A look at the real canine mascots winning hearts across college sports

Story by Bailey Gilliam

There’s something about a dog that brings people together. On game day, or any day really, a wagging tail and a slobbery grin can rally a crowd faster than a touchdown drive. Across the country, dozens of schools have dog mascots that do more than just sit and stay. They’ve become beloved symbols of school pride with loyal fan bases, packed schedules and sometimes even their own security detail. These dogs aren’t just adorable. They’re part of the team. Students missing pets from home flock to them. Alumni get nostalgic. And fans? Fans go wild. Whether they’re trotting the sidelines, posing for selfies or stealing the show at halftime, these pups have stories worth telling. Here are some of the most legendary four-legged mascots in college sports.

Handsome Dan XIX

Yale University

Handsome Dan holds a special spot in sports history. He was the first live animal mascot in the country, going back to 1889. The original Dan was an English bulldog purchased by Yale student Andrew Graves for $5. He quickly became a campus favorite. When he died in 1898, he was preserved and placed on display in Yale’s gym. Today, the tradition continues with Handsome Dan XIX, a bulldog named Kingman. He lives with handler Kassie Haro and has his own custom doghouse at the Yale Visitor Center. He’s more than a mascot. He’s a bulldog with Ivy League roots.

Uga XI

University of Georgia

If there were a Heisman for mascots, Uga would be in the running every season. The tradition began in 1956 when Savannah attorney Sonny Seiler brought his English bulldog, a wedding gift, to a Georgia football game. The crowd loved it and Uga became an instant icon. Every Uga since has come from the same bloodline, all raised by the Seiler family in Savannah. The latest, Uga XI, nicknamed Boom, was born in August 2022 and carries on the legacy in style. He wears a custom varsity jersey, travels with the team and enjoys an air-conditioned doghouse on the sidelines at Sanford Stadium. Uga isn’t just a mascot. He’s part of Georgia football history and a source of pride for fans across the South.

Jonathan XV

University of Connecticut

Jonathan has been the face of UConn pride since 1934 when students named the first Husky after Connecticut’s Revolutionary War governor. Today’s mascot, Jonathan XV, was born in April 2023 and knows how to work a crowd. He’s a Siberian husky with blue eyes and a thick coat that demands petting. He’s looked after by the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, which has kept the tradition going since 1970. During basketball season, Jonathan is everywhere, rallying fans and striking poses.

Dubs II

University of Washington

Dubs II is a big, beautiful Alaskan malamute who was born in 2018. He’s the 14th husky mascot at the University of Washington since Frosty first took the field in 1922. Dubs is known for his fluffy coat, his big personality and his signature “woo woo” husky greetings. Off the field, he lives with the Gruenstein family, loves string cheese and duck jerky, and has a solid Instagram following. On game days, he’s pure Husky pride in motion.

Jack

Georgetown University

Jack the Bulldog is more than a mascot. He’s a campus personality. The latest Jack was born in July 2023 and follows in the pawprints of a tradition that dates back to the Class of 1964. He’s known for his love of skateboarding, sunbathing and dragonfly-chasing. Cantaloupe is a favorite snack, along with anything meaty. He lives on campus with his caretaker, Cory Peterson, and regularly draws crowds at games and school events.

Butler Blue IV

Butler University

Butler Blue IV is an English bulldog with a big fan base and an even bigger personality. Born in 2019, he took over mascot duties in 2020. Blue rides around basketball games in a custom mini Ford Mustang and greets players before tipoff. According to the school, he loves cuddles, hates being ignored and never turns down a Benebone. He continues a tradition that dates back more than a century.

Tuffy III

North Carolina State University

Back in the 1940s, North Carolina State used real wolves as mascots. That didn’t last long. Today, the school is represented by Tuffy III, a Tamaskan dog who looks the part without the wild side. Born in 2021, Tuffy is a mix of German shepherd, Alaskan malamute, and Siberian husky. He lives with Lisa and Joe Downey and regularly appears at games and other school events. His presence honors a long history of grit and spirit.

Reveille X

Texas A&M University

Since 1931, Reveille has served as Texas A&M’s top mascot. Known as the First Lady of Aggieland, she’s the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets. The tradition began when cadets rescued an injured stray collie and brought her to campus. She barked during the morning bugle call and earned her name on the spot. Reveille X, born in 2019, is a rough collie with a regal coat and a strong presence. She lives with a cadet in the Corps and takes her job seriously.

Bully XXII

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State has had a live bulldog mascot since 1935. The early Bullys often wandered campus and occasionally went missing, thanks to rival fans. Things are a bit more secure now. Bully XXII, also known as Dak, was born in 2021 and named after MSU legend Dak Prescott. He lives in Meridian with the Martin family and carries on the tradition with plenty of Bulldog pride.

Smokey XI

University of Tennessee

Tennessee’s beloved bluetick coonhound tradition began in 1953 with a dog named Blue Smokey. Today, Smokey XI, also known as Bernie, continues the legacy. He was born in 2021 and lives with his dad, Smokey X, and the Hudson family. On game days, members of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity handle his public appearances. Smokey has been part of some wild moments over the years, including a brief dognapping and a spot on the injury report. He also does work off the field, helping raise awareness for animal shelters.

Zeke IV

Michigan State University

Zeke IV is Michigan State’s high-flying frisbee dog and he’s got the skills to prove it. Formerly named Buckshot, Zeke made his debut in 2016 just one day after the death of Zeke III. He’s an English Labrador with a strong fan following, thanks to his halftime stunts and off-field appearances at festivals, parades and even NFL games. Zeke is more than a show. He’s a Spartan tradition that keeps the crowd on its feet.