Obamas’ pick, the Portuguese water dog, is rare but demands attention

When Michelle Obama announced last month that the first family had settled on getting a Portuguese water dog, a lot of people said “huh?”

So what is a Portuguese? (Please don’t call them “porties,” breeders implore.)

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Mary Bloom

Portuguese water dogs don’t shed, ideal for allergy sufferers.

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They’re medium-size at 35 to 60 pounds, and they don’t shed, placing them in the hypoallergenic category. That’s needed for daughter Malia, 10, who has allergies.

The breed is also very people-focused, several Georgia breeders say, making them good family dogs. But because they were bred as working dogs, they’re also described as “highly active,” “willful,” “easily bored,” “very independent” and “really high energy.”

That’s breeder talk for “You’d better keep these dogs busy and tired, or they’ll destroy your house.”

“This isn’t a yard dog or a breed that will go into a corner, lay down and be quiet,” Gainesville breeder Martha Martin said.

They’re also rare enough — ranked 62nd out of 158 AKC recognized breeds — to not show up very often in shelters or rescue groups. The Obamas have said they want a rescue dog, but Mary Harkins of Coopersburg, Pa., the rescue coordinator for the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, said she took in just five homeless Portugueses last year. She has one right now but says he’s not a good fit for the first family. He has issues.

Athens breeder Margaret White, who’s been breeding Portugueses for 10 years, said she doubts the Obamas will find a rescue dog.

“I think the only way it’s going to work is if someone sets something up so a breeder drops off a dog at a rescue and they pick it up,” White said. “Otherwise, I don’t see how they can find a rescue Portuguese.”

Owners of pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers and high mixes of those breeds can have their dogs spayed or neutered for a $15 co-pay. Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends received a grant to fix 50 dogs. Four clinics throughout the area have agreed to do the surgeries. Owners must submit a photo of their dogs. To apply: www.caspersfund.org or 678-318-1886.

Paws Atlanta will microchip dogs for $20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 21. The event benefits Second Chance Greyhounds. 5287 Covington Highway, Decatur. www.secondchancegreyhounds.org or 770-593-1155.

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Know of pet news, events or stories? Tell Sandra Eckstein at seckstein@ajc.com or call

404-526-7260. For more pet news, go to ajcpets.com.