Live Mascot  

About Griff III

Griff III was born February 22, 2025 in Wisconsin. On May 8, 2026, Griff III took up the harness as Drake University’s third official live mascot, succeeding Griff II upon his retirement.

Griff III is a young, outgoing, silly, and smart English Bulldog who radiates happiness and enthusiasm. Griff III is ready to fill the big pawprints left behind by Griff II and looks forward to carrying on the legacy of the live mascot program.

Learn more about previous Drake University Live Mascots, and the Live Mascot Program, here.

Live Mascot Program History

About Griff II

Griff II was introduced on July 1, 2020, succeeding Griff I upon his retirement. Griff II served nearly six years as Drake University’s official live mascot before retiring in May 2026, building on the legacy Griff I left behind.

Griff II was a prominent figure in the Des Moines community—even earning the designation, “Des Moines’ hometown dog.” During his six-year tenure, Griff II launched his Halloween Story Time and visited more than 70 elementary classrooms in the Des Moines Public School district to promote literacy to young readers.

Griff II is currently enjoying his time in retirement, where his days of appearances and selfies have been replaced by naps on the couch.

Is Griff the Beautiful Bulldog?

 Technically, No.  A new Beautiful Bulldog is crowned each April during the Drake Relays, and he/she serves as a one-time mascot for that year’s track and field event only.

He’s Drake’s live bulldog mascot, he represents the entire University throughout the whole year. You can spot him at campus events, at sporting events, at graduation, making the rounds in the community, and even getting his favorite "pup-a-chino" at the campus Starbucks.