More advice on finding a presidential caliber dog

The presidential dog debate continues as the American car industry does a melt down and the economy continues to give me the willies.

An Associated Press article outlines the rough road ahead for the Obamas and the quest for the perfect White House pooch — one that is compatible with the historic surroundings and situation in which it will find itself and doesn't aggravate daughter Malia Obama's allergies.

The article says there is no perfect dog, only a dog that is perfect for one's family.

"It's not the breed, and it's not even so much where it's from," said Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist and host of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Calling All Pets." What's important, she said, is that the Obamas set a good example by "picking a dog based on its behavioral as well as its physical health, from a credible, responsible place."

Of course, being in the spotlight can cause problems, but then the Obamas will certainly be in a position to get the best advice and training available.

White House life can be demanding for a dog. People are always coming and going, many eager to schmooze. One of Bush's two Scottish terriers, Barney, is famous with children nationwide for his "Barneycam" holiday Web videos, but more recently he popped up in a clip on YouTube nipping a reporter who persisted in trying to get his attention. The Reagans' Bouvier des Flandres, a large, energetic dog named Lucky, was moved to their California ranch after becoming too rambunctious.

Didn't that happen to several Cabinet members in the Reagan administration?

A sidebar to the article contained tips from animal experts on finding the perfect pooch for you, even if your address isn't 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.