A puppy for President-elect Obama?

President-elect Obama has a lot of work ahead of him, but probably no job is more important at this moment than picking the right family dog.

In his acceptance speech, Obama said his daughters, Malia and Sasha, had "earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House." Even Vice-President-elect Joe Biden said his wife gave him the OK to buy a dog if he and Obama won the election.

A few weeks ago, I wrote that because Malia, 10, has allergies, the Obamas will have a limited selection of breeds from which to choose - the Poodle, Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier, Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer and Chinese Crested are all considered good breeds for people with allergies, although there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. (In August, the American Kennel Club  conducted an online poll, and the Poodle was the winner.)

But because the family has chosen to adopt rather than buy - a great decision, one that may lead to more prospective dog owners visiting their local shelters - they might have to look for a mixed breed that produces less dander. Dogs that have short hair and shed very little might fit well, even if they're mixed. A Maltese or Shih Tzu mix would produce less shedding and would seem like a good size for children who are old enough to learn about responsible pet ownership.

Malia has told her parents that she would like a Goldendoodle, a hybrid that is part Golden Retriever, part Poodle. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, it is growing in popularity and is considered a great family dog.

It's not likely they'll find a Goldendoodle (pictured above) at a shelter, but perhaps the Obamas can find a pet that their girls will love - and will encourage others to discover the benefits of rescuing a shelter dog.