Portuguese Water Dogs Now in Demand

Since the President chose a Portuguese Water Dog to be the nation's "First Dog," breeders have seen a 100% increase in the number of people asking for them... but in many cases, they're saying "no."

These dogs, which were introduced to the U.S. in the early 1970's, sell in the neighborhood of $2,000 each, and only 1,400 puppies per year are born here. They're bred by about 200 breeders in the U.S. and those breeders keep a tight leash on who can have one. Most people making application are subjected to a long application form - about 11 pages - and must have their family and their home approved.

Because they tend to bite, they aren't recommended for households with small children and older children generally must be interviewed by the breeder before the home will be approved.

One breeder who was interviewed in the Wall Street Journal says she has tightened her restrictions. No one gets one of her dogs unless they can either stay home all day or take the dog along to work. They must also have a fenced yard and no children under the age of 6. Right now she has about 30 people on the short list for approval to purchase one of 10 puppies. And those who are chosen don't get to choose their pup - she does that based on personality evaluations of both the pups and the families.

Of course the Obamas didn't have to pass any of these tests. The children were "approved" based on their behavior on television. That made me chuckle, because I think kids in front of a TV camera, whose parents (or nanny) have warned them about behaving, probably are different people than they are at home.

Maybe I just didn't notice, but I don't remember people going wild to have the same breed of dog as previous Presidents. Maybe that was because other Presidents chose breeds that are more popular, and thus more common in America?

I do think it's wonderful that the breeders are being careful. I remember when the movie "101 Dalmations" caused people to rush out to buy the breed - and within a few months the shelters were overflowing with them. It seems that isn't the right breed for a family with small kids, either.

So - the bottom line. If you're longing for a Portuguese water dog, contact a breeder and get in line. You're in for a long application period and perhaps an even longer wait before you'll get a puppy. Oh, and of course, you'll pay a hefty monetary price as well.

I still think my dogs are the best - even though they're all rescue dogs and (as far as I know) not one has a pedigree.