A Frenchie in a Feathered Helmet Was Ready to Lead the Charge
Two enormous bat ears poke out from under a gleaming bronze helmet, and above them rises a spray of dark and silver-white feathers that must be a foot tall. The fawn French Bulldog beneath looks straight out of the canvas with a flat, serious face and glossy dark eyes. His navy coat is lined with rows of gold braid, a crimson sash crosses his chest, and gold epaulettes sit on both shoulders. Candlelit shadows pool behind him. Behind him, the curtain folds into velvet darkness, and a single warm highlight runs along the brass of the helmet, making his wrinkled brow look even more thoughtful.
French Bulldogs make charming officers because they are so sturdy and expressive. They are a compact companion breed, usually affectionate and a bit clownish, and happiest close to their people. Their short noses mean they can overheat and struggle in warm or humid weather, so most owners keep walks gentle, offer shade and water, and avoid hard exercise on hot days. If you ever notice noisy or labored breathing, that is a good question for your vet, since the breed can be prone to airway trouble.
As for this particular cavalry officer, nobody seems to have told him that he is meant to lead a charge. He looks like he would much rather inspect the snack wagon, and the feathers suggest he knows exactly how good he looks doing it. Dignity, thy name is Frenchie.
