Jonathan the Husky: Meet the Friendly UConn Mascot

Jonathan the Husky is a beloved fixture at the University of Connecticut. He's a friendly and recognizable mascot who brings joy to fans and students alike.

Jonathan was introduced as the university's official mascot in 1960. He's a proud representation of the school's spirit and tradition.

As a symbol of the university, Jonathan is often seen at UConn events and games, promoting school pride and enthusiasm. His presence is a testament to the strong bond between the university and its community.

Jonathan's friendly demeanor has made him a favorite among fans of all ages, and he's a great ambassador for the university.

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Jonathan XIV is a purebred Siberian husky born in Arkansas on October 5, 2013.

He's been the official top dog at UConn since August 2014, taking over after the university changed its logo from an all-white husky to one with black markings.

Jonathan XIV went through Puppy Training Class and Canine Citizenship Training to prepare for his mascot duties, and he passed with flying colors!

On a similar theme: Husky Dog Training

The average annual cost of care for Jonathan is about $1,000, which comes from sponsors and donations.

Jonathan XIV lives with his brother, Jonathan XIII, who is in retirement, in a host family's home off-campus.

Student handlers help take care of the dogs and walk them every day.

Jonathan has more than 15,000 followers on Facebook, more than 12,800 followers on Instagram, and more than 1,300 followers on Twitter.

He loves to spend time with his brother and play in the snow!

Jonathan the Husky wakes up early, around 6:00 am, to start his day. He stretches and shakes off his cozy dog bed, ready to take on the morning.

With his high energy level, Jonathan needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. He gets at least two 30-minute walks a day, and loves exploring the great outdoors with his owner.

After a fun-filled morning of playtime and exercise, Jonathan is ready for a snack or meal. His diet consists of a balanced mix of dog food and treats, with a focus on protein-rich foods to support his active lifestyle.

Jonathan wakes up at 6:00 AM every day to start his morning routine. He begins by exercising for 30 minutes to get his blood flowing.

He then showers and gets dressed in his favorite outfit, a simple white shirt and jeans. Jonathan's daily routine is all about simplicity and efficiency.

After getting dressed, he heads to the kitchen to make himself a healthy breakfast, usually oatmeal with fruits and nuts. This meal gives him the energy to tackle the day ahead.

Jonathan spends about 30 minutes meditating and practicing deep breathing exercises to clear his mind. He finds this helps him stay focused and calm throughout the day.

He then heads to his home office to check his emails and respond to any urgent messages. Jonathan prioritizes his tasks and breaks them down into smaller, manageable chunks to stay on top of his work.

With his morning routine complete, Jonathan is ready to take on the day with a clear mind and a sense of purpose.

Jonathan is a firm believer in the importance of building strong relationships with his students. He sets aside dedicated time each day to chat with them.

He starts his day by greeting students at the school entrance, taking the time to ask about their weekends and interests. This helps him stay connected with their lives outside of the classroom.

Jonathan is known for his patience and empathy, often taking the time to work through complex problems with students who are struggling. He encourages them to ask questions and seek help when needed.

In class, Jonathan uses a variety of teaching methods to engage his students, including hands-on activities and group discussions. He carefully observes each student's progress, adjusting his approach as needed.

Jonathan's interactions with students are always respectful and inclusive, creating a safe and supportive learning environment.