Both the labradoodle and the Portuguese water hound are history-making candidates. America has seen a great variety of dogs take up residence at the White House, as well as a goat that was said to chew tobacco, two tiger cubs, an aligator and a snake called Emily Spinach. But either of these dogs would be the first of its kind.

The labradoodle was bred in Australia as a guide dog for blind people with fur allergies. Venetia Moore, 42, from Kent, a mother of two and a breeder of labradoodles, said: “It has the laid-back temperament of the labrador and the intelligence of the poodle.” As such, a labradoodle could well complement the personality of the President-elect, who is renowned for his intellect and calmness under fire, and play an effective role in the new Administration. Mrs Moore added: “They are not obsessed with food like some labradors can be. They are very good with children.”

She said that “a good labradoodle coat won’t moult” – thus removing the threat of fur becoming caught on the White House carpets.

The Portuguese water hound is an altogether more exotic choice, and has already been championed as White House material by one of the oldest kennel clubs in America. David Frei, of the Westminster Kennel Club of New York, said: “They are great for people with allergies and they are very active and energetic.”

Originally employed by Portuguese fisherman to help to set and withdraw their nets, these dogs are also fabulous swimmers. They are no stranger to the corridors of power: Senator Edward Kennedy owns two.

“They have been already been seen within the halls of the Senate,” Mr Frei said. “They have a great temperament to be in the White House. We all remember when President Bush’s dog tried to bite the Reuters correspondent at a press conference, and one of Theodore Roosevelt’s dogs bit the French ambassador. It’s important that you don’t have a dog that causes an international incident.”

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