The Uga mascot dog is a cherished symbol of the University of Georgia. Uga, short for University of Georgia, is a lineage of purebred English Bulldogs that have been serving as the school's official mascot since 1956. The current Uga is Uga XI, whose registered name is "Que." He took over the role in 2020, following the passing of Uga X. Each Uga mascot is owned by the Seiler family from Savannah, Georgia. The Uga dogs are known for their distinctive red jerseys with varsity letters.
UGA Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, Neuroscience, Class of 2016
Solely for the sake of appearances, BIB dogs are bred to have deformities that cause labored breathing, snorting, coughing, gagging, retching, vomiting, tiring easily, collapsing, and fainting. I wrote in 2019 on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA to urge you to stop subjecting dogs to the stress and dangers of being used as the University of Georgia s Uga mascot.
The Uga dogs are known for their distinctive red jerseys with varsity letters. The jerseys are always custom-made and must include the varsity letter representing their order in the line of Uga mascots. The Uga lineage has become beloved by fans and is considered part of the university's rich tradition.
UGA Win Prompts PETA Call for Benevolence to Breathing-Impaired Bulldog, End to Use of Live Mascots
Athens, Ga. – In the wake of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) decisive national championship win over Texas Christian University, PETA sent a letter this morning to UGA President Jere W. Morehead urging him to make the school a winner not only in football but also in its treatment of others by retiring the school’s English bulldog mascot, Uga. The group notes that the school’s use of Uga drives demand for breathing-impaired breeds (BIB), such as pugs, boxers, and English and French bulldogs, whose breeding is being banned in other countries, as their purposely bred, grotesquely flattened faces leave them struggling to walk, play, and even breathe.
“As the back-to-back national champion, can’t UGA find it in its heart to honestly examine the impact of its promotion of deformed dogs and call time on its outdated, live-animal mascot program?” asks PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is calling on Jere Morehead to be a peach and replace poor Uga with a human mascot who can support the team in a winning way.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—notes that Uga is a living, feeling being, not a toy to be carted to chaotic football stadiums across the country and trotted out in front of scores of screaming fans.
PETA’s letter to Morehead follows.
January 12, 2023
Jere W. Morehead
University of Georgia
Dear President Morehead:
Hello again. I wrote in 2019 on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to urge you to stop subjecting dogs to the stress and dangers of being used as the University of Georgia’s “Uga” mascot. In light of a new PETA investigation—as well as calls from veterinarians to end the promotion of bulldogs and other flat-faced dog breeds—I’m hoping you will take steps to retire Uga. Please consider the following information with an open mind and heart.
As the New York Post recently reported, PETA’s investigation revealed a disturbing industry practice: Pet stores that sell English bulldogs—as well as other dogs bred to have grotesquely flattened faces—refuse to offer a “lifetime warranty” on them because of the serious health issues that these dogs inevitably suffer from. English bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, French bulldogs, and other breathing-impaired breeds (BIB) are afflicted with brachycephalic syndrome, which leaves them struggling just to breathe and is the leading cause of death for bulldogs.
Solely for the sake of appearances, BIB dogs are bred to have deformities that cause labored breathing, snorting, coughing, gagging, retching, vomiting, tiring easily, collapsing, and fainting. Many can’t even go for a walk or chase a ball—the things that dogs love to do—without gasping for air. In one study, a fifth of BIB dog guardians reported that their dog had undergone at least one surgery related to having distorted physical features.
Veterinarians around the world are sounding the alarm: In 2018, the British Veterinary Association called on companies to stop using BIBs in products and advertisements. The mounting evidence of flat-faced dogs’ suffering is so clear that in 2022, Norway completely banned the breeding of bulldogs. Meanwhile, the prominence of your university’s mascot is driving up the demand for breeding these dogs and perpetuating their suffering.
Please be a champion not just in football but also for dogs. We hope you’ll consider replacing Uga with a willing human mascot, like the ones at many other universities. May I please have your assurance that the University of Georgia will make this change? Thank you for your consideration.
Emily R. Trunnell, Ph.D.
UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Class of 2010
UGA Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, Neuroscience, Class of 2016
Senior Scientist, Science Advancement and Outreach
The role of Uga is to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs at sporting events. The dog can be seen at football games, basketball games, and other athletic competitions. Uga has his own air-conditioned doghouse on the sidelines, where he can watch the game in comfort. Uga is also actively involved in the Georgia community. He regularly participates in charity events, visits schools, and attends fundraisers. The presence of Uga adds excitement to these events and helps bring awareness to important causes. The Uga mascots have become celebrities in their own right. They have appeared on magazine covers, been featured in commercials, and even starred in movies. The fame of the Uga dogs extends far beyond the University of Georgia campus. Overall, the Uga mascot dogs are a beloved symbol of the University of Georgia. They represent the school's spirit, traditions, and community involvement. As Uga XI takes on the role, he continues the legacy of his predecessors and brings joy to fans and supporters of the Georgia Bulldogs..
Reviews for "Uga: The Most Beloved Bulldog in College Sports"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Uga mascot dog. I feel like they don't take proper care of the dog's well-being. Being a bulldog, it's clear that this breed is prone to health issues, and it's not fair to subject them to the stress and physical demands of being a mascot. It's also concerning that they have to travel around and attend so many games and events. The poor dog must be exhausted! I think it's time to reconsider this tradition and prioritize the animal's welfare.
2. Emily - 2 stars
While I understand the tradition and significance of having a mascot dog for the Uga, I can't help but feel it's a bit outdated. It's not fair to keep a dog tethered to a leash on the sidelines of games, surrounded by loud noises and crowds. Bulldogs are known for their breathing problems, and it's clear this environment could be detrimental to the dog's health. I believe it's time to find a more humane and ethical way to represent the university's spirit.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I find the Uga mascot dog to be nothing more than animal exploitation for the sake of entertainment. The poor bulldog is paraded around, dressed up in a costume, and subjected to the chaos of a college football game. It's not fair to the animal, and it sets a poor example for fans and students. We should be promoting empathy and respect for animals, not using them as props for our entertainment. This tradition needs to be reconsidered and replaced with something more respectful and compassionate.