Uga (mascot)

Uga (pronounced UH-GUH) is the name of a lineage of white English bulldogs owned by Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler, which have served as the mascot of the University of Georgia since 1956. Although the University is located in Athens, Georgia, Uga lives with the Seilers in Savannah, Georgia.

The dogs, tended by members of the Seiler family, are present at every University of Georgia home football game, most away games, and many University-related functions. Uga wears a spiked collar and a red jersey with varsity letter. His jersey is made from the same fabric as the players' official game jerseys. Uga is even issued an official student identification card. Uga travels in style in an air conditioned dog house, as the breed is succeptible to heat stroke.

In addition to Uga, a person in the costume of a bulldog in football gear also performs as "Hairy Dawg" on the sidelines at University of Georgia football games.

To date, there have been six dogs to carry the name "Uga", which is derived from an abbreviation for the University of GeorgiA. Each is the son of his predecessor. Deceased Ugas are interred in a mausoleum near the main entrance to Sanford Stadium.

• Uga I (1956-1966)
• Uga II (1966-1972)
• Uga III (1972-1981) - presided over Georgia's national championship season
• Uga IV (1981-1990)
• Uga V (1990-1999) - portrayed Uga IV in the motion picture "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"
• Uga VI (1999-present)

A documentary detailing the history of the Uga dynasty entitled Damn Good Dog, has been produced by Nowhere Productions, directed by Erica McCarthy.

External links

• Damn Good Dog at The Internet Movie Database
• FindAGrave.com article on the Uga mausoleum, includes a photo of Uga V.
• UGA Athletic Association page on Uga VI.