Champ and Major Bidenmight be the first dogs to take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in four years — but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have the run of the place.
In a recent joint interview with PEOPLE (part of this week’s cover story), PresidentJoe Bidenand First Lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke about their rules for Champ and Major, the couple’s German shepherds, whomoved into the White House last week.
“They really don’t have any rules, they’re really good dogs,” Dr. Biden said — though the president was quick to point out that the canines' high level of training is largely the reason for the lack of regulation.
That means they aren’t allowed on human beds, either — though there are exceptions.
“The beds, furniture, except when our granddaughters stay overnight,” Biden admitted.
“He sneaks in,” Dr. Biden interjected, of Major.
“We walk in, he sneaks in, he jumps up on the bed with them,” Biden added.
Major and Champ BIden.Adam Schultz/Official White House Photo
“Snow day!!!,” Naomi captioned the photo, in which Major can be seen running on the grounds while Champ sits comfortably in the snow.
The dogs' differing personalities were also on display in avideoshared on social mediaaround Christmas, in which a rambunctious Major shakes a stuffed Santa as he runs down the stairs towards Champ.
“No matter how you’re celebrating this year, Champ and Major wish you a Merry Christmas,” Biden, 78, wrote alongside the clip, which was set to the tune of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
Champ and Major’s move to the White House marks the return of pets to the First Family. Former President Donald Trump, notably, did not have any pets.
Already, the Bidens' two pooches areInstagram official, with pages on social media under the handle @firstfamilydogs.
For more from Joe and Jill Biden’s first White House interview,subscribe now to PEOPLEor pick up this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday.
Celeste Sloman
Major is thefirst rescue dogto live in the White House and was rescued from theDelaware Humane Associationin November 2018, 10 years after the couple welcomed their firstGerman shepherd, Champ.
“Once we posted about them for your help, Joe Biden caught wind of them and reached out immediately. The rest is history,” the group wrote onFacebook.
Major’s youth has caused some problems, with Bideninjuring his footwhile playing with the young dog in late November.
Biden who was givena walking boot for the healing process, recounted the incident to CNN.
“What happened was I got out of the shower. I got a dog and anybody who’s been around my house knows — dropped, little pup dropped a ball in front of me. And for me to grab the ball,” Biden explained. “And I’m walking through this little alleyway to get to the bedroom. And I grabbed the ball … and he ran.”
“And I’m joking, running after him and grab his tail. And what happened was that he slid on a throw rug. And I tripped on the rug he slid on. That’s what happened,” Biden said, adding, “Oh man, not a very exciting story.”
source: people.com
