While I didn’t know about President-elect Obama’s promise to get his daughters a dog until his speech last night,  there have been over 42,000 people involved in the important decision of what breed of dog he should get.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) created an online poll to obtain the public’s views on what breed is best for Barack and his family.

The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (www.presidentialpup.com) after reports that – win or lose – the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama’s run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.

The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to their distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for the Obama family – hypoallergenic coat, child friendly, moderate energy level, and stable and social temperament.

If the Obamas follow America’s advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog.

Also – Huff Post coverage.

But this is only a recommendation — Obama is clearly free to choose whatever dog he wishes, as he wasn’t affiliated with the AKC poll.

An October 10 LA Times article reports that the First Dog will be a rescue dog instead of a purebred.

Michelle Obama told Entertainment Tonight recently that the family would adopt a rescue dog after the election was over. Michelle and her Democratic presidential candidate husband, Barack, made the promise to their two pre-teen daughters (Malia and Sasha). The couple told the girls (and the press) that their campaign lifestyle wouldn’t allow the family to properly train and care for a dog until after Nov. 4.

The announcement comes after summerlong campaigns to persuade the family not to get a goldendoodle, which the Obamas considered because the breed is hypoallergenic. The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to the Obamas saying getting a purebred would be elitist and a petition by the Best Friends Animal Society garnered over 50,000 signatures to persuade the Obamas to adopt a dog instead of having one bred or buying one.

Oh yeah, and I hear some other things will change too.

Update — NYT has an article about this also.

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