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    The New White House Dog, 'Sunny'

    By Victoria Stilwell | August 22, 2013

    The newest four-legged addition to the White House has arrived - a female Portuguese Water Dog named "Sunny." Sunny joins "First Dog" Bo, who is almost five years old, alongside the Obama family. Sunny will no doubt be mentored by her seasoned four-legged housemate who has made quite an international impression. Bo conducts visits with soldiers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and serves as one of the most frequent targets of White House photographers.

    Sunny, the new White House dog
    Courtesy of Pete Souza
    Bo and Sunny

    Bo and Sunny are stunning dogs and make quite a pair, and the Obama family's decision to welcome a second Portuguese Water Dog into their home will certainly generate interest in the breed.

    Although these dogs are beautiful and can make wonderful pets, it's important to consider a few variables before following in the Obamas' footsteps.

    Should your next dog be a Portuguese water dog?

    • Portuguese Water dogs are active and highly athletic dogs. This breed is not for the couch potato owner.
    • They require extensive daily exercise and activity to keep them well-balanced.
    • Highly attentive and intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs excel in dog sports and obedience training, but without mental stimulation may become bored and destructive.
    • Their coat requires regular maintenance; grooming costs must be considered.
    Victoria Stilwell
    Positively Founder & President
    Victoria Stilwell
    • Positively.com
    Positively Founder Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer best known as the star of the hit series It’s Me or the Dog. A bestselling author, she appears frequently in global media as a pet expert and is a leading voice in the field of animal behavior. As a passionate advocate for positive dog training methods, Stilwell created both the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior and Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training, leaders in dog trainer education and licensing.
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