Political Fun! Obamas Offered a Bald Pup! What Should They Do?

[David In Indy]

If someone can find a picture of the breed, please post it here!

I can see Barack and Michelle going for it, but I don't know about the girls. I think they were imagining a puppy more on the furry side!

From AOL:

Peruvians Offer Bald Puppy to Obamas

By TERRY WADE, Reuters
posted: 10 HOURS 36 MINUTES AGO

LIMA, Peru (Nov. 11) - Peruvians crazy about their national dog, a bald and often toothless breed popular among Incan kings, have offered to send a hypoallergenic puppy to the Obama family.

President-elect Barack Obama has promised daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, a new pet for the White House. But Malia is allergic to most breeds, he said Friday as speculation swirled about the dog the family would choose.

Owners of the Peruvian Hairless Dog, a breed dating back 3,000 years and depicted in pre-Hispanic ceramics, say it is perfect for kids who are sensitive to dogs.

"They do not cause any type of allergy and are very friendly and sweet," said Claudia Galvez, 38, director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Association.

"We want to give a male puppy to Obama's daughters, so they get to experience all the joys of having a dog but without any allergies."

According to Peruvian folklore, the dogs have above-average body temperature, which compensates for their lack of hair and helps alleviate symptoms of asthma or arthritis suffered by their owners.

Galvez delivered a letter detailing her offer to the U.S. Embassy in Lima Monday and hopes Obama will accept it.

Galvez has a 4-month-old pedigree puppy to send to the Obama family. For now, she is calling it Ears because it has two large, perky ones.

"But if we send it to the United States, its official name will be Machu Picchu," she said, referring to the ancient Incan citadel, Peru's top tourist attraction.

http://news.aol.com/article/peruvians-offer-bald-puppy-to-obamas/244364

[Shasta542]

They are cute!

But I hope the Obamas get a shelter dog from the United States Humane Society or somewhere like that.

They look pretty big when grown!



I voted "other". They could take the Peruvian dog AND adopt a shelter dog.

[injest]

they should get a cat.

[Shasta542]

I think Scottish terrier first dog Barney is cute.
But he bit the press the other day.   

So the Obamas need a different breed. My mixed dogs are just as smart and sweet as the ones with pedigrees. I think a lab/mastiff mix would be nice. The girls might like a little dog tho--like a shih tzu or a dachshund or a Yorkie.

[Kerry]

My boss has an allergy to animal fur but loves dogs.

How did she get around it? She got a poodle!   

Poodles don't have fur. They have hair, like human hair.

Poodles come in all sizes and colours, from the large Standard Poodles to cute little Miniature Poodles. And they are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog.

I'm not particularly fond of the bizarre haircut given to show poodles. But there is nothing compelling a poodle owner to give their pet the weird French haircut favoured by show dogs. I think poodles look best when their coats are left natural and unclipped . . . . .

Standard Poodle

[southendmd]

I agree, Kerry.  A standard poodle is great for those with allergies. They are very intelligent and very graceful.  A neighbor of mine has a pair, one black and one white and they are so cute together.  And, no, they don't have stupid haircuts.  They look something like this:

[southendmd]

I'm very fond of greyhounds.  Also very smart and gentle.  However, I don't really know how allergenic they are.

[southendmd]

A greyhound puppy:

[Marge_Innavera]

Here's a picture of some Peruvian Hairless puppies:



I voted "not sure" as I don't know anything about the breed's temperament, especially how good they are with children.  The breed I do know is greyhounds, and IMO that would be a good choice.  They produce minimal dander and tend to have a very easygoing, affectionate temperament.

One caveat is that greyhound puppies can be maddeningly hyper.  They do outgrow that by the time they're three years old or so but in the meantime they need lots of exercise or they can be destructive.  But the Obamas might have the staff and facilities to cope with that -- after all, Carolyn Kennedy had a pony.

BTW, greyhound puppies go through a funny-looking stage where they look like anteaters.   

[Jeff Wrangler]

How are older greyhounds around older kids?

The president-elect said the family would like to get a shelter dog, but they were concerned about the allergies. If greyhounes are hypoallergenic, a rescue greyhound might just fit the bill.

