# Obama's Other Appointment **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 5, 2008, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288 "2008-11-05T16:36:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/21 "2008-11-06T02:27:06Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > [America has already chosen the poodle for the Obamas](http://www.akc.org/poll/special/presidential.cfm) > > Hopefully it’s a standard poodle and not one of those annoying tiny ones. In that article, it’s hilarious that Jill Biden told Joe he could have a dog if he won. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/22 "2008-11-06T02:31:24Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > [America has already chosen the poodle for the Obamas](http://www.akc.org/poll/special/presidential.cfm) > > Hopefully it’s a standard poodle and not one of those annoying tiny ones. We have one of each. The Toy is the best, sweetest dog we’ve ever had. It’s not one of those little shit, piss, and barking dogs like you think. The Standard is 7 months and is a handful though, but so far a great dog. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/23 "2008-11-06T02:42:39Z")
the puppy was promised no matter what the election outcome. a great dane is really good with kids, as is the lab. ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/24 "2008-11-06T04:10:37Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > It’d be cool if foreign heads of state offered him puppies from their respective countries. Horst Kohler could send a dachshund, Hu Jintao could send a pug, Gordon Brown could send a bulldog, Felipe Calderon a chihuahua, whoever runs Canada could send a pupsicle… > > I kid, I kid our beloved neighbors to the north! How about a Canadian Eskimo dog? Canada (well, Québec) already gives Labrador dogs to French Presidents. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/25 "2008-11-06T04:27:29Z")
this just in from cnn. the new addition to the obama family will be from a rescue! ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/26 "2008-11-06T04:28:45Z")
Not that I approve of designer mutts in general, but given the allergy issue perhaps a Labradoodle would fit the bill. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/27 "2008-11-06T04:41:07Z")
Not only do I think that the North American Standard Mongrel Dog is the absolute best breed ever, but there would also be a powerful symbolism in a champion of the downtrodden choosing his dog from a rescue shelter instead of an elitist breeder. ---
**Author:** ![SurrenderDorothy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/surrenderdorothy/32/1221_2.png) [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/28 "2008-11-06T06:17:12Z")
Everybody knows Barack Obama is a terrier-loving terrierist. ---
**Author:** ![Auntbeast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Auntbeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Auntbeast)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/29 "2008-11-06T11:53:50Z")
I’m gonna vote Golden Retriever. My reasons? 1. Very few things in this world are cuter than a golden puppy. 2. Very, very child friendly 3. Wheeeee! Did It! 4. Extremely photo friendly 5. non-aggressive almost to a fault. 6. Sure, it will spend the first two years eating the West Wing, but after that? It’ll be Golden! ETA: a retired greyhound would be a nice choice, although they aren’t really dogs as such. OT: My daughter isn’t old enough to have such opionions, but when you promise your kid a pet, doesn’t the kid get to pick it out? ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/30 "2008-11-06T14:52:51Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > I think they should get a female dog and name her Maverick. > > “You’re my bitch now, Maverick!” A poster on another site recommended “Bark”, Bark Obama. ---
**Author:** ![Minnie\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Minnie\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minnie_Luna)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/31 "2008-11-06T16:19:22Z")
From what I remember, the Obama girls wanted a dog before the election started. They agreed that once the election was over, they as a family would get a dog. Michelle has reported previously that they would adopt a dog, rather than “buy” a dog. My pick for them would be a labradoodle, a wheaten mix, or any poodle mix because of the allergies with Malia. FWIW, once the Obama Family takes residence, they will most likely have the best dog trainer/behaviorist working with them to select and train the dog to make sure it is not a raving nutter. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2008, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/32 "2008-11-06T17:02:00Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Anybody besides me think it’s freakin’ rude to the White House staff to do this? Maybe he asked first, but I can’t help but think there were a bunch of glassy-eyed smiles in D.C. last night… It could be worse. From this story on CNN: > **[Move over Barney, new dog moving into White House - CNN.com](https://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/11/05/presidential.pets/index.html)** > > Barack Obama's two daughters had another reason to high-five their dad's election to the presidency Tuesday night: they're getting a puppy. > [@](#): > > While many presidents took to heart President Harry Truman’s admonishment – “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog” – first pets have come in all shapes, sizes and species. > > Thomas Jefferson kept two grizzly bears in a cage on the White House lawn, while John Quincy Adams is said to have let his alligator use a bathtub inside. > > Calvin Coolidge walked his raccoons on a leash. :eek: > [@Auntbeast](#): > > I’m gonna vote Golden Retriever. > > My reasons? > > 1. Very few things in this world are cuter than a golden puppy. Truer words were never spoken. And while I, too, would love to see a retired racing greyhound as the First Pet, it’s a long shot at best, if for no other reason than they aren’t puppies anymore. Though sometimes there are puppies available from accidental litters and such … ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/33 "2008-11-08T01:32:43Z")
