Talk about your close races.

There is only one percentage point between the top two candidates in the "Pick the Obama Dog" election being sponsored by the American Kennel Club. The organization launched its poll about a month ago, after Presidential hopeful Barack Obama -- whose family, unlike John McCain's, is pet-less -- announced his kids could have a dog if he made it to the White House.

Next First Dog?

The AKC came up with five possible choices -- a poodle, a minature Schnauzer, a Bichon Frise, a soft-coated Wheaten terrier and a Chinese Crested -- and invited the public to weigh in. So far, the poodle is leading with 26 percent, but just by a nose. The terrier is close behind, with 25 percent, and the schnauzer has 20 percent.

Next comes the Bichon Frise with 19 percent. The Chinese Crested is at the tail end, with 10 percent, which suggests that maybe voters know that Chinese Cresteds often win the famous annual Ugliest Dog contest in California. Is that the face that America wants to present to the rest of the world?

The kennel club said its nominations were largely influenced by the fact that Obama's daughters have allergies. But hey: Obama keeps saying he's all about change. Isn't the AKC aware that the Bush family has terriers?

Your opinion still can count, as the election is on until Aug. 19. Click here to vote and for more information about the canine candidates.