Commander Biden: The Story of the First Dog’s Time at the White House, Biting Problems, and Where He Is Now

Introduction: The Saga of Commander Biden, America’s First Dog

Every family in the White House has its own style. For the Bidens, that meant bringing their beloved German Shepherd dogs. A playful puppy on the White House lawn usually makes people smile. But the story of Commander Biden, President Biden’s German Shepherd, was a little more difficult. He came to the White House to be a friendly companion. But soon, he caused some surprising problems, especially the Commander Biden bite incidents. Many people have asked, “What happened to Commander Biden?” and “Where is Commander Biden living now?” We’ll explore the interesting and sometimes tough story of the White House dog Commander Biden, from when he was a puppy to why he had to move out and where he is today.

The Arrival of Commander Biden at the White House

So, when did Commander Biden join the Biden family and become famous? He was born on September 1, 2021. This handsome German Shepherd was a special gift to President Joe Biden from his brother, James Biden, and sister-in-law, Sara Biden. He arrived at the White House on December 20, 2021. This made him the third German Shepherd in the Biden family to live in the White House. He followed two other dogs: Champ, who sadly passed away in June 2021, and Major, who joined the family in 2018.

Commander quickly became a well-known puppy. He was first seen by the public in events like Puppy Bowl XVIII. This helped him become part of the long history of First Dogs of the United States. At first, most people really liked Commander Biden. People love a good story about a White House pet. This furry friend seemed like a friendly and welcoming dog, just like the Bidens’ other pets.

A German Shepherd in a High-Stress Environment: Commander’s Temperament and Challenges

The Commander Biden German Shepherd breed is known for being energetic, smart, and very protective. These are great qualities. But many dog experts say that German Shepherds also need a lot of exercise for their bodies and minds, and they need clear rules. As you can guess, the White House is not a calm and quiet home. It’s a very busy place with lots of activity. There are always new people, new sounds, and security rules every day. This kind of place can be very stressful for any dog, especially one that is naturally protective.

The White House is a ‘stressful, active’ environment where the dogs meet unfamiliar humans every day…

— Mark Tobin, TMZ

This stressful feeling was probably a big reason why President Biden’s dog, Commander, had problems. And it wasn’t just Commander. The dog before him, Major, also had a hard time and had to be moved to a new home for similar reasons. In fact, new information showed that Champ, another Biden German Shepherd, also had biting problems when Joe Biden was Vice President. This shows a pattern: even the best presidential dogs can have a hard time with the special pressures of living in the White House.

Commander Biden Bite Incidents: The Unforeseen Challenges

The question “How many bite incidents did Commander Biden have?” was a question many people asked. Between October 2022 and July 2023, Commander was involved in at least 24 or 25 incidents where he bit or nipped someone. These weren’t just playful bites. The people he bit were mostly U.S. Secret Service agents and White House workers. Some of the bites were serious and needed medical care, including one agent who needed stitches.

“It’s not the dog… What Major is saying is that he doesn’t feel safe yet. And if he doesn’t feel safe, he can’t trust. And if he can’t trust, he can’t feel calm.”

— Cesar Millan, Fox News

Dog experts often say that stress from the dog’s surroundings is a major reason for this kind of behavior. As police dog expert Michael Gould said, for dogs like Commander, “it’s not a training issue, it’s an environmental issue.” German Shepherds are naturally protective. The constant new people and changing schedules at the White House can make them act on these feelings in a bad way. Good training protocols and getting dogs used to people early on is very important, especially for dogs in busy places.

What Happened to Commander Biden? His Relocation and Current Status

After the number of biting incidents grew, and especially after a Secret Service agent was sent to the hospital in July 2023, the family decided to move Commander Biden to a new home. On October 5, 2023, it was officially announced that Commander was “not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated.” This was the end of his time at the White House, just like what happened with Major.

So, where is Commander Biden now? He is living a quieter life away from the busy city of Washington D.C. He is now living with the Biden family or their close friends in a private home, probably in Wilmington, Delaware. The Bidens said they are taking good care of him. They have talked to vets and animal experts to make sure he can do well in a less stressful place.

Now over two years old, Commander is in his prime. In a quieter home, people say his behavior is much better now. The family’s cat, Willow, who joined them in 2022, gets more of the public’s attention now. But they still love their loyal German Shepherd, Commander.

The Legacy of Presidential Pets: Beyond Commander Biden

The story of Commander, Major, and even Champ shows us that being a presidential pet is not always easy. Being watched by the public, always meeting new people, and not having a normal schedule can be hard for any animal. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem even caused a big argument when she wrote in her book that Commander “deserved” to be put down. Many people disagreed with her. This showed how even White House pets can become part of politics.

However, having dogs and other animals in the White House also lets us see a more personal side of our leaders. They can bring a feeling of normal life and happiness. Pets can be very important for mental health, especially for people with stressful jobs. As one animal group said, “just taking a few minutes to pet a dog or cat can have an impact on people’s moods” and lower stress.

Presidential pets have often been in the news. Theodore Roosevelt had a wild terrier named Pete who ripped the pants of a French official. John F. Kennedy had a dog named Pushinka, a gift from the leader of the Soviet Union, that was even checked for secret microphones. The story of President Biden’s dog, Commander Biden, will be remembered as another interesting part of this history.

FAQ

Where is Commander Biden Now? A Well-Deserved Retirement

The news about Commander is good: he is doing well in a calmer, more private home. The problems that Major and Commander Biden encountered demonstrate the importance of understanding what a dog breed needs. The German Shepherd is smart and protective. It’s also important to make sure a pet lives in a place where it can be happy and safe. Commander’s story, from being a special gift to finding a permanent home, shows that his family loves him very much. He may no longer reside in the White House, but the story of the Biden family dog, Commander, will be remembered as an important chapter in the history of presidential dogs.

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