Bulldog Picked as Marines' New Mascot

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - An 11-week-old English bulldog has been chosen to be the new mascot for the Marine Corps.

The unnamed champion-bred pup from Castroville, Texas, will be flown next week in a carry-on airline kennel to California, where she'll be the new mascot at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- one of three official bulldog mascots throughout the Marine Corps.

She's leaving a loving home to show love for her country.

"To me, this is probably the biggest honor that we've had," said dog breeder Elizabeth Rodriguez. "I mean, we've won dog shows before but this is by far the biggest honor we ever could've asked for."

The puppy will continue the Marines' tradition of having an English bulldog as a mascot that dates back to World War I.

The Marines have high hopes that this puppy will measure up to the Corps' standards.

"She's extremely beautiful. She's gonna do well," said Sgt. Heidi Loredo. "She will have her own service record book as all service members do, and she will be at all ceremonies [and] all graduations."