That Portuguese Water Dog can swim

Malia Obama wants you to know: First dog Bo can swim, despite what the stats on his official baseball card would have you believe. Sure, that news may not mean much on the global political stage these days, but apparently Bo fans have the right to the facts. When Malia pointed out the "lie" reported on the card, mother Michelle assured her the cards were printed before Bo learned how to swim. She then accused her daughter of being "so protective of that dog." (We can hardly blame Malia.)

Obama says Bo's got spirit

In a CBS morning show interview with Harry Smith, President Obama couldn't help but defend the antics of first dog, Bo. When Smith suggested Bo isn't exactly the most well-behaved dog of all time, the pres said he wouldn't have it any other way:

"Bo -- Bo's -- you know, Bo, he's a teenager. He's a puppy still. And -- he -- he, every once in a while, does get a little frisky. But I would not want just a -- passive dog. I want a -- a dog with a little bit of spirit. And he definitely has some spirit. He's a smart dog, though. And -- and he has a good temperament. You know, he is -- he is very friendly and fun loving. But -- but when he gets out in the south lawn sometimes -- when he breaks loose, it's -- it's tough to catch up with him."

PS. Speaking of spirited dogs, check out Dogtime's new Facebook application: Save a Dog. A daily click of the mouse helps support shelter dogs around the country.

Bo knows baseball... cards

His status as First Dog has been official for a while now, but only recently did Bo Obama receive his own baseball card.  You can download his image -- he looks especially jolly and well groomed -- as well as check out his "stats" at The White House blog. Perhaps most surprising? This Portuguese Water Dog has yet to learn to swim.

Bo Obama spotted in Europe

So if the Bo beanie baby didn't do it for you and a real Portuguese Water Dog is out of the question, don't despair. German toymaker Koesener Spielzeug Manufaktur has created a First Dog look-alike, complete with wispy white mustache and marshmallow patch chest. No word on when the stuffed animal will be available in the States; we'll keep you posted...

Another trip for Obama?

First it was Barack Obama's Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor: She tripped at La Guardia Airport in New York and ended up with a fractured ankle. Then it was the President himself's turn. He nearly tripped over puppy Bo while showing NBC's Brian Williams around the White House.  Fortunately, Michelle was there to save him from a fall. We guess it wasn't the first -- and won't be the last -- time the first lady lends a hand...