Uga VI, the winningest mascot in University of Georgia history, died Friday evening from congestive heart failure in his hometown of Savannah, Ga.

“He was a good one,” owner Frank “Sonny” Seiler said Saturday. “What can I say? He had a marvelous record. He was a very strong and healthy dog. He was the biggest of all the dogs, and he had the biggest heart. It just played out.”

Georgia’s football teams compiled an 87-27 record during Uga VI’s tenure, which began in 1999 with pregame ceremonies prior to the South Carolina game at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs captured the 2002 and 2005 Southeastern Conference championships under his reign and won six of eight bowl games.

Uga VI’s record surpassed the mark of 77-24-4 of Uga IV.

Seiler noticed that Uga VI was breathing heavy after arriving home from work Friday evening. The white English Bulldog was taken to Dr. Stanley Lester, the family’s veterinarian, who consulted with Dr. Bruce Hollett at the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine before passing away.

“I noticed he had a little congestion in his throat, which usually is not cause for alarm,” Seiler said. “I gave him a bath, which he always loved, to cool him off. His heart just played out. He suffered no pain and died peacefully.”

A successor to Uga VI will be announced by the Seilers and the university at a later date. The Seilers stated that the lineage is secure.

Uga VI, who would have turned 10 on July 22, will be buried in a marble vault in Sanford’s southwest corner with his predecessors. The private ceremonies are expected to be held early next week.

“This is a very sad day for the entire Bulldog Nation,” Georgia athletic director Damon Evans said. “Uga has always been such a strong figure associated the University of Georgia nationwide. While this is a sad day for all Bulldog fans, our condolences especially go out to the Seiler family.”

Of Georgia’s 35 national titles, 19 have been won during Uga VI’s reign.

“Uga VI served with extraordinary courage and heart as a beloved University of Georgia mascot,” Georgia president Michael Adams said. “He was a true symbol of the toughness and competitiveness of our athletic teams.”

Only one year old at the time of his coronation, Uga VI was the biggest of all the mascots at 65 pounds — more than 20 pounds heavier than his father.

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