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Butler Blue

Butler Blue is the official live mascot of , an AKC-registered English bulldog that embodies the spirit of the institution's Bulldogs athletic teams. The program, established in 2000, features successive generations of purebred bulldogs who appear at university events, particularly men's and women's basketball games at , fostering school pride and engaging with students, alumni, and fans. Currently in its fourth generation, Butler Blue IV, a male red fawn and white bulldog born on October 30, 2019, continues the tradition under the care of handlers Evan Krauss and Kennedy Krauss. The Bulldogs nickname originated in 1919, inspired by a stray named who entered the Butler Collegian office during a challenging season, leading to a that depicted the dog triumphing over rivals and solidifying the moniker despite an on-field loss. While unofficial live mascots, including like Butler Sam, Butler Mike, and Butler Bill, appeared sporadically from the early through the , the tradition largely faded until its formal revival in 2000 through a donation from breeders Frank and Jeane King of Kong King Kennels in Lizton, . This marked the introduction of the first official Butler Blue, a female all-white English who debuted at a game in February 2001 and served until her retirement in 2004. Subsequent generations have built on this legacy, each bringing national attention and community engagement to Butler University. Butler Blue II, a male born in 2004, served for nine years, meeting figures such as Presidents George H.W. Bush and Colin Powell, appearing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and joining the team for two NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four runs before retiring in 2013. His successor, Butler Blue III (nicknamed "Trip"), a male red brindle and white AKC Canine Good Citizen born in 2011, assumed duties in 2012 and retired in 2020, later dying in 2024, after featuring in media like the Netflix series Dogs. The program is supported by private donors and sponsors, ensuring the mascot's appearances remain a beloved fixture without burdening university funds, while merchandise and social media presence further amplify its reach.

Program Background

Origins of the Bulldog Nickname

Prior to 1919, Butler University's athletic teams were known as the "Christians," a moniker reflecting the institution's affiliation with the Disciples of Christ denomination. However, numerous losses during the 1919 football season prompted students and supporters to seek a more aggressive and fitting to replace the perceived passive connotation of "." The inspiration for the new nickname emerged in the fall of 1919 when a stray English named , who served as an informal for a Butler fraternity, wandered into the offices of the student newspaper, The Butler Collegian. This serendipitous event coincided with the push for a mascot change, leading cartoonist George Dickson to illustrate Shimmy as a fierce biting —a satirical nod to the old "" label—in the next issue of the Collegian. The cartoon proved popular, symbolizing a tenacious spirit, and the "Bulldogs" name quickly gained traction among students and in athletic contexts. By the end of 1919, "Bulldogs" was officially adopted as the nickname for Butler's athletic teams, appearing regularly in student publications and game reports. Early uses solidified its place, with himself recognized as the inaugural " " mascot in informal settings. From the 1940s through the 1960s, various live bulldogs continued to represent the tradition on an unofficial basis, typically owned by members or individual students rather than through any structured university program. This era of involvement persisted until the establishment of a formal live mascot program in 2000.

Establishment of the Live Mascot Tradition

The official live program at was established in 2000, marking the introduction of Butler Blue I, an English bulldog specifically bred for the role by Frank and Jeane King of Kong King Kennels in Lizton, Indiana. This initiative, spearheaded by representatives from the university's relations department, aimed to formalize the bulldog tradition by adopting a live animal to represent the school's athletic identity, particularly in enhancing fan engagement during competitions. The selection of each mascot puppy emphasizes key traits essential for public appearances, including a calm , robust health, and distinctive features such as a sturdy build and expressive face. Candidates undergo thorough veterinary evaluations, reviewing their lineage for genetic soundness and to minimize health risks associated with the breed's predisposition to respiratory and issues, ensuring the can handle the physical demands of travel and crowds. Operational aspects of the program involve dedicated handlers—typically staff or students—who provide comprehensive daily care, including specialized feeding, exercise routines tailored to the bulldog's low-energy needs, and regular grooming to maintain the animal's appearance. These handlers, exemplified by staff member Michael Kaltenmark for later iterations, manage logistics such as transporting the mascot to athletic events via university vehicles and coordinating its into game protocols, where it interacts with athletes and spectators to amplify , especially at high-profile contests in . The program's enduring impact was celebrated in 2025, marking 25 years since its inception. Complementing the live mascots, the costumed bulldog character known as Hink—introduced in the 1960s and named after legendary coach Tony Hinkle—handles appearances at indoor or high-mobility events where a live dog would be impractical, ensuring continuous mascot presence across university activities.

Successive Mascots

Butler Blue I

Butler Blue I was a female white English bulldog born on September 23, 2000, at Kong King Kennels in Lizton, Indiana, bred by Frank and Jeane King as the first in the lineage of bulldogs that would serve as Butler University's live mascots. Selected that same year as the inaugural live mascot following the establishment of the program, she underwent early training to acclimate to public settings and was introduced to campus through appearances at university events, debuting officially at a men's basketball game. During her tenure from 2000 to 2003, Blue I attended games and other athletic competitions, providing a spirited presence for the Bulldogs amid key achievements such as the team's NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 run in 2003 and McCafferty All-Sports Championships in 2002 and 2003. Her role helped foster during this period of growing athletic success. Blue I retired in 2003 after her three-year service and enjoyed a quiet retirement until her death on May 30, 2014, at the age of 13. As the pioneer of Butler's live , she established the foundational practices and enthusiasm that influenced all subsequent , transforming the program into a beloved campus and national icon.

