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 |
| 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 owned by the family of Joe Biden, who became the President of the United States. Major made history as the first rescue dog to live in the White House. Before him, only two other German Shepherds had lived there, owned by President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie.
Major was one of a litter of puppies that needed help because they had been exposed to something harmful. Their first owner couldn't afford their vet care. The Bidens fostered Major from the Delaware Humane Association's shelter in 2018 and later adopted him. When Joe Biden adopted Major, he spent over an hour at the shelter, chatting with staff and taking photos. The reason for Major's name isn't publicly known, but Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden, was a major in the Delaware National Guard.
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Major's Incidents
Sometimes, pets can have accidents, and Major had a few during his time with the Bidens.
Foot Injury
On November 28, 2020, when Joe Biden was President-elect, he hurt his foot while playing with Major. Biden explained that he was joking around, running after Major, and grabbed his tail. Major slid on a rug, and Biden tripped over the rug.
White House Adjustments
On March 8, 2021, Major and Champ, the Bidens' other German Shepherd, were temporarily moved to stay with a family friend in Delaware. This happened after a small incident where Major nipped a security guard. Major had sometimes shown excited behavior, like jumping or barking at staff. Joe Biden mentioned that the bite did not break the skin.
Major and Champ returned to the White House on March 24 after Major received some special training. This training also helped him prepare for a new family member: a cat that the Bidens later adopted. On March 30, Major was involved in another incident, biting a National Park Service employee during a walk.
Major isn't the only presidential dog to have such incidents. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog, also named Major, bit a U.S. Senator and even attacked a Prime Minister. Theodore Roosevelt's dog, Pete, also bit several people.
Major's Role in Politics
Even pets can get involved in politics! Major and Champ appeared in advertisements for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. During the campaign, Biden tweeted that it was time to have a pet back in the White House, as President Donald Trump did not have any pets.
Before Joe Biden's inauguration, the Delaware Humane Association held a special "indoguration" event for Major. Over 7,400 people watched the event online, and it even featured a performance by singer Josh Groban. This event helped raise $200,000 in donations for the animal association.
Leaving the White House
In December 2021, the Bidens announced they were getting a new puppy named Commander. At the same time, they shared that Major would no longer live at the White House. Experts suggested it would be better for Major to live in a quieter place with family friends. This decision was made for his safety and well-being.
Interestingly, Commander, the new puppy, also had some biting problems later on. He was involved in many incidents before he was also moved out of the White House.
Gallery
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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
