On January 17, 2021, the Delaware Humane Association hosted an “indoguration” to celebrate Major’s historic role as the first shelter dog to live in the White House alongside Joe Biden. The Bidens adopted Major from the Delaware Humane Association back in 2018. The “indoguration” event, conducted via Zoom, featured Jill Martin, a contributor to NBC’s “Today” show, and showcased other rescue dogs with their owners to raise funds for the shelter. Cory Topel, the marketing manager for the Delaware Humane Association, expressed their elation and hoped that Major’s presence in the White House would shed light on the importance of animal adoption and support for local animal shelters.
In January 2021, just days after the inauguration, Champ and Major moved into the White House to join the first couple in their new residence. Jill Biden’s press secretary, Michael LaRosa, confirmed that the dogs were initially settled in Delaware and then brought to Washington after the first family had adjusted to their new surroundings. LaRosa stated that Champ was enjoying his new dog bed by the fireplace, while Major was thrilled to run around on the South Lawn.
On February 7, 2021, Champ and Major made their television debut during the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet. First lady Jill Biden filmed a coronavirus public service announcement with the German shepherds, reminding people to wear masks and highlighting the importance of pets for providing joy and comfort during the pandemic.
During an interview with Kelly Clarkson on February 25, 2021, Jill Biden shared her obsession with ensuring the dogs’ smooth transition into their new home. She mentioned their adjustment to taking the elevator and encountering unfamiliar faces, emphasizing her dedication to keeping everyone settled and calm.
Sadly, on March 8, 2021, Major bit a member of the Secret Service, leading to his and Champ’s return to Delaware. Major had previously displayed signs of aggression, such as charging at staff and security officers, while Champ exhibited a slower pace due to his age. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, explained that the dogs were still acclimating to their new environment and unfamiliar individuals, and Major’s biting incident resulted from an unexpected encounter. The dogs had been scheduled to return to Delaware for Jill Biden’s travels, but they were sent home earlier than planned after the incident. Major received specialized training during his time in Delaware.
In an ABC interview on March 17, 2021, President Biden defended Major, stating that the dog did not bite someone in a way that broke the skin. He mentioned that Major was undergoing additional training with their personal trainer in Delaware but acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new environment with unfamiliar faces. Biden described Major as a sweet dog, loved by 85% of the people interacting with him.
On March 21, 2021, Champ and Major returned to the White House after spending time at Camp David in Maryland. Press secretary Psaki explained that the dogs would occasionally return to Delaware, just like the president and first lady often traveled there.
Unfortunately, on March 29, 2021, Major was involved in another biting incident, this time with a National Park Service employee during a walk. The employee received medical attention as a precautionary measure, and it is yet to be determined whether Major will continue to reside in the White House or require further training.
The Biden family mourned the loss of Champ on June 19, 2021. In a statement, President Biden and first lady Jill expressed their deep sadness over the death of their beloved 13-year-old companion, who had been a constant presence in their lives.
In December 2021, the Bidens welcomed a new German shepherd puppy named Commander into their family. Commander participated in a White House event alongside the president and first lady, thanking service members worldwide and spreading holiday cheer. He also made his debut on “Puppy Bowl XVIII” the day before Valentine’s Day in 2022, sharing a video message expressing the unconditional love and joy that pets bring to our lives.
On April 11, 2022, President Biden posed with Commander in the White House Rose Garden to celebrate National Pet Day. The president humorously captioned the portrait with a playful remark about Commander thinking he runs the place.
In July 2022, Commander provided companionship to President Biden as he recovered from COVID-19. A photo shared on the president’s official social media accounts showed Commander sitting with Biden on the White House balcony while he handled phone calls.
In July 2023, reports emerged that Commander had been involved in biting incidents with Secret Service agents. According to The New York Post and CNN, Commander had bitten several individuals since late 2021, with CNN reporting at least 10 biting incidents. The White House spokesperson confirmed that additional training and measures were being taken to address these incidents.
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