The University of Texas (UT) mascot dog, officially known as Bevo, has become an iconic symbol of the university. Bevo is a longhorn steer, a breed of cattle known for their distinctive curved horns. The first Bevo made his debut in 1916, and since then, several steers have represented the university as the official mascot. Bevo is typically present at UT football games and other university events, where he symbolizes the strength and spirit of the Longhorns. The current Bevo, Bevo XV, has been the mascot since 2016 and is taken care of by the Silver Spurs, a student organization responsible for maintaining and caring for the mascot. Bevo is not just any ordinary steer; he is a beloved figure and a symbol of pride for the university.
Pig Bellmont
Each year, at the start of the fall semester, University of Texas football fans stampede to the stadium. They wear their favorite burnt orange, proudly wave the “Hook ‘em” hand sign, and look for Bevo, the longhorn mascot. While UT’s athletic teams have been known as the Longhorns since the early 1900s, fans might not know that the university’s first live mascot was a scrappy tan and white dog named Pig Bellmont.
Born in Houston on February 10, 1914, Pig was a seven-week old puppy when he was brought to Austin by L. Theo Bellmont, the university’s first athletic director and a co-founder of the Southwest Athletic Conference. (Bellmont Hall, on the west side of the stadium, is named for him.) An adventurous pooch, the dog didn’t want to remain confined to the family’s backyard, and followed his owner to work on the Forty Acres. The campus was full of attentive students, squirrels to chase, fields of bluebonnets, and plenty of trees. It wasn’t long before Pig was adopted by the university community, and for the next nine years roamed the campus as the ‘Varsity Mascot.
Each morning, Pig greeted students and faculty on his daily rounds. He frequented classrooms, and on cold days was permitted to visited the library (now Battle Hall). Pig regularly attended home and out-of-town athletic events, and it was said he would snarl at the slightest mention of Texas A&M. Though he wasn’t able to wear a letter jacket, UT students had a special brass “T” made to attach to his collar, and Pig was inducted as the only canine member of the T Association.
Pig was named for Gus “Pig” Dittmar, who played center for the football team. Gus, an honors history major, was known to slip through the defensive line “like a greased pig.” By chance in 1914, the athlete and the dog stood next to each other on the sidelines of a football game. The students noticed, of all things, that both were bowlegged, and from that moment the dog had a namesake.
During World War I, Pig looked after the cadets of the School of Military Aeronautics, which was sponsored by the university and housed on what is now called the Little Campus, where only Hargis Hall and the Nowotny Building remain. The school, dubbed the “West Point of the Air,” was a precursor to the Air Force Academy and introduced cadets to the basics of flying through a six-week course. At the conclusion of each session, Pig was always included in the class graduation photo and twice took the train ride to Dallas, where the cadets were transferred to continue their training. He never missed a hike and was always present for inspection.
On New Year’s Day, 1923, Pig Bellmont was accidentally hit by a Model T at the corner of 24th and Guadalupe streets. He was only injured, but no one realized how seriously until his body was found a few days later. Pig’s death was a tragic event on the campus, and the students decided to pay a final, fitting tribute to their beloved canine friend.
Above: Pig Bellmont’s funeral procession down Guadalupe Street. The University Methodist Church can be seen in the background.
For about two hours on the afternoon of Friday, January 5th, Pig’s body lay in state in front of the University Co-op on Guadalupe Street. More than 1,000 people doffed their hats and filed by Pig’s black casket, which was draped with orange and white ribbon. Promptly at 5 p.m., a funeral procession was organized. Led by the University Band, the mourners marched south on Guadalupe to 21st Street, then east to the old Law Building, where the Graduate School of Business now stands. Pig’s pallbearers were members of a new student group called the Texas Cowboys.
Northwest of the Law Building, under a small grove of three live oak trees, Pig’s eulogy was delivered by Dr. Thomas Taylor, dean and the founder of the Cockrell School of Engineering
“Let no spirit of levity dominate this occasion,” Taylor began. “A landmark has passed away.”
Above: Engineering Dean Thomas Taylor, standing in the center, eulogizes Pig Bellmont. Look close – some of the spectators are in the branches of the trees. Click on an image for a larger view.
Pig was praised for his loyalty to the university, and compared to the faithful dog of Lord Byron. “I do not know if there is a haven of rest to which good dogs go, but I know Pig will take his place by the side of the great dogs of the earth.”
On cue, following Taylor’s speech, a lone trumpeter played Taps in front of the Old Main Building.
After the funeral, a marker was left to remind the students of their first mascot. His epitaph: “Pig’s Dead…. Dog Gone.”
Above: Pig’s grave, just north of the old Law Building. This area is now north of the Graduate School of Business Building.
What kind of Dog is Smokey at Tennessee?
To truly appreciate the significance of Smokey dog, the beloved mascot of the University of Tennessee, we must first delve into the rich history of the institution itself. Established in 1794, the University of Tennessee, often referred to as UT has a storied past that has seen it evolve into one of the nation's premier academic and athletic institutions.
UT, with its enduring commitment to excellence, extends this tradition to its renowned football program, the Tennessee Volunteers. For 130 seasons since their 1891 inception, the Vols have been a football powerhouse, amassing a record of 867 wins, 410 losses, and 53 ties, ranking them eleventh in all-time win-loss percentage at .672. With six national titles, including AP and Coaches' Poll-validated championships in 1951 and 1998, the Vols have also clinched 16 conference championships and celebrated 29 bowl victories. Neyland Stadium, their hallowed home, stands as the pinnacle with a record 485 victories.
Bevo is not just any ordinary steer; he is a beloved figure and a symbol of pride for the university. His presence at events creates a sense of excitement and unity among students, alumni, and fans. The Texas Longhorns have a rich history and tradition, and Bevo plays a significant role in upholding and promoting that tradition.
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While Bevo certainly adds to the atmosphere of UT events, he also requires proper care and attention. The Silver Spurs ensure that Bevo's health and well-being are top priorities. Bevo lives on a ranch outside of Austin and receives regular veterinary care to ensure he remains in optimal condition. The UT mascot dog, Bevo, embodies the spirit of the Longhorns and serves as a symbol of pride for the university. His presence at events adds excitement and unity, and his care and well-being are essential to the university's traditions. Bevo will continue to be an integral part of UT's identity for years to come..
Reviews for "Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Life of UT's Mascot Dog"
- John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Ut mascot dog. It just looked like any other random dog, nothing special about it at all. I was expecting something more unique and impressive. Also, the dog didn't seem to be well-trained or behaved properly. It was jumping all over the place and even tried to snatch food from people's hands. Overall, it was a complete letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
- Sarah - 2 stars
The Ut mascot dog was okay, but nothing to write home about. It was cute, I guess, but I was expecting a dog with more personality. It seemed pretty average and didn't really stand out from the other dogs on campus. The whole point of having a mascot is to create a memorable and distinctive image, and this dog just didn't achieve that. It was just there, not adding much excitement to the university's image.
- Alex - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the Ut mascot dog. It lacked energy and enthusiasm, which are essential qualities for a mascot. The dog just seemed lazy and uninterested in interacting with the students. I expected a lively and playful dog that would bring some excitement to campus events, but this dog was the complete opposite. It was a real disappointment and I hope they consider finding a more suitable and engaging mascot in the future.