'Champ' the beloved German Shephard of Bidens dies; US President, First Lady say 'we will miss him'

“Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home,” the Bidens said in a statement released by the White House.

Champ also lived with the Bidens when the president was serving as vice-president under Barack Obama.

He spent his days, "chasing golf balls on the front lawn of the Naval Observatory", the first couple of Unites States said.

“Even as Champ’s strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub,” the Bidens said reminiscing their time spent with Champ.

The arrival of Champ and his mate Major, the first rescue dog to live in the White House, marked the end of the period when no pets lived in the pesidential house under last President Donald Trump.

“In our most joyful moments and in our most grief-stricken days, he was there with us, sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion. We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always,” they added.