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Shallow Nation

April 12th, 2009 at 9:21 am

Obama Dog: Portuguese Water Dog (Video, Photos)

Obama dog, Bo, a Portuguese water dog

The Obama dog, a Portuguese water dog, has been revealed. The long awaited dog, which President Barack Obama promised his daughters Sasha and Malia has been highly anticipated, and details of the acquisition of the First Dog have been a famously guarded secret.

**UPDATED with new video and photos from April 14, 2009, the day Bo arrived at the White House.

The Obama dog is actually a 6-month-old puppy, whose original name was Charlie. He is reportedly a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, who is an enthusiast of the breed and owns three PWDs. On April 12, 2009, the Washington Post revealed dog’s new name, Bo. The newspaper quotes an unnamed source who says the dog so named because Sasha and Malia have cousins with a cat named Bo and because First Lady Michelle Obama’s father’s nickname which was Diddley, like the rock and roll legend, Bo Diddley.

Obama Dog, Bo, a Portuguese water dog

“He’s sooooo cute,” the source said, referring, let us be clear, to the puppy. “It’s very exciting. They had a great meeting.”

Sasha was excited; Malia focused on all the “responsibility issues”–how will Bo be trained, cared for, etc.

“Malia has done extensive research,” the source said. [...]

In a statement, the Kennedys said: “We couldn’t be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha. We love our Portuguese Water Dogs and know that the girls — and their parents — will love theirs too.”

Source: The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash (Visit to read more about the Obama puppy and see more photos)

President Barack Obama and dog, Bo, a Portuguese water dog

TMZ had previously broken many details of the story which the Washington Post has confirmed. According to TMZ, the Obama dog was not actually a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, “it was re-homed by the kennel and the Kennedy family only facilitated the transfer.”

Here is their report: Prez Barack Obama — That Damn TMZ

Photo credit: Pete Souza/White House Photo source: White House Blog

Watch Obama dog video below.

Here is a video report of the Obama dog, Portuguese Water Dog.