President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden moved into the White House in 2021 with two German Shepherds: 13-year-old Champ and 2-year-old Major. After a presidential term without any pets in the Executive Mansion, the Bidens brought a renewed sense of four-legged vitality to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. (Throughout history, most presidents have had pets of some kind during their time in office.)
The Bidens have always been “dog people.” However, with the demanding schedule of politics, having a pet wasn’t always feasible. In many ways, the Bidens’ story with Champ mirrors that of the Obama family. After months of campaigning, President Barack Obama made a promise in one of his early speeches that his daughters would soon be getting the puppy they had longed for.
Similarly, once Joe and Jill Biden settled into the Naval Observatory—the official residence of the vice president—Dr. Biden agreed that they, too, could have a pet. It was then that Champ became part of their family.
Joe Biden’s First Dogs
Joe Biden grew up in a household surrounded by large dogs. He once shared with an audience that the family home was graced by a variety of breeds over the years, including Labs, a Great Dane, and German Shepherds.
Biden developed a deep admiration for the strength and intelligence of German Shepherds. While attending law school at Syracuse University, he had a German Shepherd named Senator. During his time there, Biden trained Senator and even showed him in obedience trials when his schedule allowed.
Given his affinity for the breed, it was no surprise that when the Bidens decided to adopt a puppy, they chose a German Shepherd. In 2008, however, there was significant public backlash when the newly elected vice president chose to adopt a puppy from a breeder, especially when animal shelters were full of dogs in need of homes. Despite the controversy, one glance at Joe Biden holding the puppy made it clear why he chose to bring a new companion into his life.
Champ quickly became a favorite of the Biden granddaughters, who were also responsible for choosing his name. The family often shared stories about their grandfather, which typically concluded with the advice Joe had received from his own father: “When you get knocked down, Champ, get right back up!”
The grandchildren knew that “Champ” was the perfect name for a Biden dog. Champ became a familiar presence around the Naval Observatory, especially known for his love of chasing golf balls across the front lawn.
During the years Joe Biden served as Vice President from 2009 to 2016, visitors who brought their children to the Vice President’s office were often sent home with a plush toy modeled after Champ.
Major Comes to Town
Major joined the Biden family in 2018. After the public backlash over adopting Champ from a breeder, Ashley Biden, Joe and Jill’s daughter, came across a notice from the Delaware Humane Association. The shelter had received a litter of German Shepherd puppies, but the pups had arrived in poor health. They were cared for by the shelter’s veterinarian before being placed in foster homes while their future was sorted out.
Joe and Jill contacted the shelter with the intention of fostering one of the puppies. As it became clear that none of the dogs would be returning to their original owner, the Bidens decided to adopt one of the pups, who grew up to be Major.
Major Has a Tough Adjustment
In the days following the inauguration, the Bidens initially kept the dogs at their home in Delaware. They planned to bring them to the White House after the excitement settled down.
At 13 years old, Champ was content simply being with his family, and he often wandered into the Oval Office, even making an appearance at a couple of cabinet meetings. Jill Biden maintained a strict “no dogs on furniture” rule in their home, a policy that was to be upheld at the White House as well.
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