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Goldendoodle puppies make great companions ...and First Family pets?

President-elect Barack Obama in his acceptance speech in November 2008 promised his young daughters that "you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House!"

Soon after, speculation buzzed about just what pet Malia and Sasha would choose to occupy the White House for then next four years.

The Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle was first reported as the Obama girls' dog of choice.

However, it was soon apparent that the Goldendoodle - or the or a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle - was another of the FIrst Kids' favorites and definitely in the running for the title of First Dog.

Along with another popular reported Presidential pick, the Portuguese Water Dog, these dog breeds are all hypoallergenic, an important factor considering daughter Malia's allergies. They are also highly trainable as America's First dog diplomats.

"If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog" once said an embattled President Harry Truman and today a dog will no doubt lend a warm and fuzzy feeling to the nation's capital. (Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden has chosen a german shepherd puppy to accompany his family to the White House.)

Goldendoodle Behavior & Personality

Well known for their fun-loving temperaments, Goldendoodles are happiest around a large group of people. Despite the fact that they usually don't make the best guard dogs, their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable.

Loyal, and intelligent, Goldendoodles have a favorable mix in their genetic makeup that appears to add a calmness to their personality. Like the Golden retriever, they are generally well-behaved though exuberant, and love to swim and retrieve.

Care & Health

Because of their tight, curly coat, the breed only lightly sheds and usually needs little grooming. Due to their energetic nature, Goldendoodles are best suited to younger households with a commitment to providing the companionship and regular exercise that this breed requires to stay happy and healthy, especially as it ages.

A variety of diseases and conditions have been known to plague the breed, most commonly hip dysplasia. Cataracts and other eye ailments are also typical. As with all domestic pets, proper feeding and exercise becomes all-important in advanced years to ward off a marked tendency toward obesity.

More about Goldendoodles around the Web:

goldendoodles.com - Information central for the breed including facts on their behavior, choosing a Goldendoodle puppy, health, diet & exercise guides, related resources.

Goldendoodle Puppy - Goldendoodle Breed Information - Good fact sheet on their behavior and temperament, training and appearance with related resources and photos.

also see -> Westminster Dog Show | Pet Sitters

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