Of course, the dog will be subject to some public scrutiny (reporters, etc.). How would a rescue greyhound handle that situation? Remember what Barney just did. 

[lia]

Please Jesus, not a friggin poodle. As long as it aint some sissy dog, I dont care if its bald, as long as it dont look like something Britney spears  or Paris Hilton would be spied with. This is America, not France.

Hey, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are AMERICAN. Nothing to do with Europe, they're all yours. Note: Paris does NOT equate France.

[Jeff Wrangler]

I kinda like Standard Poodles, actually, as long as they aren't trimmed all poofy-like.

[Kerry]

I kinda like Standard Poodles, actually, as long as they aren't trimmed all poofy-like.

   Haha, so I'm guessing this "bitch" need not apply for the job? 

There is a real dog under there somewhere.    Poor baby!     

[injest]

Here's a picture of some Peruvian Hairless puppies:



I voted "not sure" as I don't know anything about the breed's temperament, especially how good they are with children.  The breed I do know is greyhounds, and IMO that would be a good choice.  They produce minimal dander and tend to have a very easygoing, affectionate temperament.

One caveat is that greyhound puppies can be maddeningly hyper.  They do outgrow that by the time they're three years old or so but in the meantime they need lots of exercise or they can be destructive.  But the Obamas might have the staff and facilities to cope with that -- after all, Carolyn Kennedy had a pony.

BTW, greyhound puppies go through a funny-looking stage where they look like anteaters.   

ok I am just saying...that is one UGLY dog....(the hairless one)

let them kids have a poodle..

just dont' let Obama walk it.

[Shasta542]

Awwwww.....I think they are so cute. Look at those little faces! (from someone who never sees a dog she doesn't want) 

[j.U.d.E.]

Kerry, I love the standard poodle!! I hate the trimmed versions.. any kind of trimming..



Fu**ing lunatic that woman!!!

j.U.d.E.

[CellarDweller]

Oh my!

why would anyone do that to a dog?

[Jeff Wrangler]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Poodle. ... 

[CellarDweller]

The White House needs a cat.  I agree with Jess.  Leave the dog for the cat.

[Jeff Wrangler]

The White House needs a cat.  I agree with Jess.  Leave the dog for the cat.

Ya know any hypoallergenic breeds? No, seriously. Remember the allergy issues. I have known far more people who were allergic to cats than people who were allergic to dogs.

Never mind that the girls apparently want a dog. ... 

[CellarDweller]

They'll learn to love a cat.

Remember the Clinton cat, Socks?   

[injest]

They'll learn to love a cat.

Remember the Clinton cat, Socks?   

and they have shots these days for allergies..

[ifyoucantfixit]

        Cats tend to cause more problem with allergies than dogs do.

        Those hairless cresteds are used as health dogs.  They are like a living hot water bottle..But they are very odd looking
There are plenty of dogs that are non allergic.  Bedlington Terriers for one.  Bischon Friese another.  There are lots to choose from.  Getting a dog from a shelter is liable to be a allergy causing dog.

[Jeff Wrangler]

They'll learn to love a cat.

Remember the Clinton cat, Socks?   

Notice the cat lover ignores the allergy question. ...   

[Jeff Wrangler]

I agree, Kerry.  A standard poodle is great for those with allergies. They are very intelligent and very graceful.  A neighbor of mine has a pair, one black and one white and they are so cute together.  And, no, they don't have stupid haircuts.  They look something like this:

Aww, I like these guys! 

[ednbarby]

I hope they go with the best of all worlds.  I can't believe there isn't a shelter in this country that is housing a goldendoodle or labradoodle (or some other hypoallergenic hybrid) that isn't falling all over themselves trying to get the Obamas to adopt their dog.

I think it's really important that they adopt a dog from a shelter.  What a great message that would send to the country (sorry, professional breeders, but let's be real): It's a far more nobler thing to better the life of a creature that is already here than to bring a new one into the world that is unwanted from the get-go.

[David In Indy]

Amen to that, Jess.
NO POODLES. The President of the United States cannpot be seen with a poodle. Once in  awhile, the one man out of the family of 3 women has to put his foot down. NO POODLES. Sorry poodle lovers.

