Florida Gators Rivalry Reviewed: Georgia Bulldogs

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mascot: I’ve always loved schools with the friendly, play in the stands mascots and the real, live mascots as well. Georgia certainly does that with quite possibly two of the most recognizable mascots out there.

Hairy Dawg: The costumed mascot Hairy Dawg is one of the most distinct icons for a school out there, despite the Bulldogs being a common nickname. The inspiration behind Hairy Dawg can actually be somewhat attributed to the Gators. After the 1980 game between Florida and Georgia where the Gators unveiled their new design for Albert. Well, the Dawgs went on the to the national championship that season and Hairy Dawg made his first appearance there at the Sugar Bowl. Georgia went on to win and cruised to victory in the first appearance in Sanford Stadium and have never looked back.

Now, Hairy Dawg ranks third on Forbes’ top 10 mascots and has helped Georgia’s continue to grow. He goes to all home football games and most basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, equestrian, and soccer games. The Bulldogs certainly struck it rich when they decided to introduce Hairy Dawg, but as much as they hate to admit it, you have to thank Florida for sparking the change.

Uga: Uga the english bulldog has had a rich history starting in 1956 when Uga I was introduced to the college football world. Attorney and author Sonny Seiler received the first Uga as a wedding gift and brought him to Georgia’s 1956 home opener. Head coach Wally Butts asked Seiler if the Bulldogs could adopt his dog as a mascot on Saturday’s. Since then, a bulldog of Uga’s lineage has graced the sidelines at all of Georgia’s home and many away games. He’s always wearing a spiked collar and the “G” letterwinner jersey. You can usually find him chilling in his air conditioned dog house or on bags of ice.

There have been nine Ugas since 1956 and they’ve compiled a pretty impressive record, with the first one being the least successful. He can also be seen at many other university functions.

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports