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Are you a dog lover and a college sports fan? You're in luck because there are several colleges with dog mascots that are sure to get your tail wagging.
The University of North Alabama's mascot, Big Red, is a Great Dane who has been cheering on the team since 1987.
From the charming campus of the University of North Alabama to the historic halls of the University of Wyoming, these colleges have some of the most loyal and lovable dog mascots around.
The University of Wyoming's mascot, Cowboy, is a faithful Lassie-type Rough Collie who has been entertaining fans since the 1920s.
Colleges with Dog Mascots
The University of Georgia has a long history with its beloved Bulldog mascot, Uga. Uga I made his first on-field appearance in 1956.
Uga X is the current live mascot, reigning supreme with his custom-made jerseys and air-conditioned doghouse at Sanford Stadium. He's part of a tradition that includes burying past Ugas in a marble vault at the stadium, where hundreds of visitors pay their respects each year.
Fifteen NCAA Division I schools have Bulldog mascots, including Butler and Yale. The Bulldog is a favorite icon, known for being mellow and good-natured.
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is a great example of a college with a dog mascot. The university's mascot is Jonathan the Husky, a lovable and energetic dog who represents the school's spirit and pride.
Located in Storrs, Connecticut, the University of Connecticut has a strong athletic program and a beautiful campus. The university's Husky mascot is a nod to the state's rich history of dog breeding and ownership.
The University of Connecticut has a total enrollment of over 30,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the state. Jonathan the Husky can be seen cheering on the university's sports teams, including football, basketball, and baseball.
As a symbol of school spirit, Jonathan the Husky is a beloved figure among students, alumni, and fans. The university's athletic teams compete in the American Athletic Conference, where they have won several championships.
Jonathan the Husky is a fun and recognizable mascot who brings joy and excitement to the University of Connecticut community.
NC State
NC State has a long history of using a wolf-like mascot, but it's not actually a wolf. The current mascot, Wave, is a Tamaskan, a Husky/Malamute/German Shepherd hybrid.
The school had to switch from using real wolves due to one suffering a nervous breakdown and running into the woods. It's clear that Wave has done his research and is thriving in the role.
Lobo III, a Timberwolf, was the only mascot to truly excel in the role prior to Wave. He was purchased for $125 in 1966 and was surprisingly comfortable around people, even howling along with the fans at games.
The school thought they had ordered a Timberwolf, but what they got was a very sociable Coyote instead. It's a funny story, but it just goes to show that even in the world of college mascots, things don't always go as planned.
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee's live dog mascot is a Bulldog, but unfortunately, I couldn't find any information about the specific Bulldog's name or history with the team.
The University of Tennessee is one of 15 NCAA Division I schools that use the Bulldog as their mascot, a breed that's known for being mellow and good-natured.
I couldn't find any specific information about the University of Tennessee's Bulldog mascot, but it's interesting to note that Bulldogs are often used as mascots in college sports, and they're a favorite icon of many colleges.
The Bulldog breed is the fifth most popular dog breed in the U.S., and it's easy to see why they're so well-liked - they're just so lovable and affable!
Fresno State
Fresno State stands out among colleges with dog mascots for its unique understanding of the breed's purpose - to wear humorous outfits like a Bulldog is a person.
Their mascot, Victor E. Bulldog, has been a beloved part of the university's identity for years.
Fresno State's Bulldog is a prime example of how a college mascot can bring joy and laughter to the community.
Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech is home to a beloved English Bulldog mascot named Tech the Bulldog. Tech embodies the classic Bulldog traits of good humor and fearless tenacity.
Tech's inspiration is said to have died rescuing five sleeping students from a house fire. This heroic act is remembered as part of Louisiana Tech lore.
Mississippi State
Mississippi State has a long history of having English Bulldog mascots, with Bully XXI, also known as "Jak", being the current one.
Bully XXI was selected to be the mascot, but unfortunately, the previous mascot, Bully, had a pretty rough life, including being kidnapped multiple times and suffering from lead poisoning after being painted with Ole Miss fans' colors.
The university's mascots have a tendency to meet untimely ends, with some dying in car accidents and others passing away due to lack of exercise.
Bully, the previous mascot, would have been a handsome and perfect SEC mascot if he were in a different life, but in this one, he made a spotty and sometimes dangerous relative who showed up for Christmas in clothes with unexplained singe marks on them.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is home to the beloved mascot Reveille, a white collie who has been a part of the university's tradition since 1933. Reveille is more than just a mascot, she's also a working dog who participates in various events and activities on campus.
The tradition of having a dog as the official mascot of Texas A&M dates back to the 1920s, when the university's football team adopted a dog as a good luck charm.
University of Washington
The University of Washington is home to a beloved dog mascot named Dubs. Dubs is the official mascot of the university, and he's a golden retriever mix.
The University of Washington has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the Pac-12 Conference. Dubs can often be spotted cheering on the Huskies at football and basketball games.
The university's athletic teams are known as the Huskies, and they've had a lot of success over the years. Dubs is a key part of the team's spirit and energy.
Dubs was introduced as the official mascot in 2011, and he's been a fan favorite ever since. He's known for his friendly and outgoing personality.
The University of Washington has a large and diverse student body, with over 30,000 students enrolled. Dubs is a beloved figure on campus, and he's often seen interacting with students and faculty.
Dog Mascot Names
Duke University's Blue Devil mascot is named for the school's athletic teams, which were originally nicknamed the Blue Devils in the late 19th century.
The University of Texas at Austin's mascot is a longhorn named Bevo, but the school also has a dog mascot named Hook 'em Horns, a costumed character that promotes school spirit.
The University of Georgia's mascot is a bulldog named Uga, and the school has a long tradition of having a live bulldog mascot at its football games.
The University of Southern California's mascot is a Trojan horse, but the school also has a live dog mascot named Traveler, a white horse is often accompanied by a costumed dog mascot at football games.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools in the US have a bulldog mascot?
There are 43 universities in the US with a bulldog mascot. Many of these institutions, including 15 NCAA Division 1 Schools, proudly showcase their bulldog spirit.
What NCAA Division 1 schools have a bulldog mascot?
17 NCAA Division 1 schools have a bulldog mascot, including Yale and well-known programs like Alabama A&M and Gonzaga
How many mascots are dogs?
There are 32 college football teams that use live canine mascots. These teams are part of various divisions, with 12 teams alone in the FBS.
Sources
- https://www.bannersociety.com/2020/3/11/21175201/dog-mascots-reviewed
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/6-college-football-dog-mascots/
- https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/8/8566837/best-dog-mascots-college-football-whos-a-good-buddy-yes-you-are
- https://fansided.com/2020/08/26/national-dog-day-best-dog-mascots-college-sports/
- https://www.dogtagart.com/blog/canine-mascots-college-football
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