Pictured here relaxing on the balcony of the White House private residence, First Dog Champ was Joe and Jill Biden's “constant, cherished companion” for 13 years, until he passed away in June 2021. Champ joined the Biden family in 2008, when Biden first became vice president, and was named as a tribute to Biden’s father, who would encourage his son with the words, “Champ, get back up!”.

As a youngster, Champ played on the lawn of the Naval Observatory with the then Vice President’s grandchildren. “Everything was instantly better when he was next to us,” the President was quoted as saying. Champ was joined by a German Shepherd brother, Major, and a cat sister over the years.

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White House pets through the ages