In August, more
than 42,000 Americans cast their vote in the AKC®'s poll to
determine the right breed of dog for the Obamas at www.presidentialpup.com.
The Poodle was chosen from a list of five hypoallergenic breeds, each
with distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for
Obama's daughter who suffers from allergies. Learn more about Poodles.

"We
hope the Obamas consider the survey results," said AKC Spokesperson
Lisa Peterson. "This poodle is a breed that doesn't always get the
respect it deserves, but it is truly an ideal family pet. They are
currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007
AKC registration statistics, and the breed spent more than two decades
in the top spot - a true testament to its suitability as a family pet.
And while Poodles require frequent grooming, their consistent and
predictable coat is crucial for Obama's daughter and all who suffer
from allergies."

And, it seems the
whole ticket is going to the dogs. It has been widely reported that
Vice President elect Joe Biden also made a deal with his wife, "If you
get the vice presidency and get elected, you can get a dog," Biden said
his wife told him.

No matter what breed the Obamas or Bidens choose, the AKC hopes they can assist both families.

"I
would be happy to personally assist Obama and Biden in identifying a
responsible breeder if they are looking for a puppy," said AKC
President & CEO Dennis Sprung.

The
best way to start a search for a puppy is through the AKC parent club
for your chosen breed or local all-breed kennel clubs in your
neighborhood. AKC clubs can be located using this directory: http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm

AKC
recommends that prospective buyers educate themselves on the hallmarks
of a reputable breeder. Visiting the breeder's home or kennel and
seeing at least one of the puppy's parents is ideal and will let you
know what the future holds for your pup in terms of temperament and
appearance.

Also, every AKC
registered breed, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier, has a rescue
organization devoted to their particular breed. These breed experts
carefully screen prospective homes and are adept at making the best
match for both the dog and the prospective family. Before being
re-homed, the dogs typically receive extensive veterinary exams, shots
and preventive care.

The Poodle Club of America (PCA)
consists of responsible breeders and individuals devoted to Poodle
Rescue. They are the ideal resource for the Obamas as they conduct
their search.

With the PCA's help,
the AKC located potential Poodles for consideration as Obama's new
canine cabinet member. Among the eligible candidates:

• AKC
  Delegate Mary Ellen Fishler of Halcyon/Camelot Miniature Poodles has a
  7- week-old litter of Miniature Poodles available in Gaithersburg, MD,
  just outside of Washington, D.C. Contact: PoodleClubOfAmerica@yahoo.com
• Six-week-old
  Toy Poodle puppies rescued by Flora's Pet Project/Poodle Rescue
  Connecticut will be available for new homes in early January. They can
  be adopted by contacting Marianne Smith, President, Flora's Pet Project
  at 203-592-8282 or flora@floraspetproject.org. Click here to see a photo of these dogs.

• Rescue dog "Ollie" is a 2 year old Toy Poodle (photo to the right). He is
  housetrained, neutered, vetted, vaccinated and is on flea,
  tick and heartworm preventative. Ollie can be adopted by
  contacting Poodle Club of America Rescue Chair Sally Poindexter at
  PoodleClubOfAmerica@yahoo.com