Chesty, future Marine Corps mascot, during a visit to Marine Barracks Washington on Feb. 14 (© Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez/U.S. Marines Corps)

Chesty, the future Marine Corps mascot, poses at Marine Barracks on Valentine's Day.

The future Marine Corps mascot waits to meet Bonnie Amos, wife of Gen. James F. Amos, during a visit to Marine Barracks Washington on Feb. 14 (© Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez/U.S. Marines Corps)

Chesty sits on the red carpet outside Marine Barracks.

Chesty naps before his departure to Marine Barracks Washington on Feb. 13 (© Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez/U.S. Marines Corps)

Chesty naps before his busy first days among the Marines.

Old Dominion (from left) looks at his son, Chesty, before the future Marine Corps mascot heads to Marine Barracks Washington on Feb. 13 (© Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez/U.S. Marines Corps)

Chesty's dad, Old Dominion, looks at his son before the new Marine mascot departs.

Chesty with Bonnie Amos, wife of Gen. James F. Amos, during his visit to Marine Barracks Washington on Feb. 14 (© Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez/U.S. Marines Corps)

Chesty poses with Bonnie Amos, wife of Gen. James F. Amos.

Chesty with Gen. William M. Faulkner during the puppy’s visit to Marine Barracks Washington on Feb. 14 (© Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez/U.S. Marines Corps)

Chesty gets petted by Gen. William M. Faulkner during the puppy's visit to Marine Barracks.

Semper Fido! Meet the Marine Corps' latest and most adorable mascot

2/18/2013

The Marine Corps is getting in touch with its softer side with the unveiling of its new mascot, Chesty. The 9-week-old aww-worthy English bulldog arrived at Marine Barracks on Valentine's Day and takes up his official title of Pfc. Chesty XIV (replacing Sgt. Chesty XIII) on March 29, following some rigorous obedience training (read: housebreaking). Little Chesty looks more cuddly than vicious, but legend has it that the breed was adopted as the unofficial mascot thanks to its tenacious demeanor after the Germans nicknamed Marines "teufel-hunden," or Devil-Dogs. The troops' fierce fighting in 1918 reportedly sparked images of snarling, helmet-clad bulldogs. But for now, little Chesty's heading for recruit training, where he'll learn to march and look generally distinguished and adorable. [Source]

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