The Portuguese Water Hound (AKA Portuguese Water Dog) might just be the next 'it' dog if President-elect Barack Obama goes opts for this breed of pooch for the next four-legged White House mascot.
Obama promised his daughter, Sasha, 7 and Malia, 10, that they would get a new canine for the White House, and after weeks of speculation, the future first family seems to have narrowed it down to a Portuguese Water Hound or a Labradoodle. Both don't shed, and in my opinion, are much better looking than the Peruvian Hairless Dog we feared Obama might be getting at the end of last year. (Check it out below.)
Obama said he wants his dog to come from a pound and since Malia is allergic, the family is adamant about bringing a "hypoallergenic" dog into the White House, which both Portuguese Water Hounds and Labradoodles are.
Political 'It' Dogs
Obama Chooses Between Portuguese Water Hound and Labradoodle
Trend Themes
1. Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds - There is a growing demand for hypoallergenic dog breeds due to pet allergies, creating opportunities for breeders and pet product manufacturers.
2. Pet Humanization - As pets become more integrated into the family, pet owners are willing to invest in high-quality products and specialized services, creating opportunities for luxury pet retailers and pet grooming services.
3. Celebrity Influence on Pet Ownership - Celebrities, such as President Barack Obama, are influential in shaping public opinion about pet ownership, leading to increased demand for certain dog breeds and driving trends in pet products and services.
Industry Implications
1. Dog Breeders - Dog breeders have opportunities to meet the growing demand for hypoallergenic dog breeds, such as the Portuguese Water Hound and Labradoodle, by focusing on breeding and marketing these specific breeds.
2. Pet Product Manufacturers - Pet product manufacturers can create and market specialized products for hypoallergenic dogs and capitalize on trends in luxury pet products due to the increasing humanization of pets.
3. Pet Grooming Services - Pet grooming services can specialize in hypoallergenic dog breeds, such as the Portuguese Water Hound and Labradoodle, and offer specialized grooming services for luxury pets due to the trend of increased pet humanization.