Dubs
Dubs is the official live mascot of the University of Washington. Since Dubs I's introduction in February 2009,[1] every Dubs has led the football team onto the field during home games. The Huskies use Alaskan Malamute as their live mascot because it is the "largest and strongest of all Husky breeds."[2] Dubs is generally regarded as the 'most huggable' live mascot in the NCAA.
| Dubs | |
|---|---|
 Dubs II as a puppy | |
| University | University of Washington |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Description | Alaskan Malamute |
| First seen | 2009 |
| Website | GoHuskies Dubs |
Background[edit]
The Washington Huskies have had 14 live mascots since 1922. The first of the live mascots was Frosty I (1922-30), adopted by the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was followed by Frosty II (1930-36), Wasky I (1946-47), Wasky II (1947-54), Ski (1954-58), Denali (1958), King Chinook (1959-68), Regent Denali (1969-81), Sundodger Denali (1981-92), King Redoubt (1992-98), Prince Redoubt (1998), and Spirit (1999-2008).[2]
Dubs II is the 14th official live mascot of the University of Washington. He is an Alaskan Malamute from Snohomish, Washington.[3] Unlike other animal mascots, such as the University of Georgia's bulldog Uga, each Dubs is from a separate family tree and is not related in order to prevent inbreeding.[4][5] An exception was made after the sudden passing of the tenth live mascot King Redoubt during a heatwave a month before the 1998 football season, with his son Prince Redoubt succeeding him for the season.[2]
Historically, the university has also hosted a long line of Alaskan Malamutes as mascots.[6] The dogs were originally cared for by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity; this arrangement was followed by a 49-year tradition (1959–2008) of care by the Cross family (a UW professor, followed by his son). The 14 official live mascots thus far are as follows:
- Frosty I (1922–30)
- Frosty II (1930–36)
- Wasky (1946–47)
- Wasky II (1947–53)
- Ski (1954–57)
- Denali (1958)
- King Chinook (1959–68)
- Regent Denali (1969–80)
- Sundodger Denali (1981–92)
- King Redoubt (1992–97)
- Prince Redoubt (1998)
- Spirit (1999–2008)
- Dubs (2009–2018)
- Dubs II (2018– )
Dubs namesakes[edit]
- Dubs I (2009–18) – Started the Dubs mascot line. An Alaskan Malamute from Burlington, Washington. In late September 2008, the University of Washington announced an initiative to search for an appropriate name for its live mascot. A contest was launched online and fans were asked to submit their favorite name for the live Husky dog. More than 1,400 different nominations were received and a committee that consisted of campus and community representatives narrowed the field to a reasonable list of finalists. More than 20,000 votes were received in two rounds of online, with Dubs emerging victorious.[7] In Fall 2018, UW Athletics hosted a “Passing of the Collar” ceremony where UW President Ana Mari Cauce removed the collar from Dubs I and placed it on Dubs II, signifying the official retirement of Dubs I. Dubs I passed away on April 3, 2021, aged 12.
- Dubs II (2018 – present) – Began training alongside Dubs I during the Fall of 2018, he currently resides in Sammamish, Washington.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Washington Huskies". Washington Huskies. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ a b c "Mascot History". Washington Huskies. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "Washington Huskies". Washington Huskies. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ "Dedicated to the UW's top dawg". Story Central. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ "General - Monday, March 5 - Dubs". gohuskies.com. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ "Washington Huskies". Washington Huskies. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
- ^ "Washington Huskies". Washington Huskies. Retrieved 2024-01-02.