Buddy, the President's seven-month-old chocolate brown Labrador Retriever, is to be neutered.

Mr Clinton made the decision after consulting his vet and hearing an appeal from actress Doris Day, expressing concern that the dog would suffer health problems if he were left intact.

White House spokesman Barry Toiv said the decision was driven by concerns for Buddy's health.

He denied that it was motivated by the more than a few salty confrontations the dog has had with Socks the family cat, who is already neutered.

The Humane Society of the United States, the country's largest animal protection group, applauded the decision.

Martha Armstrong, a society vice president, said neutering promotes better physical and behavioural health for dogs and cats, and helps address the pet overpopulation crisis.

Dr Jacqueline Suarez, a veterinarian with the Alexandria Animal Hospital, said neutering can help curb dogs' aggression toward other animals and tendency to urinate in unwelcome places.

Ms Day, president of the Doris Day Animal League, said the risks Buddy ran if he were not neutered included testicular cancer and prostate infections that could lead to problems with urination.

But Mr Clinton reserved the right to change his mind. Mr Toiv said the President Mr Clinton was "inclined" to allow the procedure. Mr Clinton set no immediate date for putting Buddy under the knife.

Buddy did not show any sign of concern at the prospect of surgery. In any case Ms Armstrong pointed out that he would not really notice the loss of his procreative abilities.