For college sports enthusiasts, the University of Georgia and its iconic mascot Uga hold a significant place in popular culture, particularly in the realm of football, where the colors red and black are prominent.
But have you ever wondered about the origin of the bulldog name and its connection to the University of Georgia? Let’s delve into history to uncover the roots of Georgia’s beloved mascot.
Are they called “Bulldogs” because of Yale?
The association between Georgia and the Bulldogs might surprise you and has nothing to do with a rivalry as is often the case in college sports. The origins of this connection are rather harmless.
“Many old-timers say Georgia earned the nickname “Bulldogs” because of its close ties to Yale, whose nickname is “Bulldogs,” according to the University of Georgia website. “Georgia’s first president, Abraham Baldwin, was a Yale man, and the first buildings on campus were designed from plans for the same building at Yale.”
While this narrative might be convincing, there is another interpretation that needs to be considered.
“But on November 3, 1920, Morgan Blake of the Atlanta Journal wrote about school nicknames and said, ‘The Georgia Bulldogs’ would sound good because a bulldog exudes a certain dignity and fierceness,” the article continues. “After a 0-0 draw against Virginia in Charlottesville on November 6, 1920, Atlanta Constitution writer Cliff Wheatley used the name ‘Bulldogs’ five times in his story. The name has been used ever since.”
The last part of this statement is undoubtedly true. Whether the inspiration came from Yale, the school’s collective character, or some other source, the Bulldog’s name stuck and became an integral part of college athletic culture.
When was the Bulldog title taken over?
Interestingly, there was a time when the UGA football team was not nicknamed the “Bulldog.” According to the school library, the football program was founded in 1892, and in the early years the mascot was a goat wearing a blanket with “UG” written on the back and a hat decorated with red and black ribbons. However, this rule only lasted for a few games.
In addition, Georgia initially did not have an official nickname. “In those early years, U of G teams had no official mascot or nickname. They were usually known as ‘The Red and Black’ but have also been referred to at various times and in various accounts as ‘The Varsities’, ‘The Athenians’, ‘The Georgians’ and, in at least one newspaper report, ‘The Huskies’ “says the library’s statement.
It was not until 1920 that the nickname “Bulldogs” was officially adopted, giving the university a unified identity that continues to this day.
Georgia’s affinity for bulldogs goes beyond a mere nickname. There is also a live dog named Uga, named after the school’s abbreviation, who plays an important role in the gameplay experience.
Long line of UGAs
As detailed on the athletics department’s “History of the UGA Mascot” website, there have been other bulldogs before, but Uga I made its debut in 1956. To this day, the mascot bulldog remains a descendant of the original Uga, inheriting both the name and Uga the famous spiked collar when it’s time to be the center of attention.
The living bulldogs come from a special line belonging to a single family.
Georgia’s athletic website states: “Representing the essence of all things Georgia, this line of pure white English bulldogs has been owned by the Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia since Uga I’s arrival on the Savannah, Georgia campus in 1956 .
Over the years, Uga has become synonymous with his iconic spiked collar, symbolizing his prestigious role. Its name, an abbreviation for the university, was given to it by William Young of Columbus, a law student of Seiler’s. Each Uga mascot will be honored with a varsity letter in the form of a plaque, reflecting the recognition given to all Bulldog athletes who earn letters in their respective sports.”
Currently, the university is set for Uga XI, who has taken over the role for the 2023 campaign. Uga X retired and the current four-legged representative took over in the spring.