Butler Blue II

Butler Blue II, a English weighing 60 pounds, was born on March 27, 2004, at Kong King Kennel in Lizton, , bred by Frank and Jeane King. Following the retirement of his predecessor, Butler Blue I, in 2003, Blue II was presented to as a and began his service on May 20, 2004. Initially cared for and handled by university staff, he was trained for public appearances and debuted on campus at less than eight weeks old, quickly endearing himself to students, , and . Throughout his nine-year tenure from 2004 to 2013, Blue II served as University's live , making regular appearances at home basketball games, campus events, and community functions in . His prominence surged during 's NCAA men's basketball tournament runs to the in and , where he attended both events after public outcry prompted a special NCAA exemption from its no-live-animals policy. These high-profile moments significantly boosted 's visibility, captivating audiences with his presence alongside the team. Blue II's media stardom peaked during the 2010–2011 tournaments, earning him the nickname "America's Dog" from national outlets for his engaging personality and photogenic appeal. He received widespread coverage in news media, inspired the children's book Good Boy, Blue!, which chronicled his journey from puppy to mascot, and featured in celebrity segments, including a Super Bowl XLVI special with Jimmy Fallon. At age nine, Blue II retired from mascot duties on May 20, 2013, due to the physical demands of his role amid advancing age. In August 2013, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition common in bulldogs. Blue II died on August 31, 2013, from complications of congestive heart failure.

Butler Blue III

Butler Blue III, affectionately nicknamed "Trip," was a male English bulldog born on December 23, 2011, in Lizton, , bred by and Jeane King of Kong King Kennel. As an AKC-registered English with red brindle and white fur, he was the only in a litter of five puppies and was selected from a distinguished lineage to succeed Butler Blue II, including being the son of Ch. Exact Classic Comet and Kongs Sarah, and the great-grandson of Ch. Cherokee Legend Rock. made his debut on February 18, 2012, at before a men's game, initially overlapping with Blue II, who retired on May 20, 2013. Weighing 65 pounds at maturity, he earned AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, reflecting his calm and reliable temperament, which his primary handler, Michael Kaltenmark (Butler class of 2002 and Director of External Relations), often highlighted as ideal for mascot duties. Trip's tenure as Butler University's live mascot spanned from his 2012 debut through May 31, 2020, during which he became a beloved figure at games, campus events, and community outreach activities. Handled primarily by Kaltenmark and his wife , Trip performed tricks such as high-fives, crawling, playing dead, and speaking on command, while delighting crowds with his affinity for games and affectionate cuddling. His service included notable appearances during the 2019–2020 season, though it was disrupted by the , which canceled BIG EAST and NCAA tournaments and limited public events in his final months. At age 8, retired on May 31, 2020, transitioning to the role of Emeritus in a "Passing of the Collar" ceremony held on February 29, 2020, before a men's game against DePaul, symbolically handing duties to his successor. Post-retirement, Trip enjoyed a low-key life with the Kaltenmark family, occasionally returning to campus for special occasions, such as supporting recovery efforts during his successor's surgery. He passed away on April 6, 2024, at age 12 following a brief illness, leaving a legacy of spirited service remembered by the Butler community.

Butler Blue IV

Butler Blue IV, a red fawn and white male , was born on October 30, 2019, at Fall Creek Place Animal Clinic in , weighing approximately five pounds at six weeks old and growing to a robust 65 pounds in adulthood. The selection process for Blue IV emphasized rigorous vetting for health and personality, involving evaluations of the puppy's , , , and by university handlers and Dr. Kurt Phillips, Butler class of 1992. Bred by Jodi and Cameron Madaj from a litter of three, Blue IV was chosen over his sisters for his calm, loving, and easygoing demeanor, which promised adaptability to the demands of mascot life, including extended with littermates to enhance his sociability. He made his public debut on January 24, 2020, during a men's game against Marquette at , shortly after being brought home at 11 weeks old. Blue IV assumed full mascot duties in May 2020, following the retirement of his predecessor, Butler Blue III, marking the start of the 2020–2021 school year as the official live of . During his tenure, he has appeared regularly at athletic events, patrolling the sidelines at to rally fans, and has extended his presence through community outreach and promotional activities. As of November 2025, Blue IV remains an active , promoting through high-energy appearances and his affable personality, which includes a fondness for apples, cuddling, and Benebones while disliking being ignored. His role encompasses features such as annual calendars—highlighted in the 2026 edition commemorating the 25th anniversary of the mascot program—and merchandise sales via the university bookstore, alongside broader community engagements. Blue IV's modern digital savvy shines on platforms like and , where his account @thebutlerblue boasts tens of thousands of followers and millions of cumulative engagements through posts, videos, and interactive content that connect with students, alumni, and fans worldwide. Care for Blue IV involves dedicated handlers, including alumni Evan Krauss (Butler '16, MS '23) and his wife Kennedy, who oversee his daily routine, training, and travel within the continental U.S. for appearances, ensuring his well-being as an AKC-registered English . This student- and staff-involved approach underscores a commitment to his , , and amplified digital presence, blending traditional traditions with contemporary online engagement to foster university pride.

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