Everything you need to know about Joe Biden’s dog

Biden's dog Commander running across the lawn with tennis ball in his mouth
(Image credit: @POTUS/Twitter)

Joe Biden’s dog Commander immediately stole hearts around the world when the President introduced the family’s newest addition over on Instagram back in December of 2021. Since then, we haven’t been able to get enough of the adorable German Shepherd and it’s not hard to see why.

While details on Commander’s personality and temperament are so far scarce, photos and videos shared across the President’s social media platforms show an affectionate and energetic little puppy who has clearly already formed strong bonds with his family.

Below, we reveal everything you need to know about Commander, as well as introduce you to the other Biden family pets, both past and present.

How many dogs do the Biden's have?

Right now, little Commander is the only dog the Biden's own, but it wasn't always this way. In fact, prior to Commander's arrival in December of 2021, the Biden's were proud pet parents to two other German Shepherds, Champ and Major

Rest in peace Champ

The nation's heart's broke in June of 2021 when the First Lady announced on her Instagram page that Champ had died peacefully at home at the age of 13. Describing Champ as their 'constant, cherished companion', the First Lady painted a picture of a loving and loyal companion who was 'sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion.'

Goodbye Major

It wasn't an easy decision, but following a series of biting incidents, the Biden's decided to permanently move Major to a new home after it became clear that he was struggling to settle into life at the White House.

"After consulting with dog trainers, animal behaviorists and veterinarians, the first family has decided to follow the experts' collective recommendation that it would be safest for Major to live in a quieter environment with family friends," a spokesman for the President said. "This is not in reaction to any new or specific incident, but rather a decision reached after several months of deliberation as a family and discussions with experts."

Welcome to the family Commander

Hearts melted around the world when President Biden shared footage on Instagram of Commander's first moments at the White House.

Beach boy

While Commander has spent most of his first few months exploring the lawns of the White House, his mom and dad recently took him to the beach for the first time to enjoy a wintery stroll. 

Is it time to play yet Dad?

Commander already loves accompanying the President to work in the Oval Office, but as with any young pup, he'd prefer there was a little less work being done and a little more play!

And Willow makes two

We're not quite sure what Commander thinks of the latest addition to the Biden family, but little Willow has just arrived on the scene and the kitty is already making herself at home!  

Kathryn Williams
Freelance writer

Kathryn is a freelance writer who has been a member of the PetsRadar family since it launched in 2020. Highly experienced in her field, she's driven by a desire to provide pet parents with accurate, timely, and informative content that enables them to provide their fur friends with everything they need to thrive. Kathryn works closely with vets and trainers to ensure all articles offer the most up-to-date information across a range of pet-related fields, from insights into health and behavior issues to tips on products and training. When she’s not busy crafting the perfect sentence for her features, buying guides and news pieces, she can be found hanging out with her family (which includes one super sassy cat), drinking copious amounts of Jasmine tea and reading all the books.