Major (Joe Biden's dog) facts for kids
Major in 2021
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| Breed | German Shepherd |
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| Sex | Male |
| Born | January 17, 2018 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Years active | 2021-present |
| Known for | United States presidential pet |
| Term | January 20, 2021 – December 21, 2021 |
| Predecessor | Bo and Sunny |
| Successor | Commander and Willow |
| Owner | Biden family |
| Appearance | Black with pale tan markings |
Major (born January 17, 2018) is a German Shepherd dog. He is owned by the family of Joe Biden, who was the President of the United States. Major was special because he was the first rescue dog to live in the White House.
Major was adopted from the Delaware Humane Association, an animal shelter, in 2018. He was part of a group of puppies that needed a new home. When Joe Biden adopted Major, he spent time talking with the shelter staff. Major's name might be a tribute to Joe Biden's son, Beau, who was a Major in the military.
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Fun Facts About Major
Major's Playtime Mishap
On November 28, 2020, when Joe Biden was President-elect, he hurt his foot while playing with Major. Biden said that Major was ready to play after he finished showering. He was running after Major and grabbed his tail. Major slid on a rug, and Biden tripped over the rug. This caused him to fracture his foot.
Major's White House Adventures
In March 2021, Major and Champ, the Bidens' other German Shepherd, briefly moved out of the White House. This happened after Major had a small incident where he nipped a security guard. Major was known for sometimes being very excited. He would jump, bark, and run towards staff and security. Joe Biden mentioned that the bite was not serious and did not break the skin.
Major returned to the White House on March 24, 2021. He had received some special training to help him adjust. This training also prepared him for living with a new cat, Willow, who later joined the family in the White House. On March 30, Major was involved in another biting incident. He bit an employee from the National Park Service during a walk.
Major is not the only presidential dog to have such incidents. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog, also a German Shepherd named Major, bit a United States Senator. He also attacked the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, tearing his pants. Theodore Roosevelt's bull terrier named Pete bit many people. He even tore the pants off the French ambassador!
Major in the Spotlight
Major and Politics
In July 2020, before the 2020 United States presidential election, Joe Biden's granddaughter shared a funny picture. It showed Champ and Major playing with a chew toy shaped like Donald Trump. The picture was later removed, but it was seen by many people online.
Champ and Major also appeared in advertisements for Joe Biden's presidential campaign. Donald Trump, who was president at the time, did not have any pets in the White House. During the campaign, Biden tweeted that it was time to have a pet in the White House again.
Major's "Indoguration"
Three days before Joe Biden became president, the Delaware Humane Association held a special event for Major. They called it an "indoguration," like an inauguration but for a dog! More than 7,400 people watched the event online using Zoom. The singer Josh Groban even performed. This fun event helped raise $200,000 in donations for the animal shelter.
Major Leaves the White House
In December 2021, the Biden family announced they had a new puppy named Commander. At the same time, they shared that Major would no longer live in the White House. Experts suggested it would be better for Major to live in a quieter place with family friends. This was because he needed a calmer environment.
Interestingly, Commander, the new puppy, also had some biting problems. He was involved in many incidents before he was also moved out of the White House.
Images for kids
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Champ and Major arrive at the White House in January 2021.
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Major on the White House lawn in January 2021
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Major running on the White House lawn in January 2021
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President Biden playing with Champ and Major in the White House Rose Garden in January 2021
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President Biden walking with Champ and Major through the White House Rose Garden in January 2021
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Major in the Oval Office in January 2021
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Champ and Major playing in the snow on the South Lawn of the White House in February 2021
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Major and Jill Biden in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House in February 2021
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President Biden with Champ and Major in the Oval Office in February 2021
See also
