BY LYNN SWEET Sun-Times Columnist
WASHINGTON--President-elect Barack Obama revealed Sunday he is closing in on selecting the first dog -- either a labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound. Here for one week, Obama and his family explored some of the city over the weekend.
The long-promised dog is a gift for daughters Malia and Sasha. "This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary," Obama told George Stephanopoulos, host of ABC's "This Week."
The Obamas moved here a week ago, coming a bit early so their girls could start at the beginning of the semester of their new school, Sidwell Friends.
Obama told Stephanopoulos that his children "seemed to thrive" the first week and "don't seemed to be fazed by anything. People think -- you know, folks think I'm cool, but they are a lot cooler than I am."
In other first family-elect developments here:
• • Marion Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, has been bunking here with the rest of the family at the Hay-Adams Hotel near the White House. She will probably move into the White House with the family. However, I'm told that Robinson values her independence and is not sure if she wants to live there long term or give up her home on Chicago's South Side.
• • The Obama family visited the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday night; at one point, Obama seemed to pause in front of Abraham Lincoln's statute.
• • Earlier Saturday, Obama visited a famous Washington eatery, Ben's Chili Bowl. When it opened on U Street in 1958, the strip was known as the "Black Broadway." Obama ate a chili half-smoke with sweet tea. He dined with Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty, an early Obama supporter.
• • The Obamas have been without a church since they quit Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ in the wake of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright debacle. Obama said Sunday they will be visiting churches here but don't want to be disruptive to a congregation "being nagged every time you go to church." They will look for a balance. "We want to be part of Washington, D.C."
• • Dashing hopes that a Chicago chef would get the call, Michelle Obama decided to retain the incumbent White House chef, Cristeta Comerford.
The incoming first lady said in a statement, "Cristeta Comerford brings such incredible talent to the White House operation and came very highly regarded from the Bush family. Also the mom of a young daughter, I appreciate our shared perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families. I look forward to working with her in the years to come."
Lynn Sweet is a columnist and the Washington Bureau Chief for the 
Labradoodle would be a great choice for the girls, as an owner 3 1/2 years, they are delightful, loving and very entertaining, our Miss Molly came from Berryville, VA, Gleneden Farms, they also have dogs to adopt. Also I might add, they are very smart and do not shed. When on her walk here in Arlington, TX she is quite a head turner! Take a look at Gleneden Farms.
Michelle day after day show me how great person she is. To keep Cristeta at the White House mainly because she has a daughter. Plus to wait to get the pet for her children show again her brain work well with her mind.
Big Hope AH!!!! the relation with her mother. Everything in her favor.
A.
I had written the transition team that the Obamas should consider a Portugese Water Dog. My daughter has one. They are sweet, lovable, non-shedding and non-allergenic and a great family dog to boot. Sen. Ted Kennedy owns two. I hope the the President-elect takes my advice and will chose a "Portie". Nancy Talsky
I am the proud owner of a Labradoodle and a Portuguese Water Dog. They are both great family dogs, though there are some major differences between the two. Marty, our Labradoodle, is very friendly, loving, with a laid-back tempermant. I say that he would make a great theraputic/assistant dog. He does not demand constant attention, much unlike our Portuguese Water Dog, Obi. Obi is a fun-loving, high energy dog. He is a highly intelligent and easily trainable. He requires a lot of affection and likes to "work," per his nature. If the White House has a pool, that is a plus. Portuguese Water Dogs love the water. I beleive a Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog is an excellent choice for the new First Family. I would recommend getting one of each. My two dogs are the best of friends. I also advocate adopting a shelter dog. I wish them the best of luck in their choice!
Dear First Family: Welcome to our new to be country! We really need you! We need to recapture the USA! Thank you for taking on the job! We have an almost 3 year old PWD. His name is Popeye. As experienced dog owners, we can say that our Portie is the most amazing, loving, loyal friend we could ever wish for. Mr. President, I dare say, a Portuguese Water Dog will be your best choice. They are clowns, they are smart, they are wonderful with children, other animals, and everyone, for that matter. Just ask our favorite senator, Ted Kennedy how he feels about Splash and Sunny. Oh, by the way, have your girls ever read the book My Senator and Me? A must read for a new family moving into Washington! Wishing you a heartfelt welcome as our new President! Fatinha and Geoff Kerr
labradoodle? really? did not know labradoodles were hypoallergenic, but thinking about it, with the poodle mix, they very well could be fine. I came across an OK site that provides some background info: http://obamadogadoption.com/
I would hope with the incredible overpopulation of dogs and cats and the thousands that are put to death each year that the Obama's would choose an animal from a shelter instead of buying one of a particular breed.
lol...he's got rahm. what's the big deal..lol...lol
Two years ago I had never heard of a Portuguese Water Dog, but now I am one of their biggest fans. The first night we got our pup my husband said, darn we should have got two. I blogged about how great they are with my 5 kids and I hope the Obama's do get a Portie...we need more African-American owners of Portuguese Water Dogs...they have mixture way back in their line too, so President Obama will have somethingin common with the dog since he's looking for diversity.
I can't say enough about this tightly bred dog except ours loves a raw meat diet.
Has to be an American-made mutt...a Labradoodle puppy ..not a Portuguese purebred. And guess what they can name him..... Yankee Doodle.
We are the owners of a Goldendoodle purchased at
Gleneden, Berryville, Va. She is the most loving, affection dog we have every owned and she
does not shed. A goldendoodle would be a perfect
addition to the Obama family.