The highly intelligent Portuguese water dog, such as the one on the left, typically weighs 40 to 60 pounds and requires a lot of exercise. The American Kennel Club recognized the Portuguese water dog as one of its 150 breeds in 1983 and first let it compete in the ring in 1984. Sunday, President-elect Barack Obama told George Stephanopoulos on ABC News’ This Week that the family has narrowed the choice to either a Portuguese water hound or labradoodle. It dates back to the 1200s and worked on boats with Portuguese fishermen, according to the website of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. Both dogs are non-shedders and do not cause as much reaction in allergy sufferers as other dogs, says Stu Freeman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. Mary Harkings, who oversees a Portuguese water dog rescue group, says the breed is “funny and very family-oriented” but adds that the dogs crave exercise.

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