Is it time for fresh blood in UGA’s Dawghouse?
Does the early death of Uga VIII mean changes are needed in the mascot line? (Associated Press)
The second straight premature death of an Uga mascot, this one after serving just six games, has prompted a lot of discussion both inside and outside the Bulldog Nation about what’s wrong with Sonny Seiler’s proud line of all-white English bulldogs.
As Matt Hinton of Rivals.com put it, “even for a breed with notorious cardiac and respiratory problems and zero tolerance for heat, the Ugas are beginning to resemble the mascot version of the royal hemophiliacs of Europe: Blue-blooded, inbred and increasingly feeble beyond function.”
The two words I’ve heard most from Georgia fans since Uga VIII’s death last week are “fresh blood,” as in a belief that Seiler needs to either abandon the current line that links back in circuitous fashion to the original Uga, give up on restricting the mascot’s job to only pure white bulldogs (one reason substitute Russ isn’t deemed qualified to be the permanent mascot) or at least introduce some hardier stock into the breeding of the line.
So I put the question to JD, a UGA fan who’s also a breeder of English bulldogs: What’s the word on the breeding circuit about the Uga line? Two sickly ones in a row died young. Is it a matter of Sonny needing to freshen the bloodline?
“Definitely,” JD replied. “Sonny has some legitimate health problems in his line. It is not standard for a bulldog to die so young. Average age of a bulldog is 10.”
What would Seiler need to do to strengthen the line and yet still maintain the link to the original Uga?
“He needs to engage in a planned breeding program,” JD said. ” If necessary, buy a quality female or two and then breed to the reigning Uga. That would improve his line (healthwise). Problem is when you have serious health problems, there is an ethical issue on whether you should breed that line any further.”
Some fans have even suggested that UGA look elsewhere than Seiler’s line for a new mascot. One popular suggestion has been the all-white bulldog puppy held up last week by Isaiah Crowell on signing day. JD says the pup, named Magical Munson Woods, was bred by an Athens area fan, Glenn Lyles, with the sire being a dog owned by my high school classmate Mike “Big Dawg” Woods (the ominpresent fan who paints a bulldog on his bald head). The upside of naming that dog as Uga IX would be not only a fresh bloodline, but the school would have a mascot who lived close enough to Athens to attend many more UGA athletic events than the Savannah-based Seiler mascots.
But the chances of the university abandoning an arrangement of more than five decades with a high-profile alum like Seiler seems highly unlikely.
So what can be done? JD believes Seiler “probably has to get off his idea of an unbroken line. … Bring in some new blood from some quality show kennels.”
The situation is complicated, JD said, because many reputable breeders “won’t breed with Sonny because of the quality of his male and the in-line health problems (the first rule of breeding is always breed your female to the best available male) and his restrictive breeding agreement that the owner of the female must sign” about maintaining secrecy and forgoing any marketing rights.
The bottom line, JD says, is that Seiler has to “swallow his pride and accept some major changes.”
What do you think? Do we really need an unbroken line dating back to the original Uga or would it be better for Seiler to start the line over? Should UGA look to another breeder? What would you think of an Uga who wasn’t all-white?
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415 comments Add your comment
GoooDawgs
February 9th, 2011
2:17 pm
Seriously – would anyone know the difference?! Just tell everyone it’s the “next in line” and get some new blood in there. This is a laughingstock how often they have died the past couple of years.
Elle
February 9th, 2011
2:19 pm
Uga VIII was not just the UGA Mascot, he was the Sielers beloved pet. I was at the Tech game this year and I was so excited to see the new baby Uga. He was so cute running across the field. When I heard he was sick, I prayed for him. But, it was not to be. He has gone to Rainbow Bridge to play with the Ugas who went before him and to wait for the day his master will come to play with him again. RIP Uga.
wpeebles
February 9th, 2011
2:20 pm
The line should be broken for health reasons but we definitely keep the all white coat. Nothing wrong with breaking the line for legitiment reasons.
