Joe Biden says he was injured while playing with his dog recently as the vice president responded to rumors and speculation that arose after he was spotted with a dark bruise on his face this week.
Biden, 72, appeared alongside President Barack Obama in the East Room Monday for an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act when onlookers first noticed the dark, penny-sized contusion just below his lower lip on the
right side of his face, according to The Associated Press.
While the president made his speech, Biden stood beside him and said nothing at the event, although he sported a wide grin marred only by the ugly-looking bruise.
Biden confirmed the contusion, saying that it appeared to be healing very well, and was the result of an overly rambunctious playtime with his family pet, a German shepherd pup named Champ, according to the AP. The exact nature of the rough-housing has not been revealed. Champ is sometimes spotted at public events at the Naval Conservatory, where the vice president and his family make their official residence.
Champ, a purebred pup from Jolindy’s German Shepherd Kennel in Spring City, Pennsylvania, has been a member of the Biden family for several years, and he is reputed to be “even-tempered,
affectionate, and obedient,” according to a 2010 Politico report. Champ is also said to be an “early riser,” just like Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.
“[Champ] often encourages the vice president to take a walk before the sun even comes up” and “will occasionally join Dr. B for a run,” said a White House aide, according to Politico.
Despite the seemingly over-the-top rough-housing with Biden, Champ is said to be “very protective of his home” and “can be found taking walks around the house and checking in with staff and visitors,” said a White House aide, according to Politico. “[By the end of the day,] he has usually exhausted himself, and can be found curled up on the couch helping Dr. Biden grade her papers or at the front door casually greeting and sniffing anyone who enters.”
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