the nation got its lengthy - awaited opening look at it in action as the obamas led off the families ' s new dog on the south garden . first wife michelle williams did most of the jogging while the 6 - mile - old portuguese freshwater dog scampered about . then daughter malia took a turn , and everyone took off running . the girls grinned as they played with bo . luna clapped her hands at several point , calling for the child ' s attention . also pleased , the president continued , " he ' s a star . he ' s getting star quality . "
Obama's dog is called Bo.