Russ The Temporary Mascot
February 9th, 2011
2:27 pm
Last weekend, we got a call from Greg McGarity.
We were all very sad, but Greg decided to give Sonny another year if he promised to focus on dog breeding and replace his trainer.
Sonny promoted Charles to trainer and today Sonny is out recruiting a new group of dogs. Sonny says there is an especially strong generation of puppies this year and he has a dream.
Well, today I told Charles I did not like his new training program and now I find myself in the doghouse blogging on the AJC site.
I have no idea what is going to happen next.
Your friend,
Russ.
AltamahaDawg
February 9th, 2011
2:29 pm
I guess I need somebody to explain to me how to bring in “fresh Blood”. I would have thought that new and different mamas and daddys would have done that. I must not understand where puppies come from.
Jax Dawg
February 9th, 2011
2:30 pm
So, we need to strengthen the line….Sounds like the story of our offseason….
bigdawg88
February 9th, 2011
2:31 pm
FAN,
While cool and something I pondered myself before Russ came, I’m just not sure I’m ready to see the line change that much. There is a certain pride in having a tradition like Uga. Besides, there is a certain “cuteness” that English bulldogs have, that American bulldogs don’t. I don’t think you want to be scaring the hell out of the little kids with some of those monsters they breed.
Of course, the “wimpyness” of the Ugas lately has gotten on my nerves. No breed drive (WTH!!), can’t give birth, can’t stay outside more than a few minutes without an ice bag, etc. We’ve gone too far with these dogs; they’re not even dawgs anymore. We need to look into breeding with some Olde English Bulldogges (google it) to bring the real bulldog traits back. These lap dogs get on my nerves.
Russ The Temporary Mascot
February 9th, 2011
2:33 pm
bigdawg88,
That cut deep, man.
Russ.
Richie
February 9th, 2011
2:36 pm
Start a new line.It would be the best for the dogs and the un.
gomdawg
February 9th, 2011
2:39 pm
This is bullshzt UGA line is Georgia Dawg line and THAT IT. LEAVE IT BE DAMN ALL YOU SPORT WRITERS WANT TO DO IS START SOME STUPID THING LIKE THIS. DAMN GET A REAL JOB.
Dawg in Malta
February 9th, 2011
2:40 pm
@crushmore…come on man!!…the players don’t look @ the color of Uga and feel like it’s a slap in the face…now you’re saying the Mascot of UGA is racial…that’s BS…I personally hope they never wear the black jerseys again. The black jerseys were great Auburn 2007 but put the players on the field without the so called gimicks!! GATA Dawgs!!
Frank Lane
February 9th, 2011
2:44 pm
Stay with all-white, but bred from sturdier stock.
Dawg Trainer
February 9th, 2011
2:46 pm
The Dawg Trainer is saddened at the loss of Uga XIII. Oh well, Smokey IX will await the arrival of Uga IX and properly train him.
Michael
February 9th, 2011
2:50 pm
Russ The Temporary Mascot is Back !
Sonny Seiler
February 9th, 2011
2:51 pm
I think that everyone is correct that I should expand the bloodline. You know in the south, we gotta keep um white, but I will get from behind the little gal as I dont think I am doing the job like I did with the first one. Maybe my son will step up to the plate and take one for the team! You know, we gotta keep it in the family and he is younger than me and has more energy to “hang” around with the animals all night long. On these last two runts I must have fell asleep before I finished. Sorry about that fellas.
bigdawg88
February 9th, 2011
2:52 pm
Russ,
Uh, I meant the OTHER bulldogs! You’re quite manly, even with the neutering!
That brings up a point… no more neutered Ugas!! Let a dog be a dog!
Valdosta Dawg
February 9th, 2011
2:52 pm
If he is not all white then he is just Mississippi States bulldog! Got to be all white!
