What We Know About Major Biden Returning To The White House
Roughly two months after moving into the White House, President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden's younger German Shepherd, Major, was involved in what was described as a "biting incident." White House press secretary Jen Psaki elaborated on it in a press conference, saying, "[Champ and Major] are still getting acclimated and accustomed to their surroundings and new people. And on Monday, the first family's younger dog, Major, was surprised by an unfamiliar person and reacted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual." She went on to explain that the United States Secret Service agent experienced a minor injury which was treated by the White House medical unit, per CNN. Major was already scheduled to go back to Delaware to stay with friends while Dr. Jill Biden traveled to west coast military bases, Psaki said of Major leaving the White House. In the briefing, Psaki did not give a specific date for the dogs' return to the White House, only saying it would be "soon," per CNN.
Just a few weeks after delivering that press conference, the boys are back in town. Read on to learn what we know about Champ and Major's return to the White House.
Major Biden received additional training while at the family's Delaware home
A White House spokesperson confirmed that both Champ and Major have returned to the White House, per People. In an exclusive interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, President Biden revealed that Major underwent additional training with their dog trainer while he was at the family's home in Delaware.
Biden elaborated on the incident. "Major did not bite someone and penetrate the skin," the president explained. "What happens is ... what surprised me is the White House itself, living there. Every door you turn to, there's a guy there in a black jacket," he continued. "You turn a corner and there's ... two people I don't know at all. And they move — and he moves to protect. But he's a sweet dog." Biden went on to say that Major is beloved among White House staffers. "Eighty-five percent of the people there love him," he said. "He just — all he does is lick them and wag his tail. But ... I realize some people, understandably, are afraid of dogs to begin with."
Major is the first rescue dog to live in the White House. The Bidens adopted the 3-year-old pup from the Delaware Humane Society in 2018 to keep their older German Shepherd, Champ, company and to keep him active, per CNN.