New White House dog Bo took a bow before a paparazzi-style pack of cameras, prompting President Barack Obama to proclaim the new First Pet had "star quality."
The newest addition to the Obama family, a cuddly black-and-white Portuguese water dog, finally emerged from the White House on a leash held by First Lady Michelle Obama, ending a long saga dating back to the 2008 campaign trail.
The pooch was promised by Obama to his daughters Malia 10, and Sasha seven, to make up for his long absences while running for president.
The six-month-old dog drew a chorus of "ahhhhs" as it was paraded before journalists by the girls at a photo op on the south lawn of the White House on Tuesday, and Obama was asked where the new pet would sleep in the presidential mansion.
"Not in my bed," he joked and said that the breathless news coverage of the dogs imminent arrival was "spectacular" and said Bo had "star quality."
Obama also said he had heard that Portuguese water dogs were partial to tomatoes, adding: "Michelle's garden is in danger."
Asked about former president Harry S Truman's remark that the only way to have a friend in Washington was to get a dog, Obama said "I finally got a friend -- it took some time."
