Mascot Memoirs: the UConn Huskies

Next up in “Mascot Memoirs” is the canine representative of the University of Connecticut: the Husky. So how did a dog famous for sled racing  and brilliant blue eyes become the team name of a college in Storrs, Connecticut? Well, here’s the best way I can explain it.

What are “Huskies?”

The Siberian Husky was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930, and according to its website is a “medium-sized working dog, quick and light on [its] feet and free and graceful in action.” The AKC also ranks the Husky as the 13th most popular dog breed, and considers its personality to be loyal, mischievous and outgoing.

Why the “Huskies?”

I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no, the Husky was not chosen because of its “Yukon” heritage. The school didn’t introduce the “UConn” abbreviation until its name change in 1939, five years after the Husky was chosen as the official mascot.

UConn’s mascot was actually the Aggies as the university was originally founded as an agricultural school in 1881. In 1934, the Husky was chosen by survey in the student newspaper, The Connecticut Campus. I wasn’t able to find out what the other options were, and it appears there isn’t any other reason for the Husky selection than that student poll.

Mascot History

UConn has had a live Husky mascot since 1934, all of which have been named Jonathan after Jonathan Trumbull, Connecticut’s Revolutionary War-era governor. Currently, Jonathan XIII and XIV hold the position, with Jon XIV being a puppy taken under XIII’s paw a little over a year ago.

This excerpt from UConn’s official school website on Jonathan XIV provides some cool insight into the life of a college mascot:

“When not appearing at UConn events and gatherings, Jon is cared for by students with the guidance of a nearby family that is providing his ‘forever home’ – complete with positive training and lots of treats. He will be ‘mentored’ by Jonathan XIII, who is entering a well-deserved retirement, having served as the university’s mascot since his debut in March 2008.”

UConn also has a costumed mascot version of Jonathan that has been around since the 1960s. This mascot also used to be all white, but that was also changed at the beginning of 2014 with the new logo.

Bonus Factoid

There are six different color combinations possible in a Husky. UConn had formerly recognized the all white variety as its mascot (except the first being black in white back in 1934), but has changed to the black and white Husky with its 2013 logo change being reflected in Jonathan XIV’s colors and markings.

Mascot Memoirs Series

Part 1: Navy Midshipmen

Part 2: Tulane Green Wave

Part 3: ECU Pirates

Part 4: Memphis Tigers

Part 5: UCF Knights