Rocky Home

One of the most recognized -- and beloved -- figures at UNC Asheville is live mascot Rocky I.

Rocky made his debut in February 2009, during half-time of the men's basketball homecoming game. Since then, he has participated in commencement, convocation, new freshmen orientation, athletic games, move-in and a host of other events.

Best known for his broad smile and drool, Rocky is an 85-pound white Victorian bulldog. Victorian bulldogs are a relatively new breed established to resemble the bulldogs of the 18th and 19th centuries. They are taller than the well-known English bulldog and have broad faces, large heads, wide chests and short, smooth coats.

Rocky isn't just a star on campus. He's appeared at animal resuce fundraisers in Asheville, was featured in an Alabama news story and was profiled in the cover story of the fall 2010 edition the UNC Asheville Magazine. Currently, Rocky is hard at work filming a UNC Asheville Admissions video!

He’s so friendly and calm. Rocky makes me glad I didn’t go to N.C. State—I don’t want to pet a wolf. And I’m OK without a battering ram,” says sophomore Ellie Little. “Rocky the bulldog is perfect. Just perfect.”