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Obamas' new dog Bo met the press at White House
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-15 09:51

Obamas' new dog Bo met the press at White House
US President Barack Obama's daughter Malia takes her dog Bo, a six-month old male Portuguese water dog, for a walk on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington April 14, 2009.  [Agencies]
The Washington Post reported that the girls named the pet Bo in part because their cousins have a cat of the same name, and perhaps after Michelle Obama's late father's nickname Diddley, after the late rock 'n' roll legend Bo Diddley.

The list of breeds in contention was narrowed by Malia Obama's allergy to many dogs.

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Presidential pets have long been a focus of intense interest. Every president since Calvin Coolidge, who took office in 1923, has had at least one dog in the White House, according to dogsinthenews.com.

More recently, Bill Clinton formed a close bond with a chocolate labrador named Buddy, and the former president was devastated when his faithful friend was run over by a car after he left office.

With a history going back to pre-Christian times, the Portuguese Water Dog travelled the world with 15th century Portuguese explorers, swimming between ships with its webbed feet.

Fishermen meanwhile used them to recover lost nets and guard boats.

The breed slipped out of favor during the 20th century until enthusiasts in Portugal and the United States launched a revival -- inspired by the dogs' gentle temperament, particularly with children. They are sturdy working dogs with a very high energy level.