dog 'Sara' was given up by her owners as it was very protective and was actually taking chunks out of the family's St. Benard- Sara is an acute Alpha dog.
Suffice to say- Sara won't be coming to our home . What is our other puppy? A (10 month old) Goldendoodle- exactly like what the Obama's are purported to be looking at. Would I recommend a dog like Emma to anyone who is interested- 1000 times over. She has the loving/ slightly 'sucky' qualities of a Golden Retriever and the intelligence of a Poodle. She does shed (as ANY dog will) but it is not much and this is coming from someone who occasionally does have allergic reactions to dogs and cats (worse though when I was a child) She has a great disposition :) Well- ahem... she just tore the cover off my latest paperback but that's what you get any puppy! ;)

As a last comment from a friendly neighbor sitting to the North. We share your hopes that this is the dawn of something great- Obama is not the Saviour but he is a large 'vessel' that can be instrumental in bringing about world change. The timing couldn't be much better- go Obama!

H C W wrote:

I have never heard of a hypoallergenic labrador. Therefore, mixing 2 breeds will not give the Obama's what they need.
Portuguese water dog is a much better choice if it's the allergy issue that concerns the Obama's.
Also, male and female dogs produce different dander. One worse than the other.I have taken care of two portuguese water dogs, tan and black, and the dog did not shed, was not needy, and did not drool under his chin constantly leaving stains that require constant grooming.

The Golden Doodle breed is a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle (as I believe it may say in the article). It is a mixing of their genes that COULD decrease shedding. My fiancee veterinarian could explain more but it basically is a shot in the dark as to what you get. The fact is though that you are starting with two nice breeds (admittedly subjective) and it is a nice place to start. BTW- Our Goldendoodle is a sloppy drinker but there is very rarely drool at any point.