S.E. Dawg
February 9th, 2011
2:53 pm
I’m all in agreement with AltamahaDawg in everything he has said. I think that Sonny had done everything to prevent inbreeding. I fully believe that Uga VIII didn’t die of the cancer itself, rather from the treatment being given. I know a person that had lymphoma and after the first treatment of chemo most of the cancer had disappeared, however, midway into the six weeks of the chemo the treatment began to have an negative effect on the person. By the end of the treatment this person could barely walk 20 feet without being out of breath. Now treating a dog may be totally different but I have my doubts. The chemo can have a profound effect on any living creature being treated.
Dave
February 9th, 2011
2:53 pm
Here’s a novel concept… what about a rescue dog? There are plenty of Bulldog rescues all over the country… I think it would send a great message.
And can we please quit with the requirement that UGA be all-white? You’d think the University would be a little wary of requiring things be all-white given their history.
Dawg in Malta
February 9th, 2011
2:53 pm
@Coach Grohbo…Stay the hell out of the South with your yankee mentality…You know the difference in a yankee and a damn yankee??…the yankee comes South and goes back home…
a damn yankee comes South and never leaves!! We don’t want you or any of your cheeseheads in the South anyway! So keep your green “G”s and your cheese wedges away from Georgia!! Unfortunately I was pulling for GB in the Super Bowl…but only because GB beat Atlanta (NFC).
ozzfest
February 9th, 2011
2:55 pm
EVERYBODY SEEMS TO BE OVERLOOKING THE OBVIOUS….WE WERE 4-0 RETURNING FROM TEMPE IN 2008 AND THEN LARRY MUNSON RESIGNED.
GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY….ALABAMA.
COINCIDENCE OR NOT, GEORGIA HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE MUNSON HUNGUP HIS HOBNAILED BOOTS.
Midtown Dawg
February 9th, 2011
2:56 pm
use the puppy that Crowell had – that provides the perfect rationale to switch from a line with health problems to a new one.
Dawg Chop
February 9th, 2011
2:58 pm
Please change the breeding line. I do not think true UGA fans care about the bloodline as much as they care about having a healthy mascot for years to come. Now is the perfect time. With the Dream Team coming in, and the fact we only have one National Championship with this bloodline in five decades. Time for change.
Too Easy
February 9th, 2011
2:58 pm
Where’s the editor? The comment by “Sonny Seiler” is WAY over the line.
Barry Morton
February 9th, 2011
2:59 pm
Where is the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine Comment? Get off the sidelines and get in the game. Our beloved mascot line needs expert help… pride be damned!!!
edumacated
February 9th, 2011
3:01 pm
Great to see Russ back online.
Just my two cents here, but I couldn’t care less about some blood line of a dog. It’s kind of silly when you think about it. All it really has meant is a windfall of cash for Mr. Sonny Seiler. Get some other good looking white bulldog and move on.
Steve
February 9th, 2011
3:02 pm
Is it even possible at this point that the unbroken chain of UGA’s can be continued? Each successive UGA was the son of the previous UGA up to this point. Considering Bruce’s (UGA VIII’s) young age, did he even sire any offspring?
7576DAWG
February 9th, 2011
3:03 pm
Bill
I disagree with JD as to the average age of a bulldog. A friend of mine is a breeder and years ago I want to buy a bulldog and asked about how long they lived . He said you are lucky to get 7 or 8 years but on occasions they will live 10 years. So I took that to mean average around 71/2 years not average 10 . That wasn’t long enough for me so I bought a lab.
I think we should stick with the Seiler family for now but our Vet department should be consulted about the blood line. They should be involved in every conception to make sure we get a healthy Uga . The reason Seiler has an agreement signed is so no breeders will exploit the university for personal gain. Getting a white Uga is essential , it sets us apart from other universities , it’s our trademark. It’s not hard to make sure Uga is all white.. Also the health issues lately has been a freak thing. Sometimes a dog dies young .For now I think the way Uga is picked should stay with the Seiler family but Our great vet department should be used for more than just physicals.
