According to a CNN poll, twice as many people prefer that the Obamas get a shelter dog, rather than one from a breeder or pet store.  This is probably partly because Barack specified that they preferred to get a shelter dog, as well as one that wouldn’t bother people with allergies very much.  From the more than 70 breeds suggested by pollees, labs topped the list, followed closely by mutts and poodles.  Poodles?  The newest Obama will be a part of a long line of white house dogs, from Nixon’s infamous Checkers (though technically he was a vice presidential mansion dog), LBJ’s Yuki, and the current first dogs Barney and Miss Beasley (the newest puppy).  Though I personally think that it is none of anyone’s business what kind of dog the Obamas choose to get, it might make people feel more connected to the soon-to-be first family and their pet.  If the Obama’s adopt from a shelter like they have talked about, then that will probably raise shelter dogs’ profile and more people will want to adopt from shelters, which will alleviate shelters’ burdens.  Whatever the Obamas decide, I’m sure the first dog will be beloved by many Americans, especially considering Obama’s popularity.   

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/16/obama.puppy.poll/index.html

http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/whitehousepets-1.htm  look at all the pictures of first pets–my favorite is the one of President Johnson and Yuki!