California (US), Mar. 20 : President Barack Obama has confirmed that a presidential dog in the White House will come sooner than later.

Confirming a timetable for the First Family''s acquisition of a canine companion, Obama told The Tonight Show host Jay Leno here that the dog would arrive after his planned trip to Europe in early April.

"When we get back, the dog will be in place," Fox News quoted Obama, as saying, and adding that his daughters Sasha and Malia were not the only ones looking forward to its arrival.

"They say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog," he said.

On life in the White House, Obama said he is getting a basketball hoop for the mansion''s tennis courts but is in the meantime improving his bowling - a game at which he did not excel during his campaign. (ANI)