Will the next pooch in the White House be a dog of change? Sunday, President-elect Barack Obama told George Stephanopoulos on ABC News’ This Week that the family has narrowed the choice to either a Portuguese water hound or labradoodle. The former is actually known as the Portuguese water dog. It dates back to the 1200s and worked on boats with Portuguese fishermen, according to the website of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. – From USA Today

President-elect Barack Obama said Sunday the soon-to-be First Family’s long search for a pooch is nearly over, with two breeds in a dogfight to move into the White House. It’ll probably either be a “Labradoodle” or a “Portuguese Water Hound,” Obama told George Stephanopoulos on ABC News’ This Week– revealing that he still has a little homework of his own to do. That’s a Portuguese Water Dog, a pedigree pup — “known for centuries along Portugal’s coast,” the American Kennel Club notes, “this seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day’s work in and out of the water. ” – From Newsday

It’s one of the most important picks President-elect Barack Obama can make. Joe Biden already proved that if mishandled, it can create a firestorm of controversy. We’re not talking about the CIA Director or the Surgeon General. This pick, if botched, could land him in the doghouse –literally. It’s all about the First Dog. You remember, Obama promised his daughters if he won the election he’d get ‘em a dog. – From Christian Science Monitor