Wonder How Long He Wore The Lei Before Trying To Eat It? Bobama Comes To The White House

The Obamas got a Portuguese Water Dog puppy.  This means that within about six months we're going to see a lot of abandoned PWDs, that same way we see lots of abandoned Dalmations every time 101 Dalmations is reissued.  According to Wikipedia:

"[Subsequent to each reissue of the Disney films, m]any well-meaning enthusiasts purchased Dalmatians—often for their children—without educating themselves on the breed and the responsibilities that come with owning such a high-energy dog breed. Since Dalmatians were originally bred to run with horses, they require frequent exercise to keep them out of mischief. Many owners find themselves unable to cope with the breed's or the specimen's characteristics and cannot provide their dogs with adequate care. Dalmatians were abandoned in large numbers by their original owners and left with animal shelters."

Before buying yourself or your kids a Portuguese Water Dog, better check the breed standard.  According to the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, PWDs are an "active, energetic, extremely bright and creative breed.  They are not a dog to just lay by the fireplace and doze."  And, according to a further, more tongue-in-cheek, description, the Portuguese Water dog is:

"An animal with a mind of its own, brash, and ADHD.  A dog of exceptional ability to manipulate people and its environment, and a strong desire to lead that makes it incessantly desire to be around humans that it can bend to its wishes.  If trained by a person with patience, superior intelligence, and unilateral focus, it will obey its master with facility and apparent pleasure until it decides to test or until it devises an alternative to try."

In addition to the risk that many PWDs will be adopted and abandoned by families unprepared to cope with their high energy, there is also the risk that puppy mills will soon be trafficking in Portuguese Water Dogs, resulting in indiscriminate breeding that perpetuates health issues and physical flaws in the rush to sell dogs.

If you're considering picking up a Portuguese Water Dog because Malia and Sasha got one, keep in mind that they have a large yard and an enormous staff to help them exercise and keep track of the adorable Bobama.  If you don't have the energy to chase after a PWD, maybe you'd be better off with a Clumber Spaniel, or a Basset Hound, or an Old English Sheepdog.