Obamas have chosen to adopt a Portuguese Water Dog in April after they fully settle into the White House. This news was revealed by Michelle Obama in an interview with People magazine. They wanted a purebred dog since they have received some backlash for trying to bring a Labradoodle into the White House. Labradoodle is a crossbred or hybrid dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Standard or Miniature Poodle. Kennel clubs like the AKC are against designer breeds because of their known connection with genetic anomalies and diseases. Hybrids are also known to have behavioral and temperamental issues that are hard to control. Purebred dogs were bred for sound temperament and such issues were mostly eliminated from centuries of careful breeding.
The primary reason they chose the Portuguese Water Dog is that this is a hypoallergenic breed that is alleged to be safer for allergic persons than other breeds. One of their daughters has allergies, and this was a serious concern for the Obamas when they were looking for a dog. There are no 100% allergy-free dogs, but Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little (similar to Poodles) and, as a result, are a good match for a person suffering from allergies. Portuguese Water Dogs have a very small gene pool and there are not many of them around the world. In the 1930's, the breed almost became extinct. The Portuguese Water Dog is a muscular medium-sized working dog that loves the water (water retriever) and is very loyal to the family. It is great with children and is very intelligent and easy to train. Portuguese Water Dogs need plenty of daily mental and physical exercise and will do fine in an apartment if exercised sufficiently. They are fun to be around and love to be the center of the attention. They have a pleasant temperament and will get along well with other dogs if socialized properly.
