College sports teams often select a dog as their mascot — some even choose the dog’s ancestor, the wolf! But paws down, the most popular breed of live canine mascot is the Bulldog, capably projecting an image of stalwart, playful ferocity and sturdy team spirit. Consider Spike Q. Gonzaga of Gonzaga University (who gets his middle initial from hoop-playing alum Quentin Hall); Tarzan, canine mascot of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez; or Yale University’s famous “Handsome Dan.” (Sadly, the Bulldog mascot of Louisiana Tech, Tech XX, died of heatstroke on Sunday when he was negligently left outdoors during a major drought. Rest in Peace, Tech XX.)
Of course, other canine qualities greatly appreciated by sports teams are the Terrier’s tenacity and the Husky’s endurance. Just in time for college students to gear up for the back-to-school season, here’s a list of canine mascots at educational institutions around the country. Woof U!
Boss and Blitz
The Boston Terriers who proudly represent South Carolina’s Wofford College athletics meet the Wofford faithful at all sporting events.
Dubs
The Alaskan Malamute mascot of the University of Washington Huskies gets his moniker from the “W” in UW.
Reveille
The Collie, “first lady of Aggieland,” is the symbol of the Texas A&M Aggies. She’s lovingly cared for by the Corps of Cadets, of which she’s the highest-ranking member.
Scotty
The aptly named Scottish Terrier is the mascot of the Fighting Scots at Ohio’s College of Wooster; the Scotties of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia; and the Tartans of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University, whose adorable mascot (below) is Bill Cosby’s gift to CMU.
Smokey
The Bluetick Hound, a popular local breed, represents Big Orange, aka the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Tory and Vic
The retired racing Greyhounds were adopted by Eastern New Mexico University. (Editor’s note: That’s our kind of mascot — we wish more college teams would opt to adopt. Go, team, go!)
Tuffy
The Tamaskan, a noble Finnish breed, is the proud athletic symbol of Raleigh’s North Carolina State University; track Tuffy on Twitter @PackTuffy.
What are your favorite college mascots? Please share in the comments!
Yorkshire Terrier puppy with football by Shutterstock
