the nation watched its long - awaited first look at charlie in actions as the obamas showed off the family ' s new home on the south lawn . first lady jennifer paul did most of the walking while the 6 - month - old portuguese water dog sauntered about . then father malia did a turn , and everyone took off running . the girls grinned as they play with me . sasha clapped her thumbs at one point , yelling for the bird ' s attention . plainly happy , the president said , " he ' s a star . he ' s a star quality . "
Obama's dog is called Bo.