Obamas likely to 'appoint' a dog from a shelter

CHICAGO — Unlike previous White House dogs, America's next "first pooch" may come from more humble beginnings.

The Obamas appear to being leaning toward a rescue dog in what could be the 44th president's first major appointment. President-elect Barack Obama announced Tuesday that he would fulfill a campaign promise to buy his daughters a puppy.

"Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine," Obama said in his election night address. "You have earned the puppy that is coming with us."

Throughout the campaign, the Obamas dropped hints about the dog, whose adoption was promised regardless of the campaign's outcome. Malia, 10, expressed a desire for a "goldendoodle," a golden retriever-poodle hybrid that isn't recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club. And Michelle Obama told reporters in October that the family would select a rescue dog from a shelter.

Any future pet, however, must be hypoallergenic because of Malia's allergies.

At the PAWS Chicago Adoption Center, officials said they would be able to find a designer puppy to meet both Malia's needs and her mother's prerequisites.

"Anyone who wants a hypoallergenic, designer dog will be able to get one from us," PAWS founder Paula Fasseas said. "If they want a puppy, it will take a little longer."

Public opinion, however, may be at odds with the next first family. In a recent American Kennel Club survey, voters said they would like the Obamas to adopt a purebred poodle.

A dog of unknown pedigree would be a rarity in the White House, where 22 of 43 presidents have owned purebreds. President Bush has two Scottish terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley, who have their own government-run Web site.

A first dog's purpose is twofold, experts said. In addition to helping humanize the public perception of presidents, the pets also lift their masters' spirits.

"When times get tough — during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak — these dogs serve as personal companions and give much relaxation and laughter to our leaders," American Kennel Club spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said.

Should the Obamas go with a purebred, they would do so over the objections of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA president Ingrid Newkirk urged Obama to buy a pound pup.

"No one needs to tell you that this country is proud to be a melting pot and that there is something deeply wrong and elitist about wanting only a purebred dog," Newkirk wrote.

Modern history has not been kind to White House mutts. Jimmy Carter was the last president to bring a mixed breed dog to Washington, but the pooch, Grits, was quickly banished due to "belligerent" behavior.