Poddles are hypo-allergnic, extremely intelligent and come in three convenient sizes: standard, miniature and toy.

I would love to see the Obama's adopt a mutt from a shelter but since one of the daughter's is allergic that's probably a bad idea.

There are poodle rescue orgs, and poodles in shelters. Standard poodle is the only one with any intelligence...little ones are dumb and nippy. Better choice would be labradoodle (labrador/standard poodle) - have been acquainted with some of these and they're gentle, smart, easy going, playful...great dogs.

Peke-poos (pekenese and poodle mix) are nice too.