If Obama really wants to listen to the people of America, this will be his next dog. He said it’s coming down between a labradoodle and a Portuguese Water Dog. Americans have said they want a mutt, the votes are 2 to 1 for a mutt over a pure breed according to the Associated Press. Also, most of the voters want the dog to come from a shelter. It seems a tall order to get a labradoodle puppy in a shelter, but I’m sure the president could always pull some strings, and with shelter populations at an all time high, at least there is plenty of selection right now.

Read more. Photo by Misterbisson [Flickr]

Name: Olivia
Age: 6 years old
Mix: Poodle/soft coated wheaton terrier
Hobbies: Being affectionate with people and taking joy rides in car.
Owner: M. Hernandez, Chicago, IL

Higgins had a 14-year long career in show business. Aside from playing k-9 hero “Benji”, he also played “Dog” in Petticoat Junction. One of the things that made him such a famous dog actor was the amazing range of facial expressions he could make. His trainer said that he was the smartest dog he had ever worked with. During his prime, he was able to learn one new trick a week. His tricks included walking up a ladder, opening a mailbox and removing a letter, and sneezing on cue.

Benji/Higgins is yet another example of how mutts can be more intelligent and cuter than any purebreed around.

Name: Bo
Age:14 weeks
Mix: Yellow Lab and apricot standard poodle
Hobbies: Playing fetch, getting belly rubs, licking ears, stealing footwear and pushing his Staple’s “Easy Button” over and over when he needs to go out.
Owner: Ben Ruskin, Athens, GA

Name: Opal
Age: 8 Weeks
Mix: pekanese/poodle
Hobbies: Chewing, eating, sleeping, and the process of elimination.
Owner: Dave Hill, Graham, NC