Since his 2018 debut, Dubs has been winning the hearts of Huskies everywhere (even cat lovers). You’ll likely spot the handsome 7-year-old pooch snapping pics with fans on Red Square or pumping up the crowds at Husky Stadium with his signature “woo-woo.”
Here are 10 tail-wagging things to know about the UW’s official live mascot, who was recently highlighted in a national mascot roundup by U.S. News & World Report.
1. Dubs is an Alaskan malamute, an Arctic dog breed known for their friendly demeanor and floofy coat.
They’re also the largest of the husky breeds.
2. He’s the UW’s second mascot named Dubs and the 14th live mascot in Husky history.
Learn more about the UW’s 100-year-old tradition of live mascots.
3. When he’s off-duty, Dubs lives with a family of Husky alums.
Although he’s an active dog who loves to play, he’s also a big cuddler (awwwww). He enjoys hanging out with his human, canine and feline siblings. Watch the first time Dubs met his family as a puppy.
Dubs as a puppy in 2018.
4. Dubs attends every home football game and many big campus events.
At football games, look for him when he runs across the field at kickoff and during halftime. The best time to snap a selfie with him is about an hour before kickoff at The Zone, located in the practice field just east of Husky Stadium.
5. Anne-Lise Knight, ’14, is Dubs’ official trainer and picked him from a litter of four.
Knight prepped Dubs for the mascot limelight during his “redshirt season,” when he overlapped for a year with his predecessor, by socializing him and training him to appear in different environments.
Knight captures video of Dubs playing with her pup, Freya.
6. Dubs travels with a pack of six student handlers.
“They’re his advocate, making sure he’s set up properly for engaging with different people,” says Knight about these UW ambassadors. “They’re also educating people on Dubs and the live mascot program.” Current Huskies in any major can apply to become handlers during winter quarter.
Pictured: Dubs and Knight pose with the student handler team for the 2025–26 academic year. L to R: Jaiden Wire, ’27; Lily Witter, ’26; Kyanna Johnson, ’26; Beatriz Nowak, ’28; Penelope Huang, ’27; Mimi Campbell, ’28.
7. Dubs is extremely food-motivated.
He’s a big fan of string cheese — just the crinkle of the plastic wrap will grab his attention. His handlers give him a variety of dried snacks they call his “trail mix” combined with higher-value treats like chicken or cheese. Of course, when the Huskies take on the University of Oregon, Dubs gets all the duck jerky.
8. Dubs has perfected a slew of tricks, from high-fives and spins to his trademark on-command “woo-woo.”
9. Dubs is a Capricorn. His birthday is Jan. 4 — and he likes to celebrate with a special pup cup of whipped cream.
10. Dubs plans to be the UW’s live mascot for about 10 years before passing the reins on to a new pup.
Follow Dubs on Instagram to see what he’s up to when he’s on and off the job.
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Dog on a football field
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Story by Malavika Jagannathan // Photos by University Photography, UW Magazine and Anne-Lise Knight
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Originally published September 2025