US first family gets first puppy: report

The first US family has reportedly gotten a new, furry addition -- the dog that President Barack Obama promised his daughters during his campaign for the White House.

The little scamp -- a six-month-old Portuguese Water Dog named "Bo" -- was first revealed by The Washington Post on Sunday, ending months of speculation as the Obamas searched far and wide for the perfect pooch.

Bo, seen in photographs on the Post's front page wearing a multi-colored lei, goes for the "tuxedo" look, the daily noted, with black fur over most of his body, a white chest, white paws and a white goatee.

It has been given to the Obama daughters, Malia, 10 and Sasha, seven, by a close friend, Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.

According to the Post, the girls named their pet Bo in part because their cousins have a cat named Bo, and perhaps in reference to Michelle Obama's late father's nickname Diddley, after the late rock 'n' roll legend Bo Diddley.

Bo charmed the first family, the Post said, citing an unnamed source, by not making toileting errors and not gnawing on the furniture. He has been receiving high-class lessons in good behavior from the Kennedys' top dog trainers.

Obama disclosed the plan to give his daughters a puppy after winning the November 2008 presidential election.

Since then, speculation as been floated for when the promise would be kept -- the issue has captivated the US news media for months as an antidote to the dire issues of multiple wars, floods and a capsizing economy.

The official White House unveiling of the first dog was planned for Tuesday afternoon, The Post said, before they scooped it up.

The list of dog breeds in contention was narrowed by daughter Malia's allergy to dogs, making it necessary that the first family pick a breed known for not causing allergic flare-ups.

Presidential pets have long been a focus of intense interest. Every president since Calvin Coolidge, who took office in 1923, has had at least one dog in the White House, according to .

It was in his victory speech in November that Obama confirmed his family was getting a puppy.

"Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," he said to wild applause.

With a history going back to pre-Christian times, the Portuguese Water Dog travelled the world with 15th century Portuguese explorers, swimming between ships with its webbed feet.

Fishermen meanwhile used them to recover lost nets and guard boats.

The breed slipped out of favor during the 20th century until enthusiasts in Portugal and the United States launched a revival -- inspired by the dogs' gentle temperament, particularly with children.







A Palestinian youth rides his horse at sunset. AP Photo/Adel Hana