NEW YORK, April 14, 2009
Is A Dog Like Bo Right For You?
Dr. Debbye Turner Bell On Pros, Cons Of Portuguese Water Dogs; Points To Other Hypoallergenic Breeds
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In undated photo released by White House, President Obama holds daughter Sasha as he pets family's new dog, Bo, as Michelle and Malia Obama look on. (AP Photo/The White House)
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Photo Essay Get To Know "Bo" The Obamas choose a Portuguese water dog as the family's first pet
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The First Family Obama Girls Name Dog "Bo" The White House's new resident: A black-and-white Portuguese water dog.
Portuguese Water Dogs, like the one the Obama girls just got, make great family pets, says The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, but they're not necessarily the right choice for everyone seeking a breed considered hypoallergenic.
According to Turner:
The Portuguese Water Dog is a wonderful dog.
From the coast of Portugal, the PWD is a hearty, robust breed that works hard and swims extremely well. They were used as couriers and retrievers for Portuguese fisherman. They retrieved fishing nets, carried messages between boats, and could even dive for fish.
The PWD is a member of the working dog group, which means they are great athletes, very intelligent, and quite trainable. However, PWDs need firm leadership and plenty of physical and intellectual outlets. They shouldn't be left alone all the time, and aren't well-suited to be kept in a kennel all day. They need attention! A PWD owner should be the dog's intellectual equal, or the dog may develop undesirable behaviors.
PWDs are considered "hypoallergenic" because they have a single coat and don't shed excessively. It is important to note that all dogs shed and have the potential to illicit an allergic response in humans. Portuguese Water Dogs come with a wavy or curly coat. And they're most often trimmed in a "working cut" or "lion cut."
Quick facts about Portuguese Water Dogs:
1. Medium in size
2. Hypoallergenic
3. Coat colors: black, white, and various tones of brown
4. Life expectancy: 10 years
For much more on PWDs, visit the Web site of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America.
Turner's favorite "hypoallergenic" breeds:
(All of the following information is directly off the Web site of the American Kennel Club):
For still more on water dogs, click here.
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Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
Breeders fear explosion of interest in Portuguese water dogs
With his playful demeanor and tuxedo-like coat, Bo Obama could be the worst thing that ever happened to Portuguese water dogs.
Portie enthusiasts expressed concerns Monday that the first family?s new pet will spark heightened interest in the breed, giving way to puppy mills and irresponsible owners.
?The fear is that people are going to run right out and get one without doing their homework,? said Stu Freeman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. ?If the demand is there, we worry that someone we don?t like is going to be there to meet it.?
http://www.freep.com/article/20090414/NEWS15/90414007/1285/Breeders+fear+explosion+of+interest+in+Portuguese+water+dogs
I'll have a scotch and water, the lady will have a Portuguese Water Dog.
Her original family gave her up because of divorce. This separation proved catastrophic for Katie, because she is a very devoted breed. She appears to still be on the lookout for the small children of that family. To this day, whenever she hears children's voices, she immediately stops what she is doing and looks in the direction of the children. And children are drawn to her like magic!
No one wanted to adopt Katie during her SPCA stay because half of her body was completely shaved. Guess people thought it was mange, but it actually was because no one was taking good care of her and she is allergic to flea bites. Her hair has since grown out, and people constantly comment what a beautiful dog she is.
It is a shame that the Obamas could not find another Katie at a shelter....but that is their private business. Based on the Obama's lifestyle, and especially since neither parent was raised with a dog, Bo could possibly be quite a big challenge for this family. I certainly hope not. It appears that they will have plenty of help. I certainly hope so, for Bo's sake.
There are so many great dogs in shelters awaiting a loving home right now. All breeds, as well as mixed-breeds, are available. A rescued dog is forever grateful for a second chance.
As the mom to five rescued aussies, and a long time adoption advocate, there IS a rescue group for every breed - including PWDs www.pwdca.org/breed/rescue/
Our President could have kept his word, by getting a dog better suited to their lifestyle - a low-dander dog from a shelter. Yes, they are out there, and plenty of people were willing to help with the search.
Pets as gifts rarely work out; obtaining the dog from a breeder is NOT a rescued dog, even IF they make a donation to DC Humane Society.
Here comes the "101 Dalmatians Effect". Puppy millers and backyard breeders will be adding lots of PWDs into the marketplace, because people will want what the first family has. Without the proper research, these dogs will be flooding rescue, shelters and animal control within the next year.
Sorry, Bo, it appears you (and shelter dogs every where) got the short end of the stick. I agree, there are many more important things to be focusing on, than the Obama's family pet.
Disappointed in Florida
The best day of my life is when I adopted my dog Rowdy from my vet.
There are so many really great dogs (and cats) waiting to be adopted from animal shelters and your local veterinarians. Think about opening your heart and home to a shelter dog - I guarantee you'll be doing a great thing for the dog and yourself, too.
I am very disappointed at the coverage these issues get, instead of the "real news", is President Obama living up to his campaign promises? working the debt fown "from the prior administration". He was part of the Senate/Congress that has approved "all of the prior administrations evils".
Our grandchildren already have a debt they cannot pay,m but this spending cycle we are on will add it to 5 additional generations. I'm not sure this is being fiscally responsible.
Let's not be biased, and report on all adminastrations, and politicians with the same type of scrutinay regarldless of their political affiliation or idealogy.
Portuguese Water Dogs
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
If you want a dog who...
Is medium-sized, strong and durable, athletic and agile
Has a curly or wavy coat
Sheds less than many other breeds, because shed hairs are trapped in the tousled coat
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities.
Makes a fine watchdog, but is too polite to be a guardian
Is usually fine with other pets
A Portuguese Water Dog may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Regular brushing and clipping
Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
A high price tag
Serious health problems
A Portuguese Water Dog may not be right for you.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/portuguesewaterdogs.html
"A PWD owner should be the dog's intellectual equal, or the dog may develop undesirable behaviors." While I'm sure the world is full of people (including our last President) who might not be the intellectual equal of a poodle's cousin, I would hope that a dog's master would be that dog's intellectual superior.
CBS News' proofreader's a real bow-wow.
there are 4-6 million dogs and cats put down in shelters every year. These, by a vast majority, are very healthy animals that deserve a second chance for a loving family.
Please consider adoption and visit your local shelter. Even if you are not considering bringing a dog into your home, please consider volunteering at your local shelter and help your fellow neighbors.
We love our dogs and have turned away prospective owners because they just were not right for the breed. Also if you are considering purchasing a PWD, go to the PWDCA website and read about the health testing that is recommended for breeding. Follow their guidelines in purchasing a healthy dog from an ethical breeder.
- by licht1 April 14, 2009 7:17 AM EDT
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs eat linguiça?
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