Obama’s Puppy Bo Moves Into the White House!

September 1, 2009

A Doggone Surprise!

Bo, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog, was the newest addition to the White House and wore a lei to surprise the family.

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Man's Best Friend

"He's got star quality," President Barack Obama said. Before they ran together on the White House lawn, the well-behaved puppy obediently followed his master around inside!

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First Meeting

The Obama girls -- Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 -- first met their dog a few weeks ago in a visit known around the White House known as "The Meeting."

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On a Leash

First Lady Michelle Obama had a fun time getting to know Bo. "He's active, he's smart, he's laid-back and adaptable and should be a very good dog in the environment we envision goes on at the White House," Bo's breeder, Art Stern, said.

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A New Home

The pup came from the same Texas kennel from which Senator Ted Kennedy bought his three Portuguese water dogs, or Porties. The Senator helped facilitate the "re-homing" of this pooch, who was purchased and then returned by another family.

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Bo Obama

Although Bo officially moved in on April 14, the Obama family got their prized pooch a few days earlier. The pup first arrived on April 11, but the White House tried to keep the new member of the family a secret until the news was formally announced.

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Pet Me!

Bo is kid-approved! The Portuguese water dog is considered a good pet for children who have allergies, as Malia does. "He's perfect," the 10-year-old said.

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New Tricks

The puppy has already learned tricks, his trainer Dawn Sylvia said in the newest issue of Us Weekly. "He sits very well, he does down very well," she said. "He shakes, he rolls over."

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Hey Good Lookin'

"That's a good looking dog, let's face it," the president said after walking the puppy around the White House lawn.

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Presidential Pup

"We couldn't be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha," the Kennedys said in a statement. "We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls -- and their parents -- will love theirs too."