After months of researching for just the right pet, the family chose the Portuguese Water Dog Breed because of Malia’s allergies. As the public anxiously awaited arrival of the First Dog, the Obamas had a dilemma. They also wanted to adopt a dog from a shelter but their chosen breed is rarely found in shelters. However, it turns out the new First Dog may be considered a rescue after all. When Senator Ted Kennedy learned that the six month old littermate of one his own
It seems the pup is a Texan from the Amigo Portuguese Water Dog kennel near Dallas. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Obamas will also make a donation to a humane society to ease the disappointment of not getting a dog from a shelter.
Although the six month old fluffy pup’s registered name is Amigo’s New Hope and he was called Charlie in his first home, the Obama girls will call him Bo, after their grandfather who had the nickname “Diddley” as in Bo Diddley. Interestingly, the two letters of his name also spell the initials of Barack Obama.
Described by the American Kennel Club as intelligent, obedient, and resistant to fatigue, the Portuguese Water Dog breed promises to make a wonderful companion to the Obama family.