Uga (pronounced UH-GUH) is the name of a lineage of English Bulldogs owned by Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler, which have served as the mascot of the University of Georgia (UGA) since 1956. Although the University is located in Athens, Georgia, the dogs have lived 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. In 2007, he wore a black jersey for the “Georgia Bulldog Blackout” game against Auburn. Uga is friendly and outgoing, 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 an air conditioned dog house and sits on bags of ice at games, 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 also performs as Hairy Dawg at Georgia Bulldog athletic events.

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, and each is a solid white English Bulldog. Deceased Ugas are interred in a mausoleum near the main entrance to Sanford Stadium. An epitaph describing each dog graces the mausoleum nameplates. Several UGA’s have “retired” as part of elaborate pre-game ceremonies, during which there is a “passing of the bone” and the new UGA begins his reign. UGA even has his own cheer, “Damn good dog!” that the fans shout, during the ceremony. This tradition dates back to the very first Uga.

Although there have been 6 UGAs to date, one other bulldog, from the same family line, has served as the sideline mascot. UGA IV, sidelined with knee ligament damage after jumping off a hotel bed prior to a game against Vanderbilt, was replaced by Otto, compiling a 3-1 record before UGA IV was fit to return to duty. Otto has been named the favorite by former legendary coach Vince Dooley, because he “came off the bench” and got the job done.

The current presiding mascot, Uga VI, passed away of congestive heart failure on Friday, June 27, 2008. Frank “Sonny” Seiler reported that on the evening of his death Uga VI “was breathing heavily” and died soon thereafter. University of Georgia Athletics Director Damon Evans called the date of Uga VI’s death “a sad day for the entire Bulldog Nation.” Published reports touted Uga VI’s win-loss record at the University of Georgia as the best in the University’s history.