What kind of dog is tennessee vols mascot

So that year the UT pep club decided they wanted a Mascot and the selection process was started. Soon afterwards it was announced that the TN Mascot would be a coon hound, a breed native to the state of Tennessee. Of course. Any drama concerning the type of animal that would be featured quickly faded when it was announced that the chosen mascot would be a coon hound, a breed native to the state.

Brooks entered his blue tick hound, Smokey, into the hound dog competition that took place during half time of a home game. The hound put on such a crowd pleasing performance that the fans were quick to jump on top of old Smokey for their choice. The sequence of howling and cheering gained momentum until the whole stadium was rocking. That day a star and the new UT Vols mascot were born.

When Smokey trotted away from his mascot role, Rev. His wife Mrs. Donning much less fur, a costumed version of Smokey also patrols the UT sidelines. Tennessee's love for Smokey became official, when the bluetick coonhound was named the official state dog of Tennessee by Gov. Bill Lee. Tennessee fans won't be happy to hear who the No. The University of Georgia's Uga the bulldog took the top ranking. Like Smokey, there have been 10 Uga's who take part in gameday traditions.

But a Georgia Bull Dog, are you kidding me. The crowd cheered. The dog howled even louder. The crowd and dog continued going back and forth until the stadium was in an absolute frenzy. It was clear, the Vols finally had a live mascot to call their own. Ever since that night Smokey has been a part of UT Tradition and a staple for sports. Today, the dogs are chosen not from a specific bloodline, but to avoid any inbreeding issues are selected based on appearance and temperament.

They are beautiful dogs and give Tennessee fans a great sense of pride when they see him leading the Football team out of the T on Saturdays. Graduate Student Class. Knoxville, Tenn. Smokey X was present at the ceremonial bill signing at the state capitol building. Smokey is a member of the Hudson family and they live just north of Knoxville where he is a normal family pet Made his debut in the football season Favorite hobbies include running through the "T" and running the end zones after a Tennessee touchdown Favorite orange blanket has been passed down to him from Smokey IX The Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity is in charge of handling Smokey at all of his appearances Smokey's iconic vest is designed by the senior handlers each year and made only for him from someone within the athletic department The Tri-Stars on his vest were first used in to symbolize the Bluetick Coonhound being named the state dog of Tennessee His "Throwback" vest was first used during the homecoming game during the football season and features a design used on past vests to help honor the tradition of Smokey which dates back to