Jiggs II facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jiggs II

Jiggs II pictured in 1928
Other name(s)	Silent White Richard
Species	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed	English Bulldog
Sex	Male
Born	September 22, 1925
Died	March 30, 1937
Resting place	Marine Corps Base Quantico
Nation from	United States of America
Occupation	Mascot
Employer	United States Marine Corps
Title	Sergeant Major (from 1937)
Predecessor	Jiggs I
Successor	Smedley
Parent(s)	Silent White Duke
Weight	47 lb (21 kg)
Height	15 in (38 cm)
Appearance	White with brindle markings
Awards	Blue Ribbon (1926 Westminster Dog Show) Honorary Champion (1930 Westminster Dog Show)

Jiggs II (born September 22, 1925 – died March 30, 1937) was a famous English Bulldog. He was the second dog to serve as a special mascot for the United States Marine Corps. Jiggs II took over this important role after the first mascot, Jiggs, passed away in 1927.

This amazing dog was a champion at the Westminster Dog Show. Jiggs II was known for being well-behaved and kind. He was quite different from his friend, Private Pagett, who was a bit grumpy! Jiggs II served the Marine Corps for ten years. After he died, he was buried with full military honors at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Early Life and Family

Jiggs II was born in Huntington, New York. His birth name was Silent White Richard. His father was a champion show dog named Silent White Duke. The Boston Globe newspaper said his father was "one of the best-blooded English Bulldogs in America."

Jiggs II had mostly white fur. He had cool brindle markings, which are stripes or streaks, on his face and tail.

A Champion Dog's Career

Silent White Richard, as he was known then, won a blue ribbon at the 1926 Westminster Dog Show. This is a very famous dog show!

Joining the Marines

In 1927, Silent White Richard's owner, Gene Tunney, gave him to the United States Marine Corps. Gene Tunney was a famous heavyweight boxing champion and a former Marine himself. He heard that the first Marine mascot, Jiggs, had died.

The Marines officially accepted the dog on March 27, 1927. They renamed him Jiggs II. At that time, Jiggs II was 17 months old. He was 15 inches tall and weighed 47 pounds.

A few months later, Jiggs II briefly went back to Gene Tunney. He served as a mascot at Tunney's boxing training camp. But soon, he returned to his duties with the Marines.

Life as a Mascot

In 1930, Jiggs II visited the Westminster Dog Show again. This time, he wasn't competing. Instead, the show named him "Honorary Champion." That's a big deal!

During his time as a mascot, Jiggs II lived at different Marine bases. These included Marine Barracks Washington, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

He started out as a private, which is a low rank in the military. But in 1937, he was promoted to sergeant major. This is a very high rank for an enlisted Marine!

Jiggs II also briefly served with another English Bulldog named Private Pagett. Private Pagett was a gift from the British Royal Marines. Sadly, Private Pagett was known for being a bit grumpy and sometimes biting. He died in 1928 from heat exhaustion.

Jiggs II (front right) pictured with Smedley Butler, Bill, and Sergeant Thunder, in 1930.

Jiggs II's Personality

When Jiggs II first joined the Marines, the Boston Globe newspaper said he looked "ferocious." But they also said he had a "mild manner and gentle disposition." This means he was actually very kind and calm.

A retired Marine Sergeant Major named Clarance Proctor also agreed with this description in 1937. Gene Tunney, his former owner, even called Jiggs II "a very sensitive dog." Because of this, the Marines who took care of Jiggs II were told "never to scold him."

Even though he was mostly well-behaved, Jiggs II did get into a little trouble twice. Once, he bit an ice man. Another time, he chased a secretary down a hallway in a government building!

Jiggs II passed away in 1937. He was buried at Marine Corps Base Quantico. He received full military honors, which shows how much he was loved and respected by the Marines.