The Cutest Live College MascotsAnimals have long been a part of college sports. And it's no surprise that the most enduring – and adorable – of these fan-friendly, fun-loving furballs are dogs

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Tuffy, North Carolina State's Tamaskan wolf dog

For years, Wolfpack fans had been howling for a live mascot. After several failed attempts to field an actual wolf (the shy, nocturnal creatures proved ill-suited to crowds), this Tamaskan – a rare Finnish breed that is people-friendly and lupine-like – finally made his debut in September. Named after the school's strutting wolf logo, Tuffy already seems to enjoy the spotlight. He fancies having his photo taken with the cheerleaders and playfully stalking the sidelines.