Obamas zero in on first puppy in White House

The tightly-kept secret is finally out -- a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog is all set to be the first pet of the Obama family in the White House.

The black and white puppy, named Bo, is a gift to president Barack Obama's daughters -- 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha -- by the Portuguese water dog-loving Massachusetts senator Edward M Kennedy, the 'Washington Post' reported.

The long-guarded secret is out despite the White House officials remaining tight-lipped about the news until Bo's big debut which has been scheduled for the Tuesday afternoon.

Malia and Sasha chose the name Bo because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, a source was quoted as saying by the paper.

The pet has charmed the Obama family, the report said, adding he sat when the girls sat and stood when the girls stood. Bo has been receiving lessons in good behaviour from the Kennedys' dog trainers.

"He's so cute," the source said referring to the puppy, adding: "It's very exciting. They had a great meeting."

Sasha was all excited about having a pet while Malia focused on all the "responsibility issues" on how will Bo be trained and cared.