All these diaries about whether Obama is a Blue Dog or not are beside the point. At bottom, it's really not about his politics, but rather about his personality. His politics will depend on his personality.
Perhaps, Obama is a pointer, showing us where the critical issues or answers are.
He clearly seems to work hard (anyone would in comparison to George W.) so he could be a working dog of some sort. Not a guard dog because he's not that tough or mean. Not a hunting dog - he's not that aggressive. More like a sheep dog, which would reflect his background as an organizer.
More below ....
He is definitely not a bulldog. Obama certainly does not hold on to positions. You really can't think of someone who compromises away their position before negotiations start as a bulldog. And he definitely is not a boxer. He can sometimes throw a jab, but never a combination.
Given his background and parentage he certainly is a rare breed.
He could be a poodle or some other very smart dog. Obama afterall is definitely a very intelligent person.
His demeanor during his press conference after the elections would make you think he is a bad puppy or beaten dog. Way too contrite and conciliatory to be an alpha dog.
And, he might not be a dog at all, but just a squeak toy the Republicans enjoy playing with.
Any other suggestions?
UPDATE: It looks like border collie won because, to summarize/paraphrase the comments, they are intelligent, attractive, persistent and run around in circles, a lot, before getting what it wants. Also reserved with strangers and very very loyal (Timmy's down the well) to intimates. Physically graceful in an economnical way, and with remarkable reserves of energy.