How the Obamas Should Choose Their Dog

The moment President-elect Obama publicly announced to his daughters that they would be getting the promised puppy, America and the world took that as an invitation to participate in the decision process of choosing the Obama pet. Peru offered the family a Peruvian hairless dog, since one of the Obama daughters has allergies. Barbara Walters suggested her favorite, a Havanese, to which the President-elect declared wasn't rambunctious enough. Animal rights advocates no doubt feel the proper choice is a shelter dog, something that the President-elect originally said they planned to do, if they could find a dog that wouldn't irritate his daughter's allergy. The decision of choosing the right dog for the new first family has become a political one.

What should the family do? There is only one possible choice for the Obama family. It is fairly simple. Whatever dog they choose, the choice should not be based on political correctness. To do that, would do the family and the new pet a disservice.

Bringing a new pet into a family is a serious responsibility and commitment. It will be the members of the Obama family and pet that will be living together, hopefully for many years. When making the choice of which is the right pet for the family - not even a small percentage of the decision should be based on what would satisfy someone's notion of political correctness, or what would please America.

The Obama family should choose their family pet in the same way as other responsible pet owners. First, they should access the personalities, temperament, ages, and needs of their individual family members. It is possible the President-elect offended Barbara Walters when he quickly discounted her suggestion. Yet, perhaps he knew better than outsiders that his girls needed a rough and tumble dog.

Before bringing a dog into the Obama family, it isn't just the allergy factor that must be a consideration, but the personality and physical characteristics of the breed. If a dog's droll grosses you out, then a boxer wouldn't be the best choice. If you are looking for a sturdy dog that doesn't shed and can be rough and tumble, but compact in size, then a schnauzer might be a good choice. If you are looking for a combination of intelligence and non-shedding, then a poodle mix is a possibility.

Choosing a family dog is a bit like matchmaking. If you are looking to find your perfect mate, the choice you make needs to be your own, not someone your neighbor or boss thinks you should be with. It is the same when introducing a pet as a new member of the family. After all, it is all about compatibility and love.