But Drake has had its famous Spike the Bulldog since his inception in 1908.
Bulldogs are also a symbol of courage and stubbornness.
Drake University decided on the famous bulldog for its symbol in 1908 when the football coach at the time, John L. Griffith, brought his two pet bulldogs to practice. Spike's secrets revealed Photo gallery Click here to enter photo gallery. Before Griffith's time, no official mascot had been decided upon. Griffith, with the help of a newspaper writer, would change the face of the University's sports and school spirit. Griffith had two pet bulldogs, which he brought with him to football practice every day.