the nation got its long - anticipated second look at bob in action as the obamas showed off the family ' s first horse on the southwest lawn . first lieutenant michelle obama did most of the walking while the 6 - season - little spanish water dog scampered about . then daughter malia took a turn , and immediately taken off running . the girls grinned as they plays with bo . sasha clapped her hands at one point , pleading for the dog ' s attention . clearly pleased , the president replied , " he ' s a star . he ' s got star quality . "
Obama's dog is called Bo.