7576DAWG
February 9th, 2011
3:05 pm
THAT SHOULD READ WILL NOT EXPLOIT. SORRY
Russ The Temporary Mascot
February 9th, 2011
3:05 pm
Thanks bigdawg88,
I agree. Let a dog be a dog.
(Keep the neutering thing to yourself. It wasn’t my choice.)
Russ.
Dream Weaver
February 9th, 2011
3:07 pm
Only in the south can owning a “WHITE” dog be considered racist. Pathetic!!!!!
CletusDawg
February 9th, 2011
3:22 pm
Just who in hades says the bloodline should stay with Seiler’s? It’s time for a bloodline change if Seiler “is” kept as the owner of our mascot. I like the idea of having UGA closer to Athens so he could attend more functions. It’s been a good ride Sonny but you’re time is up. The University should provide the Mascot in my opinion.
Too Easy
February 9th, 2011
3:26 pm
I also find it pathetic that this issue has been turned over to a bunch of bloggers who have no inner knowledge of the issue. Interest maybe, but no real involvement. Maybe the authorship of this blog needs fresh blood.
Russ The Temporary Mascot
February 9th, 2011
3:27 pm
Cletus,
Sonny is good to us and Savannah is a good home.
The ride ain’t long and the collar ain’t heavy.
Russ.
reebok
February 9th, 2011
3:30 pm
I’m a Tech fan, so I have no dog in this fight (sorry), but as an animal lover, I can say that this bloodline needs to be abandoned or refreshed somehow…it is inhumane to keep inbreeding a line of domestic animals that are developing this degree of health problems. The breeders’ first obligation has to be to the health of the animal. That’s my 2 cents’, anyway. And BTW, congrats on an amazing signing class…I hope you are able to keep your guys healthy, out of trouble, and on the field.
SenoiaDawgs
February 9th, 2011
3:31 pm
Don’t care about the rest.
My only requirement is the dog must be all white.
CletusDawg
February 9th, 2011
3:31 pm
Russ, with all due respect, you SUCK! What is your record with us anyway? More losses than win I do believe. The new UGA should be owned by the University and kept locally. Why should he be a family owned pet?
Sonny’s time is up.
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:34 pm
Q: How many Georgia Tech freshmen does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. That’s a sophomore course.
MattDawg
February 9th, 2011
3:34 pm
Yeah, as a long time bulldog fan it is a shame to lose the line, however it is not fair to these magnificent dogs to subject them to further illness and disease by refusing to break the line. It is sad to lose the tradition, but it must be done.
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
Q: Why do the Georgia Tech cheerleaders wear bibs?
A: To keep the tobacco juice off their uniforms.
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
Why is it so difficult to solve a murder in Georgia Tech?
All the DNA is the same and there are no dental records.
Russ The Temporary Mascot
February 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
Cletus,
Were you brought up in an institution?
Russ
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
Q. What do you call a Georgia Tech grad with a ACC Championship ring?
A. A thief.
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:36 pm
Q: What did the Georgia grad say to the Georgia Tech grad?
A: Will the defendant please rise.
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:36 pm
What do they call a crime ring in Georgia Tech?
A huddle
__________________________________
There are 4 Georgia Tech players in a car. Who is driving?
The police
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:36 pm
Q: What do Georgia Tech fans call it when a referee throws a game?
A: Saturday
BUBBA
February 9th, 2011
3:37 pm
Q: What does the average Georgia Tech player get on his S.A.T.?
A: Drool.
__________________________________
Q: What do you get when you put 32 Georgia Tech cheerleaders in one room?
A: A full set of teeth
how2fish
February 9th, 2011
3:38 pm
We need a healthy mascot period end of discussion, one that also bites Auburn players would be nice too but is not of paramount importance.
Gina
February 9th, 2011
3:41 pm
I think it is time for a girl!!!! I know that a girl would be stronger mentally and physically!
AltamahaDawg
February 9th, 2011
3:41 pm
I would think that the vet school is involved WAY more than just after the fact physicals. Probably a storage room with nothing but blood test and genetic samples on every dog that was even considered to be a link in the chain.