Choosing Barack Obama's "first puppy"

November 6, 2:06 AMPet Care ExaminerPatrick Mahaney

Barack Obama’s presidental acceptance speech included the heartfelt statement that the first daughters “have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the new White House."  This exclamation provokes me to speculate what kind of dog Barack and Michelle will choose for Sasha and Malia. Will they seek out a breeder to acquire a pure-breed dog, or will they peruse the shelters to bring home a mixed-breed dog? Regardless, the decision to bring a new dog into their home should be taken very seriously.  

When one of my clients, friends, or our new president expresses interest in adopting a dog, I suggest taking into the considering the following criteria:

Are you financially able to pay for your dog’s medical care?  Fortunately for the first dog, his parents will be able to afford the veterinary care, food, accessories, boarding, travel, and all potential unforseen costs that will arise during the dog’s life.  Yet, the cost of pet care varies widely for dogs depending on the dog’s age, size, breed, and overall health status.  Before making the long term investment in a dog, please make sure that you have the available finances to provide for your dog’s care. 

Does your lifestyle and available time allow for a dog’s proper training and socialization? Your professional or personal lifestyle should allow for your presence and active involvement in your dog's proper training, socialization, and ongoing upkeep.  If you are unable to follow through with this commitment, the role of dog owner may not be appropriate for you at this time.  A truly dedicated pet owners will find the time and make appropriate arrangements to maintain their pet’s healthy lifestyle. 

Large or small dog?  Is your living space large enough for you to cohabitate with a large dog? Do you want to be able take your small dog with you, such as in the airline cabin when you travel?  Size matters when it comes to choosing a canine!  Large size dogs require a larger financial investment, as their increased size requires a increased volume of dog food and medication. 

Shedding or non-shedding?  Shedding dogs will continuously leave your home coated in a layer of dog hair, but they require less frequent bathing and grooming.  Non-shedding dogs tend to leave your home cleaner, yet they need regular bathing and grooming.

Active or less-active?  If you are an active person, an energetic dog will complement your desire to get out on the trail and hike.  If are a less active person, choose a dog that will accompany you on less active pursuits.  Regardless, make sure that you provide enough activity to suit your dog’s energetic demands. 

Mixed-breed or pure-breed?  The decision to get a mixed-breed or a pure-breed dog is a personal choice.  Mixed-breed dogs tend to have better overall health and longevity, as mixed-breed dogs have not been bred primarily for specific cosmetic traits.  My own pure-breed Welsh Terrier, Cardiff, has primary Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a chronic, potentially fatal, manageable immune system disease.  Cardiff came home from an excellent breeder as a completely healthy puppy, yet his disease emerged at 3 years of age.  Keeping Cardiff's IMHA in remission requires life-long veterinary monitoring, such as bloodwork and medications.  His rare, breed-related illness has prompted me to seek out a mixed breed dog having the traits that I find appealing in the Welsh Terrier when comes time to add another canine companion to my home.

I look forward to the choice that the Obama family makes in choosing the first puppy.  I hope that they identify the characteristics that best fit their desires and choose a mixed breed go that exhibits comparable attributes.