By now you’ve probably heard about First Dog Major Biden’s unfortunate misadventures at the White House, and that he will be staying with family friends for the remainder of his Dad’s term in office. Well Major Biden isn’t the first Major to get into trouble while serving as First Dog of The United States.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s German Shepherd, also named Major, appointed himself as personal body guard for the President and the First Lady. He was known to chase staff through the White House, and even bit Senator Hattie Caraway at an event hosted by Eleanor Roosevelt. However, according to an article in the New York Times, “It wasn’t a bad bite, just a scratch that made a momentary bit of excitement.” Although this 1933 article did mention that he left the party “in disgrace.” Major also almost caused an international incident when he took a strong disliking to the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. This former police dog, a gift from the New York State Police, ripped the pants of the visiting dignitary much to the embarrassment of the Roosevelts and the delight of reporters. It was shortly after that, Major relocated to the Roosevelt’s private home in Hyde Park, New York.
Major wasn’t the first Roosevelt to find himself suddenly banned from the White House, due to an international incident. That notoriety goes to Theodore Roosevelt’s Bull Terrier, Pete. Just like his doting owner, Pete had a reputation for being a rough and tumble, no nonsense guy. When not chasing both private citizens and elected officials across the White House lawn, Pete also had a habit of killing trespassing squirrels. In a 1907 letter written by Theodore Roosevelt to his son, he rationalized the dog’s behavior by saying, “Dr. Rixey, who is a philosopher, insists that it is all right and proper as it shows that the squirrels were getting so careless that something was sure to kill them anyhow.”
However, things escalated when, like a squirrel, Cabinet Secretary George B. Cortelyou fled up a tree to escape the relentless Pete. Perhaps it was Pete who inspired Major Roosevelt’s pants biting incident, because he tore the pants of French Ambassador Jean Jules Jusserand, which led to a formal complaint by the French government. Although by all accounts that isn’t what got him banned from the White House. It was when he sustained serious injures after fighting with a dog that had wandered onto the White House property, that Pete finally moved to the family’s private estate, Sagamore Hill, in Cove Neck, New York.
Not all of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt’s dogs behaved poorly during their time in the White House. FDR’s dog Fala, a Scottish Terrier, was known to entertain distinguished White House guests with tricks. And Theodore Roosevelt eulogized his Manchester Terrier by reminiscing, “Jack was human in his intelligence and affection; he learned all kinds of tricks, was a high-bred gentleman, never brawled, and was a dauntless fighter.” Here’s hoping President Biden’s new puppy, Commander, will follow in their paw steps, and not make any Major mistakes. If you would like to learn more about First Dogs of the United States, we recommend visiting the Presidential Pet Museum, the National Archives and the Library of Congress for more information.
