Jack the Bulldog

Jack the Bulldog is the university’s official mascot. An English bulldog, Jack is a well-known figure who is a beloved presence at Georgetown sports events. According to the American Kennel Club, Jack ranks eighth among the 125 most famous dogs in pop culture.

The class of 1964 brought the first Jack the Bulldog to campus in 1962. Allegedly, the pup refused to answer to what the students named him (Hoya) and only responded to “Jack.” 

The role of dogs on campus has shifted over the years from kitchen dog to watchdog and finally, to mascot. For most of three decades – the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s – a student in a Jack the Bulldog costume substituted for a real dog. Students raised funds to bring back the real Jack in 1999.

The current 55-pound Jack was born and arrived on campus in 2003. He lives with his main caretaker, Chris Steck, S.J., in New South Hall. Jack makes his presence known throughout campus and at athletic events, where he can often be seen attacking and eating cardboard boxes branded with the opposing team’s logo.