The reason for the presidential pooches being sent back to the metaphorical doghouse is because of their aggressive behavior, with three-year-old Major having had a reported "biting incident" with White House security. According to multiple sources cited by CNN, misbehavior on Major's part is nothing new, with the dog having a tendency to behave in a very agitated manner, ranging from barking to outright "charging" at people.
It is unclear what exactly happened, as well as the condition of the security member involved, but evidently, the incident was severe enough that both German Shepherds were sent to Wilmington.
However, a White House official confirmed to NBC News that the dogs will be brought back. This seems to be due to President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden not being in the White House.
A WH official tells NBC News, “Yes, they will be back” referring to the First Couple’s dogs Champ and Major on living at the White House. “With the First Lady traveling for three days, Champ and Major went to Delaware to stay with family friends.”(WH) pic.twitter.com/eLLhR8ipEZ
— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) March 9, 2021
The canine eviction comes despite the dogs having played a significant role in Biden's presidential campaign. A known dog-lover, he had campaigned to bring pets back to the White House, as his predecessor Donald Trump infamously refused to keep any pets during his stay at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, breaking a presidential tradition.
The dogs have also made important appearances, notably alongside the first lady in a public service announcement during the Puppy Bowl to encourage people to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
While Champ is 13 and was with Biden during his time as Barack Obama's vice president, Major had also set another first for US history, being the first rescue dog in the White House. He had been adopted by the Bidens in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association, which rescued him.
Many people online were excited over the prospect of four-legged members of the first family coming to the White House. Champ and Major's popularity even led to multiple fan accounts for them on social media, such as The First Dogs of the United States (@TheFirstDogs on Twitter) and The Oval Pawffice (@TheOvalPawffice on Twitter, @first_dogs_usa on Instagram).
In response to the expulsion, the First Dogs account posted an apology credited to Major.
Aggressive behaviour? Never. Good boi just loves humans and want to play. Will miss White House. - Major
— The First Dogs of the United States (@TheFirstDogs) March 9, 2021
"Aggressive behaviour? Never. Good boi just loves humans and want to play. Will miss White House."