Uga (mascot)

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Uga V on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

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 Georgia Bulldogs home football game, most away games, and many University-related functions. Uga wears a spiked collar and a red jersey with varsity letter. Uga is very, very friendly and loves to lick children who attend the games. 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 susceptible to heat stroke (a problem in the humid southeastern United States).

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. The current presiding Uga is Uga VI, the son of Uga V, who died in 1999.

A cartoon rendition of Uga, used as a secondary logo for the University of Georgia

Uga I (1956-1966) - the original, a descendant of an English bulldog that accompanied the Georgia football team to its Rose Bowl appearance in 1942.
Uga II (1966-1972) - two SEC titles (1966 & 1968).
Uga III (1972-1981) - presided over Georgia's second national championship season in 1980 and two SEC championships (1975 & 1980); had the most victories against ranked opponents (12).
Uga IV (1981-1990) - was the first live mascot ever invited to a Heisman trophy presentation in 1982 when, while wearing a tux, Uga IV accompanied Herschel Walker to the Downtown Athletic Club; two SEC championships (1981 & 1982).
Uga V (1990-1999) - portrayed his father, Uga IV, in the motion picture "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1997; propelled to the national spotlight when he lunged at an Auburn wide receiver, Robert Baker, during a game in 1996.
Uga VI (1999-present) - two SEC championships (2002 @ 2005)

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