Shelter Dog Tops Newseum’s Presidential Pooch Poll

WASHINGTON — Nearly 7,000 Newseum visitors picked a shelter dog as their favorite canine for President-elect Barack Obama and his family.

During the month-old poll, part of the Newseum’s popular exhibit "," visitors cast their votes among five hypoallergenic breeds, recommended by the American Kennel Club, and a shelter dog. The shelter dog received 3,276 votes, or 49 percent. The Bichon Frisé was a distant second with 21 percent. Runner-ups included:

• Wheaten Terrier, 13 percent
• Poodle, 7 percent
• Miniature Schnauzer, 6 percent
• Chinese Crested, 4 percent

Read the related press release

"First Dogs" is scheduled to remain on display at the Newseum through May 15, 2009.

The exhibit is supported by a gift from PEDIGREE®, a brand of Mars, Inc.