Champ (dog) facts for kids
Champ in 2021
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| Breed | German Shepherd |
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| Sex | Male |
| Born | November 11, 2008 Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | June 19, 2021 (aged 12) Wilmington, Delaware |
| Known for | United States presidential and vice presidential pet |
| Term | January 20, 2021 – June 19, 2021 |
| Owner | Biden family |
| Appearance | Tan with black saddle |
Champ (born November 11, 2008 – died June 19, 2021) was a German Shepherd dog. He was a beloved pet of Joe Biden's family. When Joe Biden became president in 2021, Champ moved with them into the White House. Champ was the older of the two German Shepherds owned by the Bidens at that time. Their other dog was named Major.
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Champ's Early Life and Name
Joe Biden promised his wife, Jill, that he would get a dog after the 2008 presidential election. This was true no matter if he and Barack Obama won or lost. Jill Biden even put pictures of different dogs on the seats of his campaign plane for him to see.
Biden bought Champ as a puppy from a breeder in Pennsylvania. His granddaughters gave him the name "Champ." This name reminded Joe Biden of special advice his own father used to give him. His father would say, "Any time you get knocked down, champ, get up!"
A Special Connection to German Shepherds
Joe Biden has always liked German Shepherds. He even trained them in the past. During his time as Vice President, he would often give children small plush toys of Champ. This showed his affection for the breed and his dog.
Life in Washington, D.C.
Before moving to the White House, Champ lived at Number One Observatory Circle. This is the official home for the Vice President of the United States.
On January 24, 2021, just four days after Joe Biden became president, Champ moved into the White House. He moved in with Major, the Bidens' younger German Shepherd.
Champ's Passing
On June 19, 2021, the White House announced that Champ had passed away. He died peacefully at home in Wilmington, Delaware.
The Biden family shared a heartfelt statement about their loss. They said, "In our most joyful moments and in our most grief-stricken days, he was there with us, sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion." They added, "We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always."
