What Kind of Dog Did Obama Have? Breed Facts & FAQ

Presidential pets often get nearly as much attention as the president, and the Obama administration was no different, so many people wonder what kind of dog was in the White House at the time. President Barack Obama and his family had two Portuguese Water Dogs, and their names were Bo and Sunny. Read on to learn more about these presidential pups, along with interesting facts about the breed.

Bo the Portuguese Water Dog

The Obama family got Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, in April 2009. The male dog came as a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, who was a Portuguese Water Dog enthusiast. He already owned a pup named Cappy from the same litter, and when the original owners of Bo returned him to the breeder, Kennedy felt that he would be the right dog for the Obamas, who had strict criteria for a new pet.

They needed the dog to be hypoallergenic, as Malia Obama is allergic to pet dander, and they wanted a shelter dog. Portuguese Water Dogs are indeed considered hypoallergenic due to their low shedding and fleecy coat. Since the original owners returned Bo, he fell into the category of a rescue pet, which is almost a shelter dog. After a short meeting to test compatibility, the Obamas decided to adopt him.

Bo’s original name was New Hope, but the Obama daughters renamed him after their grandfather, Stanley Dunham, and the musician Bo Diddley. Barack Obama’s initials are also B.O., which might have influenced the decision!

Bo often greeted visitors to the White House and attended events, often getting a great deal of attention due to his friendly and outgoing personality. He stayed with the Obamas for the rest of his life. Bo died from cancer at the age of 12 in 2017.

Sunny the Portuguese Water Dog

In August 2013, the Obamas received their second dog, Sunny. She was a female Portuguese Water Dog that the Obamas intended as a playmate for Bo, but she quickly became an important part of the family. However, she could be a bit too playful and clumsy and once accidentally knocked over a small girl, who was unharmed by the incident. Since the Obamas were primarily looking for a suitable companion for Bo, they purchased Sunny from a breeder without placing as much emphasis on finding a shelter dog.

What Is a Portuguese Water Dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog is intelligent, energetic, and loyal. Their medium-sized body has a curly or wavy coat that is usually black or brown with white patches and doesn’t shed much, which is why they’re considered a hypoallergenic breed. They are fantastic swimmers and can even dive under the water to herd schools of fish.

They are good with children and other pets, love to play, and have plenty of energy to participate in any family events or adventures. They are easy to train, don’t require much brushing, and are adaptable to almost any environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Bo and Sunny Have Any Special Roles or Duties in the White House?

While they didn’t have official roles, Bo and Sunny participated in many White House events, and it was easy to find them on the grounds. They were also involved in various public engagements during their time at the White House.

What Happened to Bo and Sunny After the Obama Family Left the White House?

Bo and Sunny moved with the Obama family to their post-presidency home in Washington, D.C., where they continued to be cherished family members.

Do Portuguese Water Dogs Make Good Pets?

Portuguese Water Dogs make excellent pets for active families or individuals. They are easy to train and love to play. They also adore swimming and can make your time at the beach much more fun.

In Conclusion

While President Obama was president, the First Family had two dogs in the White House. The first was Bo, a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy in 2009, who felt the pup suited their pet requirements. Obama’s daughters named the dog after their grandfather and the musician Bo Diddley. In 2013, Sunny arrived when the Obamas wanted a playmate for Bo. Both dogs were Portuguese Water Dogs, and they were intelligent, playful, and friendly, often greeting guests as they arrived at the White House or made their way around the grounds.

Featured Image Credit: Lynda McFaul, Shutterstock