Species Canis lupus familiaris Nation from United States Appearance Black | Sex Female Owner Obama family Breed Portuguese Water Dog | |
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Born June 11, 2012 (age 4)
Lansing, Michigan, United States ( 2012-06-11 ) Known for Pet of the First Family of the United States (first dog) | ||
Sunny (born June 11, 2012) is a pet dog of the Obama family, the former First Family of the United States. Sunny is a female Portuguese Water Dog, who has been called the younger sister of Bo, who held the title of First Dog of the United States. Sunny was introduced via First Lady Michelle Obama's Twitter account on August 19, 2013.
Contents
- Breed background
- Breeding and original owners
- Media response
- News mentions and minor controversies
- References
Breed background
The Portuguese Water Dog is originally from the Algarve region of Portugal. Only 48 Portuguese Water Dogs were entered for Britain's Crufts competition in 2009 and the author of The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog, Kitty Braund, believes there are about 50,000 in North America. Due to its fleecy coat of non-shedding hair (instead of fur), the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Portuguese water dogs are super swimmers, or superior seafarers, because they have webbed toes. The breed was important to fishers along the coast of Portugal as a companion and guard dog.
Lisa Peterson, spokesperson for the American Kennel Club (AKC), stated, "The Portuguese water dog is historically a working dog, a fisherman's accompaniment. When you think of their history with fishermen, they were a team – that's the environment they thrive in."
The breed was almost pushed to extinction toward the end of the nineteenth century until Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese businessman, became interested in saving the breed in the 1930s.
Thirty years later the breed reached the United States, where they became classified in the Working Group. (recognized by the American Kennel Club)
According to American Kennel Club, the dogs do jobs such as guard dog, pulling sleds, and rescuing people and things from water – they are mostly family friendly.
"People who love Portuguese water dogs say they are like potato chips, you can't have just one. That bubbly, happy personality is the whole package. The beautiful coat, the trainability, the need for a job. They're just adorable", according to Lisa Peterson.
This quote explains why the Obamas chose to get another Portuguese water pup, after they got their first one (Bo) in 2009 – younger dogs will mimic the behaviors of older dogs so the two siblings get along well.
Breeding and original owners
Sunny is a purebred Portuguese Water Dog, and was selected from a breeder in the Great Lakes area.
Media response
Although Sunny was purchased from a breeder, president of The Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, wrote on a blog post, "As we always say in such circumstances, we hope the Obamas considered adoption or rescue as the first choice in obtaining a pet." He further went on to thank the Obama family for making a contribution to the Humane Society in Sunny's name, and helping reduce the suffering of dogs, although he would like the policies to finally become law.
News mentions and minor controversies
Any controversy or news having mainly to do with, featuring, or involving Sunny has so far been minor. In 2013 at a Military family arts and crafts event, Sunny knocked over a 2-year-old girl while in front of Michelle Obama. The child was fine and suffered no injuries. Sunny also made news in January 2017 when she reportedly bit a White House visitor on the face. The injury required stitches.