On Wednesday 20th January 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. As Joe and his wife, Dr Jill Biden, move into the historic White House, so will their gorgeous dogs, Major and Champ.
Joe and Jill Biden will continue the long-held tradition of having pets inside the White House, welcoming their dogs, German Shepherds Major and Champ, into the mansion. For decades, furry friends have been a part of the US president's home — and this won't change for the Bidens.
Major and Champ moved into the White House on 24th January, from their previous home in Delaware, few days after President Biden and his family. Pictures have been shared of the canine pair settling in, enjoying a mooch around the famous lawns.
It was a momentous day for Major in particular as he is the first ever rescue dog to move in to the presidential home. It seems like they are enjoying themselves as the pair were heard barking in the background of a video of the President signing an executive order lifting a ban on transgender people serving in the military.
Major and Champ are the first dogs to occupy the White House since the Obamas left (Donald Trump was the first president since the 1960s not to have a dog in the White House). Here's everything you need to know about President Joe Biden's dogs...
Who are Joe Biden's dogs, Major and Champ?
Joe and Jill Biden adopted Major in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association, giving him a loving new home. He was part of a litter of puppies that was not doing well at the shelter after being surrendered there.
"From shelter pup at the Delaware Humane Association to First Dog at the White House, Major Biden is barking proof that every dog can live the American dream," said the group online, reports WION News.
"Not only did Major find his forever home, but he got adopted by Vice President Joe Biden & Dr. Jill Biden! The Bidens have gotten to know Major while fostering him and are now ready to make the adoption official. Best of luck and thank you for being one of our Friends for life," they posted back in 2018 on their Facebook page.
Champ was welcomed into the Biden family home back in 2008, and has been at the White House before. The 12-year-old German Shepherd spent time in Washington when Joe was Barack Obama's Vice President, so he's no stranger to life in the famous mansion.
According to the BBC, Biden's grandchildren named him Champ because of Joe Biden's speech. "Any time you get knocked down, champ, get up!" he would say.
Most recently, Major and Champ have been revealed as the stars of a new children's book, Champ and Major: First Dogs by Joy McCullough. The book, which was released earlier this month, follows the president's first dogs as they live with their dad in the White House.
"Rescue animals give us the chance to exercise compassion and welcome creatures in need of safe, loving homes," Joy told PEOPLE. "What better place to demonstrate these values for young readers than the president's home?"
How are Joe Biden's dogs settling into the White House?
Since moving into their new home with the President and the First Lady, it has been reported that Major and Champ have gone back to the Biden family home in Delaware.
The Metro reported that Major acted aggressively towards a member of White House security. However, it is apparently also normal for the dogs to return to Delaware when President Biden and his wife are very busy. It is not clear when they will return to the White House.
First Lady Jill Biden told The Kelly Clarkson Show: "I’ve been getting obsessed with getting our dogs settled because we have an old dog and we have a very young dog.
"They have to take the elevator – they’re not used to that – and they have to go out on the South Lawn with lots of people watching them."
What other dogs have lived in the White House?
Former President Barack Obama promised his daughters Sasha and Malia a puppy during his acceptance speech, subsequently welcoming a Portuguese Water Dog called Bo in 2008. The Obamas also adopted a second dog of the same breed, Sunny, in 2013.
Elsewhere, The Clintons had a Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Buddy, while George W. Bush had a gorgeous Scottish Terrier, Barney.
We're looking forward to seeing what Major and Champ get up to in the White House!
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24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
KONG Tires Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers
This tyre-shaped chew toy has been made from durable rubber, so it's perfect for determined chewers. It also gives owners the chance to fill the inside with tasty treats, too. Available in two sizes for you to choose the best for your breed.
READ MORE: 6 dog games great for training and bonding
Built for durability, this bright red dog toy will offer your four-legged friend mental and physical stimulation. Starting from £9, it's a real steal buy.
Made from hemp and recycled cotton, this rope ring's tough fibres work to clean your pup's teeth while also being a whole lot of fun to play with.
Soft yet durable, this cute grey bear has minimal stuffing and an internal knotted rope skeleton.
One of the toughest dog balls on the market, this sweet 'planet' design has been made with award-winning Orbee Tuff material. Certain to provide hours of fun...
Ideal for dogs who love to swim, this floating fabric toy has a handle and is designed with abrasion-resistant materials for increased durability. Make sure not to forget it on your next beach trip.
This durable rubber mango toy — which can be filled with dog treats — is sure to provide hours of chewing fun. Perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
Keep your dog entertained for hours with this purse-friendly squeaky toy shaped like a carrot. Plus, we love that you can pick this up at the supermarket as you do your weekly food shop or even have it delivered with your groceries.
Give your dog one of their five a day with this sweetcorn chew toy. It has been designed especially for aggressive chewers and is suitable to small, medium, and large dogs in any breeds. We think dogs will love its small sound function.
If your pup is a fiend for peanut butter, you might want to introduce this peanut butter flavour chew toy into their playtime routine. The T-shape allows them to grip it easily with their paws while the raised nubs on it can help keep their teeth clean.
If they prefer the taste of bacon, why not try this double-bend bone toy. It's available in a range of sizes to ensure that your dog doesn't miss out on this tasty treat.
Let the fun commence with this long-lasting squeaker football dog toy. Perfect for keeping your dog entertained in the garden.
This durable wooden stick is great for dogs who love to chew regularly. While keeping your dog occupied for hours, it's also great for their dental hygiene.
Built to last, this fun donut dog toy has been made from high-quality material and will not wear down dogs' teeth.
This bright fetch toy is ideal for interactive fun. It has a squeaker and a practical handle for throwing at your pup. We're certain they'll love this!
Made from three strands of heavy duty tightly woven rope, this traditional rope toy is perfect for medium or larger breeds and can withstand some serious pulling and tugging.
This chew toy encourages healthy, non-destructive chewing habits with dogs. And it also has a tasty flavour to it too.
Great for young puppies, this gentle bone will help teething pups who have not yet formed any adult teeth.
We love this unique toy, which is great for chew sessions and endless fun. Top tip: fill with peanut butter to extend playtime and satisfy chewing instincts.
In a blush pink, this large onion toy is surprisingly durable. Best of all, it's currently on sale for less than £3.50.
Another great option if your dog loves to play fetch, this durable fetch stick toy not only makes it easier for them to spot where their stick has landed when you're out on a walk or a trip to the park. But it also works for all dogs of all sizes.
Looking for a durable rubber frisbee? Well, look no further, as this red style from KONG is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends fit and healthy.
Another great frisbee option is this XL one. It might even be easier for your four legged friend to grip and it's also currently on sale.
Made by Arm & Hammer, this gorilla-shaped toy is infused with baking soda to safely help with bad breath. Add in the fact that it is extremely durable and has a built-in treats dispenser and we can see why so many shoppers have given it five-star reviews.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
