What Type of Dog Should the Obama's Get: The First Dog

The Obama children, Sasha and Malia, were really pulling for their dad during the 20 month long campaign. Of course, one reason is that he is their dad and family sticks together right? But they had more at stake. In case you didn't know, the Senator turned President-Elect made more than just promises of better days to the American people if elected, he also made a committment to his children that they could have a dog if they got to move into the White House. So history was made on November 4th for the country, and victory was also secured for Sasha and Malia because dad has to make good on his vow.

At President Elect Obama's first press meeting since being elected one of the reporters asked what kind of dog would be the "first dog" and Mr. Obama chuckled and admitted that on his website that was becoming a very hot topic. He said that there were two factors that played into what kind of dog they would get. The first is that Malia is allergic and they would have to get a hypoallergenic dog. The second is that they wanted to adopt a shelter dog. The problem being that most shelter dogs are mutts and there is no telling how to make the shelter-hypoallergenic balance with a mutt.

I can't help with the shelther dog part. But I thought I would put in my two cents and let the Obama's know what type of dog I think they should get. Now there a tons of hypoallergenic dogs to choose from. But I think the Obamas should get a Maltese.

The Maltese seems to be without fear. This will help Obama with his reputation for those Republicans who think Barack is weak. Now granted this dog is tiny, and if the Obama girls start to shirk their responsibility (which kids tend to do) the President Elect will likely look like a punk walking him down the streets of Washington DC. But this surprising little dog is very indifferent to creatures and objects bigger than itself. Mr. Obama and this little dog will bond over the fact that they feel they can take on the system.

The Maltese are energetic dogs and are very lively. This energy level is pretty consistent and doesn't diminish. Bill Cosby used to have a show called, "Kids Say the Darndest Things" and it there is a reason for that. Because they do. The Obama children are relatively young and are still at the age where they are likely to embarass the president and first lady. This was evidenced at the Democratic National Convention when the girls were on stage talking to their dad on screen. The girls could not stop talking over the dad. The Maltese could tire the girls out so that they don't want to be out front and center saying crazy things.

Since Maltese dogs are generally indifferent to other creatures and objects great and small, they are known to get along with pretty much anyone. This is a good dog to help with foreign relations and encouraging the spirit of bipartisanship here at home. This is an agenda that President Elect Obama has really been pushing. He wants everyone to be friends. To borrow a line from Rodney King, "can't we all just get along."

Maltese dogs don't bark too much but they are known for being alarm dogs. They may be just what the doctor ordered for standing guard at the White House. Who needs the 3am phone call when the Maltese is standing watch. Maltese used to be known for being raised with Rottweilers so they know a thing or two about being tough. Apparently in ancient Rome, these dogs were used as alarm dogs. The person breaking in would first get a glimpse first at the Maltese and then walk around the corner to see the Rottweiler.

Finally Maltese are no stranger to being "man's best friend" to important people. For centuries the Maltese dogs have been in one of the aristocrats. During the first century the Roman governor of Malta used to own one. He was in love with this dog. The dog's name was Issa (which means NOW in the Maltese language). If the Obama's get a Maltese dog then they don't have to worry about the dog embarassing them in front of foreign dignitaries. Unlike those other uncivilized dogs, the Maltese won't be taking a doggie dump on the Queen of England's shoes. Barack should get a Maltese and find out what the Maltese word for CHANGE is and name it that.

Problem solved. Someone get this article to President Elect Obama so he can focus on other important matters.