today’s press conference was interesting. of course the question of the dog was raised. sen. obama answered as if it were a major point of policy. this decision is being very seriously researched. then he threw in the joke. he was rather more relaxed than i’ve seen him. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/34 "2008-11-08T02:46:00Z")
> [@Auntbeast](#): > > ETA: a retired greyhound would be a nice choice, although they aren’t really dogs as such. Someone at [The New Republic](http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_stump/archive/2008/11/07/obama-comment-of-the-year.aspx) concurs: > [@](#): > > The Obamas should get a retired racing Greyhound. Tens of thousands are available. They come already housebroken, are hypoallergenic, no shedding, no barking, great with kids, and best of all they rarely bite reporters! Presidents John Tyler & Rutherford Hayes both owned them. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/35 "2008-11-08T03:00:51Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > today’s press conference was interesting. > > of course the question of the dog was raised. sen. obama answered as if it were a major point of policy. this decision is being very seriously researched. > > then he threw in the joke. > > he was rather more relaxed than i’ve seen him. I happened to catch the press conference live, and found this answer extremely amusing: > [@Obama](#): > > With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it’s generated more interest on our website than just about anything. We have – we have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypo-allergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypo-allergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog. But obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts, like me. So the – so, whether we’re going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household. What the transcript doesn’t capture is that his tone, particularly in the first couple lines, was as if this were just as much Serious Business of National Import as the economics policy questions that preceded it. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/36 "2008-11-08T03:13:12Z")
> [@garygnu](#): > > One of the daughters has allergies that complicate matters. A rescued mutt, as much as I love mine, isn’t going to be reliably allergy-friendly. I voted for the wheaten, but I’ve never met a bad standard poodle except for the stupid haircuts. I’m sure the Obamas can choose for themselves. From what I gather, they ARE going through a rescue organization, but they’re looking for an allergy-friendly breed. So far, I hear, a [Goldendoodle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_doodle) seems to be the most popular choice. [Presidential Pets Museum.com](http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/whitehousepets-1.htm) It looks like the winners in the past century were the Coolidges and Teddy Roosevelt’s family. ---
**Author:** ![Lakai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de0a6/32.png) [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/37 "2008-11-08T03:29:28Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > I happened to catch the press conference live, and found this answer extremely amusing: > What the transcript doesn’t capture is that his tone, particularly in the first couple lines, was as if this were just as much Serious Business of National Import as the economics policy questions that preceded it. Even his choice for the White House pet is extremely thought out. I think he will make a good decision with regards to that issue and will support him no matter which puppy he will choose. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/38 "2008-11-08T03:33:39Z")
> [@Auntbeast](#): > > ETA: a retired greyhound would be a nice choice, although they aren’t really dogs as such. Heh. That’s what I tell my friends who have two retired greyhounds. After all, dogs are supposed to have _some_ brain, right? Those things are just a lazy collection of legs that tend to whomp! into things because they can’t quite master the concept of _stopping_. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/39 "2008-11-08T03:48:47Z")
> [@Lakai](#): > > Even his choice for the White House pet is extremely thought out. > > I think he will make a good decision with regards to that issue and will support him no matter which puppy he will choose. Man, can you imagine being his daughter and trying to get a raise in allowance out of that guy? You better be prepared with five pages of legal briefs and a strong argument! “Well, with respect to your request, this is a major issue. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled – you want more money and I have dishes that need washing.” ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2008, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288/40 "2008-11-08T04:41:48Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Man, can you imagine being his daughter and trying to get a raise in allowance out of that guy? You better be prepared with five pages of legal briefs and a strong argument! > > “Well, with respect to your request, this is a major issue. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled – you want more money and I have dishes that need washing.” [hijack]How has the WH staff handled chores for kids in previous administrations? I think having your kids do chores is important to instill a number of values, but don’t they have people to take care of the menial tasks that are usually assigned to children in other households?[/hijack] [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-other-appointment/471288.md?page=3)