Im warimg up to my greyhound idea more and more, but I got to say, that Peruvian hairless looks kinda cool. kind of like the evil dog in Ghostbusters. Or how about a whole bunch of weine rdogs.

NO POODLES.

The big problem here though is one of the girls is allergic to most breeds of dogs. So the Obama family really don't have a wide range of breeds to choose from. I remember Barack Obama mentioning a Goldendoodle. They are cute. Take a look at my avatar, and try to imagine him with curly poodle hair.

[David In Indy]

Goldendoodle puppy:





Adult Goldendoodle:

[Jeff Wrangler]

Amen to that, Jess.
NO POODLES. The President of the United States cannpot be seen with a poodle. Once in  awhile, the one man out of the family of 3 women has to put his foot down. NO POODLES. Sorry poodle lovers.

Im warimg up to my greyhound idea more and more, but I got to say, that Peruvian hairless looks kinda cool. kind of like the evil dog in Ghostbusters. Or how about a whole bunch of weine rdogs.

NO POODLES.

Fiddlesticks! Did you take a look at those pics of standard poodles? Nothing the matter with them!

[Marge_Innavera]

First, sorry I posted a duplicate picture, y'all -- somehow Shasta's post slipped by me.

It would be great if the Obamas adopted from a shelter. The only problem might be that they apparently have to make sure the dog produces a minimum of dander and in a mixed breed, you can't always be sure what the genes will produce and according to his remark, they apparently intend to get a puppy.

A good compromise in that regard would be to seek out a runt or "pet quality" puppy from a breeder.  These are animals with normal health and temperament but who don't conform enough to show standards for the breeder to use.  That can be a rescue adoption too.

[CellarDweller]

Notice the cat lover ignores the allergy question. ...   

This cat lover IS allergic to cats.  Over the counter allgery pills work just fine.  

[Jeff Wrangler]

This cat lover IS allergic to cats.  Over the counter allgery pills work just fine.  

You don't know the condition of the child; she might be a lot more allergic than you. Or not. (Shrugs.)

[CellarDweller]

awwww....this will just toughen her up!   


How about a bunny?

[opinionista]

I don't see why they cannot accept the bald puppy and get another one from a shelter or something (as long as it is suitable for Obama's girl). The White House is big enough for two dogs, isn't it? Heck I've seen people living in smaller houses and have no problems with having two dogs. Why can't they?

[Jeff Wrangler]

I don't see why they cannot accept the bald puppy and get another one from a shelter or something (as long as it is suitable for Obama's girl). The White House is big enough for two dogs, isn't it? Heck I've seen people living in smaller houses and have no problems with having two dogs. Why can't they?

The Bushes have two, a pair of Scotties.

[Jeff Wrangler]

awwww....this will just toughen her up!   

  Sigh. ...

They don't want a cat, they don't want a bunny. They want a D-O-G, dog. Give it up already. 

[injest]

they should just get a horse!

[David In Indy]

[David In Indy]

I believe the breed is called a Chinese Crested. Not my type, but some people adore them. They have a quick temper though and not good with children from what I've heard.

Anyway, who knows? Perhaps the Obamas will adopt one and he (or she) will be the new American First Dog!

[Kerry]

That's a particularly unattractive dog, David!  You couldn't cuddle that dog. I mean, well, I suppose you could cuddle it, but you might get your throat ripped out in the process! It looks very savage. Is it chewing its own foot in that pic? Is it blind? What's wrong with its eyes? They're all glassed over. It looks evil. I couldn't live with that dog. It probably smells. 

    

[opinionista]

I believe the breed is called a Chinese Crested. Not my type, but some people adore them. They have a quick temper though and not good with children from what I've heard.

Really? I thought they were very gentle. BTW not all Chinese Crested are that ugly.

[Jeff Wrangler]

BTW, anybody see the interview on Sixty Minutes last night? They're going to wait until the family is settled in the White House before they actually get a dog. Michelle said they didn't think it was right to get a dog now and then make it go through all the turmoil of the relocation.

[injest]

a PONY wouldnt care...