While President Obama was busy taking care of freeing hostages from sea pirates recently he was also officially welcoming a new member to the first family. The newly-elected President and his family now have a six-month-old Portuguese water dog as their first pet. The dog was a gift from Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, who owns several of the dogs himself. White House officials said the President’s daughters were thrilled with the black and white pup, and who can blame them?

Portugese Water Dogs have a hapless, clumsy but adorable appearance, with a shaggy mop of hair and a lolling pink tongue that always seems to be too big to fit into their mouths.

The president and first lady had said their choice for a pet was between either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle. The first family decided on one of these breeds as the dogs are considered to be good pets for children who have allergies. (And apparently Malia is allergic to dog hair.) She certainly has nothing to worry about as Portuguese water dogs are one of the few breeds which don’t have an undercoat, and therefor shed very little.

You can bet that the popularity of this breed will sky rocket thanks to it's appearance in the White House.  If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs,  check out these tips from the Portugese Water Dogs Club of America, and be sure to buy from a reputable breeder.