the nation saw its much - awaiting first glance at bo in action as the obamas showed off the group ' s new pet on the south lawn . first lady michelle todd did most of the driving while the 6 - month - old portugal water dog leaped about . then niece malia took a lap , and bo set off ran . the girls grinned as they talked with bo . sasha lowered her hands at one point , waving for the dog ' s attention . plainly impressed , the president announced , " he ' s a star . he ' s got star quality . "
Obama's dog is called Bo.