WASHINGTON — Never mind the economy, or Gaza, or Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The real news out of the interview that George Stephanopoulos aired with President-elect Barack Obama yesterday was the answer Malia and Sasha Obama planted with the interviewer:

What kind of dog and when?

"They seem to have narrowed it down to a labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound," Obama told Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week." "We're closing in on it."

That's really a Portuguese water dog, a pedigree pup. "Known for centuries along Portugal's coast," the American Kennel Club says, "this seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work in and out of the water."

But those labradoodles sure are popular. A designer hybrid generally accepted as an informal breed of its own, yet not recognized by the AKC, the mix of Labrador retriever and poodle is a spirited and bouncy pooch.

Off to the shelters of greater Washington the Obamas go now — in a "rescue" search for one of the two preferred pets.

"This has been tougher than finding a commerce secretary," Obama said.