
Uga
(pronounced UH-GUH) is the name of a lineage of white
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.
- Uga I ("Hood's Ole Dan," 1956-1966) - the original, a descendant of a Bulldog that accompanied the Georgia football team to its Rose Bowl victory and national championship in 1942.
- Uga II ("Ole Dan's Uga," 1966-1972) - two SEC titles (1966 & 1968).
- Uga III ("Seiler's Uga Three," 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 ("Uga III's Magillicuddy/Seiler's Uga Four," 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 ("Uga IV's Magillicuddy II," 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 ("Uga V's Whatchagot Loran," 1999-present) - two SEC championships (2002 & 2005).




