Is A Dog Like Bo Right For You?

Dr. Debbye Turner Bell On Pros, Cons Of Portuguese Water Dogs; Points To Other Hypoallergenic Breeds

(CBS)  Would a dog like "first puppy" Bo Obama be appropriate for your family?

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):

Bichon Frise: The Bichon Frise is a small, yet sturdy dog with a white, loosely-curled double coat. Bichons are naturally sociable. They have a self-assured temperament and are likely to get along with just about everyone (including members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation). Their active, alert and curious personalities make them easy to train, and the breed's history of being a companion to noblemen in the courts of 16th-century France have primed it for a high-profile life in the White House.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier: The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier's coat grows longer on his chin and over his eyes, giving him a scruffy appearance, but this intelligent, affectionate and loving breed makes a dignified companion. The breed's playfulness and courageous spirit would likely make him an ambassador of goodwill in the White House. Despite their affectionate and gentle nature, they are true terriers and thus must be handled firmly, fairly and with consistency.

Poodle: Although often considered high-maintenance show dogs, Poodles are exceptionally smart and athletic. They excel in obedience training and even as hunting companions. The breed comes in three sizes. While their coat does require frequent grooming, their intelligence and versatility more than make up for the extra care. The Poodle is currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC registrations statistics, but it spent more than two decades in the top spot -- a testament to its suitability as a family pet.

For still more on water dogs, click here.

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by Dgunner April 15, 2009 9:37 AM EDT

SOLARRAYs247 I had a snoodle for sixteen years I just had to put her down in decenber . she was sufferring from trachea collapse syndrome. Her vet. thinks it maybe a record life span for the breed . She weighed 46 lbs. Outside of my timberwolf I have never met a smarter or more dedicated breed of dog. Now caninus lupus is different they are social animals . The female always is the alpha pack animal.When I brought the wolf home she was pup of a wild pair. I raised her with the snoodle . Even though she grew to 129 lb animal the snoodle remained boss all through the years.

Reply to this comment

by andie52 April 15, 2009 8:18 AM EDT

TinaValant I agree with you. This is not the dog for novice owners, it would have set a wonderful precedent to rescue a dog not attain one from a breeder. Just because this breed was suited to the Kennedy family does not mean it will be suited to the Presidents family..

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

Reply to this comment

by dennisgreen5 April 14, 2009 11:04 PM EDT

Senator Edward Kennedy gave the children of President OBama a puppy. It's not any more or less than that.

Reply to this comment

by thgdriver April 14, 2009 9:13 PM EDT

Portuguese Water Dog, sounds like something to drink in China.

I'll have a scotch and water, the lady will have a Portuguese Water Dog.

Reply to this comment

by Solarrays247 April 14, 2009 9:02 PM EDT

I have a fantastic hypoallergenic dog that I got from the S.P.C.A. in October 2007. Katie is a schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle), and she is an extremely intelligent, gentle, and perceptive 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.

Reply to this comment

by TinaValant April 14, 2009 5:55 PM EDT

No, this was not the right choice. PWDs are high energy, working dogs, inappropriate for a first time dog owner. How are they ever going to manage a puppy's energy and activity level, and housetraining, with their hectic schedules?

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

Reply to this comment

by mswolfestock April 14, 2009 10:05 AM EDT

Anybody who likes dogs is okay with me. I love dogs because they give unconditional love and loyalty. And I'm really liking the idea of kids and a dog in the White House - it's just so down to earth and "real."

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.

Reply to this comment

by Bigbobbo April 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT

My wife & I adopted a 2yr.old "poodle" from the human society a year and a half ago. A short time ago a woman stopped us on the street and asked us"do you know what kind of dog you have?". She let us know that he has all the traits of a porti. So we have a porti-poo that looks just like Bo but is only 17lbs. He's been a good dog,so soft, and great with kids. He is smart, loving, loyal and a great playmate for us. I've loved the pleasant distraction of Bo's arrival as First Dog and fully expect great things. Our dog Max gives Bo his distant cousin his best wishes as canine leader of the free world.

Reply to this comment

by wtcmedic911 April 14, 2009 9:26 AM EDT

Another promise broken.... you know the Ted had to have asked permission first prior to giving him the k9.

Reply to this comment

by sprovpj April 14, 2009 9:25 AM EDT

This is great that our First fasmily has a dog.

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.

Reply to this comment

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[Dgunner]

SOLARRAYs247 I had a snoodle for sixteen years I just had to put her down in decenber . she was sufferring from trachea collapse syndrome. Her vet. thinks it maybe a record life span for the breed . She weighed 46 lbs. Outside of my timberwolf I have never met a smarter or more dedicated breed of dog. Now caninus lupus is different they are social animals . The female always is the alpha pack animal.When I brought the wolf home she was pup of a wild pair. I raised her with the snoodle . Even though she grew to 129 lb animal the snoodle remained boss all through the years.

[andie52]

TinaValant I agree with you. This is not the dog for novice owners, it would have set a wonderful precedent to rescue a dog not attain one from a breeder. Just because this breed was suited to the Kennedy family does not mean it will be suited to the Presidents family..

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

[dennisgreen5]

Senator Edward Kennedy gave the children of President OBama a puppy. It's not any more or less than that.

[thgdriver]

Portuguese Water Dog, sounds like something to drink in China.

I'll have a scotch and water, the lady will have a Portuguese Water Dog.

[Solarrays247]

I have a fantastic hypoallergenic dog that I got from the S.P.C.A. in October 2007. Katie is a schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle), and she is an extremely intelligent, gentle, and perceptive 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.

[TinaValant]

No, this was not the right choice. PWDs are high energy, working dogs, inappropriate for a first time dog owner. How are they ever going to manage a puppy's energy and activity level, and housetraining, with their hectic schedules?

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

[mswolfestock]

Anybody who likes dogs is okay with me. I love dogs because they give unconditional love and loyalty. And I'm really liking the idea of kids and a dog in the White House - it's just so down to earth and "real."

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.

[Bigbobbo]

My wife & I adopted a 2yr.old "poodle" from the human society a year and a half ago. A short time ago a woman stopped us on the street and asked us"do you know what kind of dog you have?". She let us know that he has all the traits of a porti. So we have a porti-poo that looks just like Bo but is only 17lbs. He's been a good dog,so soft, and great with kids. He is smart, loving, loyal and a great playmate for us. I've loved the pleasant distraction of Bo's arrival as First Dog and fully expect great things. Our dog Max gives Bo his distant cousin his best wishes as canine leader of the free world.

[wtcmedic911]

Another promise broken.... you know the Ted had to have asked permission first prior to giving him the k9.

[sprovpj]

This is great that our First fasmily has a dog.

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.