With March Madness upon us, I think it’s pertinent that we take a look at the long, illustrious list of live dog mascots at America’s colleges and universities!
Reveille VIII – Texas A&M University
Did you know that Reveille is actually the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets? Source
Dubs – University of Washington
Dubs is actually an Alaskan Malamute, not a Husky! Source
Smokey X – University of Tennessee
The use of a dog named Smokey as the Vols mascot celebrated its 60th birthday in 2013! Source
Zeke the Wonder Dog – Michigan State University
Zeke is the only non-human to receive a varsity letter at Michigan State! Source
Bully the Bulldog – Mississippi State University
When the first Bully’s life was cut short by an accident, the campus observed days of mourning, a half-mile funeral procession and burial under the bench at the 50-yard line. Source
Handsome Dan – Yale University
Yale was the first university in the United States to adopt a mascot, a tradition starting back in 1889. Source
Blue III – Butler University
Butler Blue has his own van and even a children’s book titled after him named “Good Boy, Blue!” Source
Uga IX – University of Georgia
Uga’s jerseys are custom-made each season from the same material used for the players’ jerseys! Source
Jack – Georgetown University
Some say it is possible that the team was named for the dog, Hoya, who was in turn named for the traditional cheer. Source
Duke Dog – James Madison University
When Duke Dog debuted in 1973, he wore a crown and regal purple-and-gold cape. Source
Jonathan XIV – University of Connecticut
UCONN has had a live mascot since 1935. The dog was named Jonathan after Colonial Gov. Jonathan Trumbull. Source
Tuffy – North Carolina State University
Tuffy is a Tamaskan Dog that originated from Finland. Although they have the appearance of a wolf, they actually contain no recent wolf ancestry. Source
Diesel – Northern Illinois University
After 9 years of service as the mascot, Diesel retired after the 2013 season. He was honored alongside the seniors at NIU’s Senior Day. A husky named Mission will take Diesel’s place next season. Source
Scotty – Carnegie Melon University
After speaking at commencement in 2007, comedian and canine enthusiast Bill Cosby was inspired to give Carnegie Mellon its first live mascot, Scotty! Source
Bruiser – Adrian College
Bruiser was born in Oklahoma and is one of the newest mascots on our list. He debuted at Adrian College in 2009. Source
Rocky – UNC Asheville
Rocky is a rescued Victorian Bulldog. UNC Asheville had four previous bulldogs who served as the mascot from 1948 to the early 1980s. Source
Vic and Tory – Eastern New Mexico University
Vic and Tory are both rescue greyhounds. They were adopted by ENMU in December 2009. Source
Main image source .
