Key Takeaways
- Real live dogs serve as mascots at several colleges, representing school spirit and tradition alongside costumed mascots.
- Yale’s Handsome Dan is widely considered the first live dog college mascot, dating back to 1890.
- UGA’s bulldog mascot has been cared for by the same family, the Seilers, for over 50 years and is famous throughout Georgia.
- The University of Washington chose the Alaskan Malamute over other husky breeds because they are said to be the strongest of the huskies.
- Texas A&M’s Reveille holds the unique distinction of being the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets and can dismiss class if she barks.
College mascots are the faces of every institution, and plenty of them are known for their mascot. Some of our favorite college mascots include dogs! And we’re not talking about the person who dresses up in the mascot suit that happens to be a dog. There are colleges with dogs as mascots—REAL dogs! And to celebrate National Puppy Day, College Raptor is going to share some of our favorite colleges with dogs as mascots.
Our Favorite Colleges with Dogs as Mascots
1. THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Source: University of Georgia
One of the cutest dog college mascots is UGA’s! When you think of colleges with dog mascots, the University of Georgia is usually the first one on everyone’s minds. Named Boom, this big guy has been the University of Georgia’s mascot since 2023. When it comes to colleges with dogs as mascots, UGA is known for its bulldog. Famous in the state of Georgia, the Seiler family is the primary caretaker of UGA’s dog mascots and has been for over 50 years.
2. TEXAS A&M
Source: Texas A&M
Reveille has been Texas A&M’s mascot since 1931. This original Reveille ran on the field during a football game and has been named their dog mascot ever since. The dog is a Rough Collie whose hair blows in the wind during her run on the field. Each year, a Mascot Corporal is chosen to care for Reveille. During this time, Reveille will go to events, engagements, and even personal outings with the Mascot Corporal! She’s beauty, she’s grace, and she is the highest-ranked member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.
3. YALE UNIVERSITY
Source: Yale University
Handsome Dan is Yale’s super cute dog mascot. I mean, just look at that face! Handsome Dan is known to be the first dog college mascot when he was named Yale’s in 1890. He’s a bulldog, so we know there is some competition between him and UGA’s Boom! In 2021, Yale built Handsome Dan his own doghouse at the Yale Visitor Center courtyard, where he “works.” He lives with his handler, Kassie Haro, when he’s not making his campus appearances.
4. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Source: Scott Eklund
The beautiful Alaskan Malamute is the University of Washington’s big star. They chose the Malamute because it is said to be the strongest of the Huskies. The most recent mascot’s name is Dubs II, who was named UW’s mascot in 2018. Dubs was raised in Sammamish, Washington, and has been very busy since being named UW’s mascot. His handler, Anne-Lise Nilsen, works hard to get him to his sporting appearances and other special appearances.
5. MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
Source: Mississippi State University
MSU’s English Bulldog, known as Dak, is so popular that he even has his own X account! These mascots usually go by the name Bully, but they have made an exception for him and his predecessor. Don’t let his face fool you, he’s a real cuddler! MSU’s dog mascots have had the same caretaker since 1993, who appears at the State games with them.
6. GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
We see a lot of colleges with dogs as mascots use the beloved Bulldog, and Georgetown University is no different! Jack the Bulldog loves to make appearances at sporting events and even takes his daily walks around campus. Jack lives with his caretaker, Cory Peterson, on the Georgetown University Campus.
7. BUTLER UNIVERSITY
Butler’s beloved English Bulldog mascot is Butler Blue IV, who took over mascot duties in the 2020-21 school year. Blue is an AKC-registered English Bulldog who can be recognized by the marking above his right eyebrow. He attends every home men’s basketball game and runs across the court to a giant rawhide bone waiting for him at the end of the starting lineups. Blue loves apples and has become a social media star with over 119,000 Instagram followers! He lives with his handler, Evan Krauss, and his wife, Kennedy.
8. UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
The University of Tennessee is represented by Smokey, a Bluetick Coonhound who has been the Volunteers’ mascot since 1953. The tradition began when the school held a contest where students cheered for their favorite dog. The loud baying of a Bluetick Coonhound named Brooks’ Blue Smokey won over the crowd, and the tradition was born. His striking black, white, and tan coloring makes him instantly recognizable at Neyland Stadium.
9. UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Jonathan the Husky has been UConn’s beloved mascot since 1934, when students chose both the dog breed and the name through a student poll. Jonathan XV, born in Ontario, Canada, is the 15th in UConn’s long line of Siberian Husky mascots. He loves pup cups, winter weather, and playing with UConn Police Department’s facility dog Officer Jazmine. He’s also known for “talking” quite a bit (because he’s a husky!).
10. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
NC State’s mascot is Tuffy, a Tamaskan dog adopted in 2010. Tamaskans are wolf-like dogs that resemble Huskies and are a perfect fit for the university since NC State was originally represented by a wolf (the football team was called “The Wolfpack”). Tuffy makes regular appearances at football and basketball games and loves interacting with the Wolfpack faithful.
Man’s Best Friend, Campus’s Favorite Mascot
These college mascot dogs can be YOUR college mascot if you decide to attend any of these great schools. If one piques your interest, just use College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool to find the perfect match for you. Then use our FREE Scholarship Search tool to get FREE money towards college!
