Does the White House Dog Influence Breed Popularity?

A Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, is the latest White House dog. The first family carefully researched different breeds before making their choice. But does this mean that a White House dog is the right dog for your family? Will Portuguese Water Dogs suddenly become one of the more popular dog breeds in America?

White House Dog Breeds

The Bush family favored Scottish Terriers with Mss Beazley and Barney often taking center stage during photo opportunities. Spot, an English Springer Spaniel, was another White House dog belonging to George W. Bush. Spot, the offspring of Millie (George H. W. and Barbara Bush’s beloved pet) is the only second-generation White House dog in history.

Former President Bill Clinton’s dog, Buddy, was a Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Other White House dog breeds over the years include: Bouvier de Flandres (Ronald Reagan), Golden Retriever (Gerald Ford), Beagle (Lyndon B. Johnson), Irish Setter (Richard Nixon), and Weimaraner (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

AKC’s Popular Dog Breeds

Let’s take a look at the White House dog in relation to the AKC’s list of dog breed rankings. In 2008, the Portuguese Water Dog ranked number 62 in AKC breed popularity, up slightly from the prior year’s 65 rank. It will be interesting to watch this breed’s ranking in the next year to see the influence of the White House.

Dog lovers continue to love Labrador Retrievers as this breed consistently holds the number one spot. Where do the other White House dog breeds fit in?

• Scottish Terriers – 47th

• English Springer Spaniel – 27th

• Bouvier de Flandres – 81st

• Golden Retriever – 4th

• Beagle – 5th

• Irish Setter – 67th

• Weimaraner – 31st

Dog Breed Popularity Fluctuations

Take a look at the Irish Setter, currently at 67th place on the AKC list of popular dog breeds. Back when King Timahoe, Richard Nixon’s White House dog, lived in Washington, Irish Setters were extremely popular. Irish setters soared in popularity in the mid- to late- 1960s, ultimately peaking in popularity and reaching the number three spot in 1973 – one year before Nixon resigned.

Beagles held the number one spot from 1953 to 1959, just a few years before Lyndon Johnson took office. These dogs remain popular today.

The latest White House dog breed, Portuguese Water Dogs, has gained attention thanks to the Obamas, however, this breed has been increasing in popularity with a 44% percent increase in AKC registrations over the past ten years.

While the White House dog choice may influence dog owners, it appears that presidents are also influenced by the popular breeds of their time.

Is a White House Dog the Right Choice?

While it’s fun to have something in common with the president, choosing a dog involves more than looking to the White House for dog advice. Portuguese Water Dogs are handsome, athletic dogs that require daily exercise. They weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and stand up to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Though gentle, these dogs are active and need room to stretch their muscles. If you are looking for an obedient, medium-sized dog and you are able to provide daily, rigorous exercise, then this White House dog may be a good match. On the other hand, if you are unable to provide the type of attention and exercise that this dog needs, you may want to look beyond the White House for help in selecting a suitable dog for your family.

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