Louisiana's unique Catahoula dog is now a Pawsitively Ragin’ Cajun!

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette unveils its new mascot—and he's adorable!

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new mascot, a yet-unnamed Catahoula Leopard Dog, was introduced during Saturday’s football game. (Photo courtesy of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

They say things are bigger in Texas, but things are weirder in Louisiana. Or shall we say, pleasantly unique.

Take canines, for example.

Louisiana’s Catahoula Leopard Dog is native to the state and undeniably special, owning a sometimes bluish sheen to its merle coat and haunting eyes that may also be blue. Known for its intelligence, strength, loyalty and distinctive markings, Louisiana's only native breed became the state’s official dog in 1979.

Now, it’s the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s, aka Ragin’ Cajuns', official live mascot.

“There’s only one Ragin’ Cajuns, and we're the only public university and NCAA Division I athletics program in the nation with a live Catahoula as its mascot,” said ULL President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru. “Our fans wanted a mascot they could connect with. We listened.”

It’s not the first time the school enlisted a dog to represent them.

From left, LilyB Staehling, Jessica Cozine and Jean Nebel with the SLI bulldog.

The school was founded in 1898 in Lafayette, about two hours west of New Orleans, as Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute (SLII). They adopted the “Bulldogs” as its nickname in 1921. When my mother attended in the 1950s, the school has become Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI), and they featured a live, adorable bulldog in their sports. The school morphed again to bcome the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), and when my sister attended USL graduate school in the 1980s, the bulldog was still part of the fun.

When my sons attended the school in the 21st century, the name had been changed to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with the nickname “Ragin’ Cajuns.” The human mascot at sports events resembled a pepper.

Now, we’re back to hounds. And a cute one at that. But he doesn’t have a name. The University has selected five possible names allowing folks to vote on one. Click here to choose a name now through Nov. 17. The winning name will be revealed during the Nov. 21, 2026, home football game against Coastal Carolina. 

The seven-week-old puppy hasn’t made an appearance yet but he was introduced at the Nov. 7, 2026, football game via video. He remains with his breeder for extensive training, including socialization, obedience and acclimation to crowds and loud noises. He will make periodic visits to campus as part of his training, with plans for an early appearance at a basketball game in January 2027. As the University's live mascot, the Catahoula will participate in campus activities, community events and athletics traditions. Plans also include regular opportunities for students, faculty and staff to interact with him. A separate costumed mascot is scheduled to debut during the 2027 football season.

And while the University is gaining a new mascot, one thing isn’t changing: Its teams will remain the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by Louisiana travel writer Cheré Dastugue Coen. Although she graduated from the school over in Baton Rouge, three generations of her family received degrees from SLI-USL-ULL (yes, under each name). She wishes she could attend one more homecoming with her SLI alum mother, LilyB Moskal.