Uga (mascot)

Uga (/ˈʌɡə/ UG-ə) is the official live mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Since Uga I's introduction in 1956, every Uga has been owned by the Sonny Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia.
The Uga mascots started in 1956, when Seiler brought a bulldog that was given to him as a wedding present, by Frank Heard, at Georgia Bulldogs' first home game of the season. Afterwards, head coach Wally Butts asked his permission to use the dog as Georgia's mascot, and around the same time a University of Georgia Law School fellow student and friend Billy Young suggested that he name it Uga, a play on the common "UGA" abbreviation of the University of Georgia. Since then, every official Uga has been owned by and lived with the Seiler family in Savannah, Georgia. They also transport him to and from the events he attends as mascot.
Traditionally, the incumbent Uga is present at every Georgia Bulldogs home football game, many away games, and other university-related functions and sports events, and usually wears a spiked collar and red jersey with varsity letter. The red jersey is Uga's typical "uniform," though he wears a green jersey on St. Patrick's Day. Other special appearances include 1982, when Uga IV attended the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City wearing a tuxedo, and 2007, when Uga VI wore a black jersey for the "blackout" game against Auburn University. Uga's jersey is made from the same fabric as the players' official game jerseys, and he even has an official student identification card. He has a custom-built air-conditioned dog house at Sanford Stadium and typically sits on or near bags of ice at games, as bulldogs are susceptible to heat stroke (a problem in the humid southeastern United States).
To date, eleven dogs have carried the name "Uga". Each has been descended from the original Uga, and has frequently been the son of the predecessor.
Deceased Ugas are interred in a mausoleum near the main entrance at the southwest corner of Sanford Stadium. A bronze plaque describing each dog's tenure and including an epitaph is engraved in front of each tomb. The tomb's original location was at the east end of Sanford Stadium, and Ugas I and II were originally buried there. Prior to its 1981 enclosure, the university moved the Uga graves to the west end. When the west end zone was enclosed in 1992, the Ugas were entombed in their current resting place, and a bronze, life-sized statue representing Uga was placed in front of the mausoleum. On game days, fans bring flowers and gifts to leave at the tombs of the past bulldogs who served as their team's mascot.
Several Ugas have retired as part of pre-game ceremonies, during which there is a "passing of the collar" and the new Uga begins his reign. During these ceremonies, the fans typically chant "Damn good dog," a tradition dating back to the original Uga.
Uga has been considered a part of the football team since the day Uga I, Sonny, was asked to be the official mascot. Uga has his own custom made jersey to wear at every game day that is made with the same materials as the football players' jerseys. His jersey also has his name stitched on the back. When Uga gets a new jersey, or another Uga is named the official mascot, the old jerseys are destroyed.
Uga officially becomes a part of the team through a ceremony on the football field before a game. The head coach will officially welcome the next Uga by placing the well-known spiked collar on the bulldog. Uga XI, the current Uga, received his collar on April 15, 2023, before the 2023 Spring Game.
In addition, Uga receives a varsity letter in the form of a plaque for his endless support for the athletes. The plaque is identical to those received by the athletes at the end of each season.
Uga travels with the team and stays in the same hotel as the players, in his own room with the Seilers. Uga X attended the Rose Bowl in 2018, becoming the first ever playoff Uga. He flew to Pasadena, California, with the team, attending all team events, supporting the football team through their playoff run in the 2017–2018 season.
Since 1956, four other bulldogs (three of which were from the Uga family line) have served as temporary sideline mascots when the current Uga was not available. The bulldog later known as Uga IX served two terms as an interim mascot before officially becoming Uga IX.
Georgia officially claims the following animals as live mascots prior to the introduction of the Uga line in 1956.
The University of Georgia has faced criticism for perpetuating a problematic emphasis on purebred lineage, raising concerns about ethical considerations in the breeding of bulldogs. Detractors argue that the insistence on maintaining a specific bloodline for Uga has led to potential health issues for the mascot, such as respiratory problems and joint disorders commonly associated with inbreeding. Many organizations, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have argued that "the public doesn't want to see animals used as props or forced to perform."
Additionally, English bulldogs have developed myriad health conditions due to inbreeding — including breathing difficulties, hip dysplasia and heart disorders - which many descendants of Uga have died from. Critics also contend that the emphasis on pedigree overlooks the many capable and healthy bulldogs available for mascot duties, promoting a narrow view of canine excellence. This approach raises questions about the ethical treatment of animals and the necessity of prioritizing pedigree over the well-being of the mascot.