11 Secrets of the Georgia Bulldogs UGA Dog: Why Uga XI 'Boom' is the Craziest Mascot Yet

11 Secrets Of The Georgia Bulldogs UGA Dog: Why Uga XI 'Boom' Is The Craziest Mascot Yet

11 Secrets of the Georgia Bulldogs UGA Dog: Why Uga XI 'Boom' is the Craziest Mascot Yet

The Georgia Bulldogs' live mascot, Uga, is more than just a dog; he is an institution, a symbol of the University of Georgia's formidable football legacy, and the most famous English Bulldog in college sports. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, the sideline is proudly patrolled by Uga XI, affectionately known as "Boom." This new era of the beloved mascot tradition began in 2023, marking a significant transition for the famous Seiler family who have owned and bred the line of pure white bulldogs since 1956.

Boom carries the weight of a legendary lineage, succeeding the winningest mascot in Georgia history, Uga X ("Que"). The current dog has already made headlines, not just for his appearance at Sanford Stadium, but for his youthful, unpredictable personality—a trait that led to a famous, hilarious absence from a major road game in 2024. This deep dive reveals the full history, the current chapter, and the unique facts that make the Uga tradition the greatest in college football.

The Complete Biography and Lineage of the Uga Mascots (Uga I to Uga XI)

The Uga line is one of the most stable and storied traditions in all of sports. Every dog has been a pure white English Bulldog, a direct descendant of the original Uga, and has been owned by the Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia. The title "Uga" is an abbreviation for the University of Georgia, and each dog also carries a unique, registered name.

The current Uga XI, "Boom," is the 11th in this continuous line. His tenure began with a ceremonial collaring at the 2023 G-Day Game, officially taking over from his predecessor.

The following is the complete list of the Uga dynasty, including their unique names and tenure:

  • Uga I: "Hood's Ole Dan" (1956–1966) - The original Uga, gifted to Sonny Seiler.
  • Uga II: "Ole Dan's Son" (1966–1972) - The first to wear the iconic spiked collar.
  • Uga III: "In Memoriam" (1972–1980) - Presided over the 1980 National Championship season.
  • Uga IV: "Seiler's Uga IV" (1981–1990) - The first Uga to attend a bowl game outside the Southeast (1983 Sugar Bowl).
  • Uga V: "Rebel" (1990–1999) - Famously lunged at an Auburn player, earning a Sports Illustrated cover.
  • Uga VI: "Uga IV's grandson" (1999–2003) - Had the best winning percentage of any Uga at the time.
  • Uga VII: "Loran's Best" (2003–2008) - Named in honor of UGA radio announcer Loran Smith.
  • Uga VIII: "Big Bad Dan" (2008–2010) - His tenure was tragically cut short due to illness.
  • Uga IX: "Russ" (2009 & 2012–2015) - Served as an interim mascot before being officially crowned Uga IX; his tenure included an SEC East title.
  • Uga X: "Que" (2015–2023) - The winningest mascot in Georgia history, presiding over the 2021 and 2022 National Championship seasons.
  • Uga XI: "Boom" (2023–Present) - The current mascot, known for his energetic and "crazy" personality.

The Seiler Family: A New Era and the Passing of a Patriarch

The Uga tradition is inextricably linked to the Seiler family. For nearly seven decades, the pure white English Bulldogs have lived with and been cared for by the Seilers, a commitment that spans three generations. The patriarch, Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler, was an attorney in Savannah, Georgia, and the original owner of Uga I.

The year 2023 marked a profound change for the family and the tradition. Sonny Seiler, the man who started it all, passed away in August 2023 at the age of 90, just months after Uga XI, "Boom," was officially introduced. Sonny's wife and co-owner of the line, Cecelia Seiler, also passed away in a separate instance.

The responsibility of caring for the mascot has now officially passed to the next generation. Charles Seiler, one of Sonny and Cecelia's children, is the current primary owner and handler of Uga XI, ensuring the family legacy continues unbroken. This transition is a powerful reminder that the Uga tradition is a personal family commitment, not just a university function.

The Legendary Burial Site: Why Uga is a Permanent Part of Sanford Stadium

One of the most unique and revered aspects of the Uga tradition is the final resting place of the mascots. Unlike any other college sports mascot, every deceased Uga is interred on the grounds of Sanford Stadium, the home of the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Marble Mausoleum

The mascots are buried in a marble mausoleum located in the southwest corner of the stadium. This location is visible to fans who pass by the stadium's exterior, serving as a permanent tribute to the "Dawg Nation" icons. The tradition of burial at the stadium began with Uga I and Uga II, whose original resting place was at the east end of the stadium before the current mausoleum was established.

The mausoleum is a hallowed ground for Georgia fans, symbolizing the deep, emotional connection between the university, its team, and its live mascot. Each tomb is marked with a plaque listing the dog's name, tenure, and overall record, ensuring their contributions to the Bulldogs' history are never forgotten.

Uga XI's Craziest Moment: "Young, Immature, and Crazy as Hell"

While his predecessor, Uga X ("Que"), was known for his calm, championship-winning demeanor, Uga XI, "Boom," has a more energetic, puppy-like personality, which has led to one of the most memorable mascot moments in recent history.

In 2024, the Georgia Bulldogs had a major road game against the Texas Longhorns in Austin, a significant trip for the team. However, Uga XI did not make the journey. The reason, given by owner Charles Seiler, was instantly viral and perfectly captured the spirit of the young English Bulldog.

Seiler told reporters that the long trip was simply too much for the young dog, stating candidly that "Boom is really young and immature and crazy as hell." This quote instantly became a fan favorite, embracing the mascot's vibrant, sometimes chaotic energy.

This candid moment highlights the unique challenges of having a live animal mascot, particularly one of the English Bulldog breed, which is known for its sensitivity to heat and travel stress. The decision to keep Boom home demonstrated the Seiler family's commitment to the dog's well-being above all else, a core tenet of the Uga tradition. It also added a new, endearing layer to the "Boom" persona—a wild-child mascot who is still growing into the legendary role.

11 Secrets of the Georgia Bulldogs UGA Dog: Why Uga XI 'Boom' is the Craziest Mascot Yet
11 Secrets of the Georgia Bulldogs UGA Dog: Why Uga XI 'Boom' is the Craziest Mascot Yet

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