Posted: August 29, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
The Poodle is poised to be the next presidential dog, that is, if the votes cast by 42,000 people influence Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama when selecting a family dog.
The seven-week campaign resulted in a tight race between the Poodle and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, with the Poodle clinching the nomination by a few hundred votes. Other contenders included the Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested – breeds picked because they’re easier on allergy sufferers, and one of the Obama daughters has allergies. Poodles are the only breed that comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.
“When times get tough – during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak – these dogs serve as devoted and non-judgmental companions that bring joy and relaxation to our first families,” said Lisa Peterson, spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club.
The AKC launched a national poll to find a breed for the Obama family after reports that – win or lose – Obama promised his daughters, Malia and Sasha, a dog after the Nov. 4 presidential election.