The two German shepherds are the first pets to live at the executive mansion since the Obama administration.

Major burst onto the national scene late last year after Biden, then president-elect, broke his right foot while playing with the dog at their home in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Bidens adopted Major in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. Champ joined the family after the 2008 presidential election that made Joe Biden vice president.

The dogs moved into the White House on Sunday, following Biden's inauguration last week.

"The first family wanted to get settled before bringing the dogs down to Washington from Delaware," said Michael LaRosa, spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden.

"Champ is enjoying his new dog bed by the fireplace and Major loved running around on the South Lawn."

The dogs were heard barking outside near the Oval Office on Monday as Biden signed an executive order lifting the previous administration's ban on transgender people serving in the military.

Last week, the Delaware Humane Association co-sponsored an "indoguration" virtual fundraiser to celebrate Major's journey from shelter pup to first dog. More than $200,000 was raised.

The Bidens had promised to bring the dogs with them to the White House.

They plan to add a cat, though no update on the feline's arrival was shared on Monday.

Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, a self-described germaphobe, does not own any pets and had none with him at the White House.

Australian Associated Press