There's a New UConn Husky Mascot In Storrs — Jonathan XV

STORRS, CT — There's a new University of Connecticut Husky in town and he's ready for his first day of workouts.

Jonathan XV was formally introduced to UConn Nation Wednesday. Plans are not to redshirt him, but to ease him into the lineup under the guidance of the current mascot, Jonathan XIV. The puppy has "ocean-blue eyes" and facial markings that mirror the Husky logo. UConn's 15th canine mascot arrived on campus earlier this month and has been settling in with his new de facto big brother.

He made his public debut this morning at the UConn Board of Trustees meeting with student handlers from the co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. He'll soon be noticeable while walking on campus with Jonathan XIV, and eventually attending University events as his training progresses and he is ready for the spotlight, UConn officials said.

Jonathan XV was part of a six-puppy litter born in Ontario on April 19, and was picked up by handlers on June 17 — which happens to be National Mascot Day — and brought back to Connecticut.

Right Jonathan XV is "about the size of a well-fed house cat" and a bit "chattier" than big bro, officials said.

Husky mascots named Jonathan have represented UConn since 1935 in honor of Jonathan Trumbull, the last colonial governor and first state governor of Connecticut. Alpha Phi Omega has helped to care for the Jonathans since the 1970s.

He came to UConn at about 10 pounds, but the puppy's lineage suggests he's likely to grow to near 60 pounds. That’s about the size of the all-white Jonathan XIII, who preceded the current Jonathan XIV, who weighs in at 77 pounds.

Speaking of Jonathan XIV, there is "no need to fret ... He isn’t going anywhere," officials said.

As he approaches his 10th birthday in October, Jonathan XIV will be easing into a "mascot emeritus" role and continue making appearances with his successor, just as Jonathan XIII did when XIV was introduced as a puppy in early 2014.

Jonathan XIV underwent surgery in January to remove his spleen and a non-cancerous mass that had grown on it, but fully recovered in time to join the UConn men's Basketball team at the NCAA Final Four in Houston, where the Huskies won their fifth National Championship.

Like Jonathan XIV, the new puppy is a purebred Siberian Husky, a breed known for its energy and friendly, gentle demeanor.

UConn on Wednesday produced an introductory video: