Just Try to Resist These 10 Floofy Columbia Canines for National Dog Day

Is there any more delightful sight across Columbia's campuses than a puppy bounding with endless enthusiasm?

By
Kelly Moffitt-Hawasly and Jennifer Pellerito
August 24, 2023

Even though we paid serious homage to some of the sweetest Columbia cats earlier this month, that doesn't mean we play favorites when it comes to the love of our furry friends. In fact, Columbia is a haven for dog-lovers, a place where you can frequently find pups of all ages bounding across our plentiful green space.

Ahead of National Dog Day on August 26, we've collected 10 photos of the most spirited Columbia canines that we've seen on campus over the past few years.

This list barely scratches the surface, though: You'll have to take a spin through #DogsAtColumbia to meet even more of the pooches who remind us that "the world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.”

Pups on a Pedestal

Two dogs sit on the sundial in front of Butler Library.

Charlie and Sebastian are two Columbia doggos that deserve to be put on a pedestal, er, sundial. Charlie, right, is also known as @charliethescientist on Instagram, where he identifies as a "dogoscientist at Columbia University studying canine memory and time perception in relation to canine-human interactions." 

The Snow Nose Knows

A dog with snow on its nose sits at the entrance of College Walk.

This professorial pup, Guapo, knows that a snowy snout is the key to complete and utter cuteness. Add in the backdrop of College Walk's holiday lights and we say this pupper has earned his name. 

Study Buddy

Study, a samoyed puppy on Columbia's campus.

We can't think of a better buddy for a cram session than Study here, sporting a dogdana that really drives home the spirit of inter-species collaboration.

Snowy Scout

A German shepherd climbs a pile of snow in front of Butler Library

Everyone knows a snow day at Columbia is the best day, but sweet Kaia here knows how to bring the flair to make the best day even better.

Gettin' Figgy Wit It 

A rhodesian ridgeback mix poses in front of Low Library.

Only icons here. Figgy, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, brings a fabulous flair at the entrance to Low Beach. Though we can't be held accountable for her baseball team fandom, we respect a pup that wears team spirit loud and proud. You can follow Figgy's adventures at @figgyolive.

Local Celebrities

A samoyed dog sits by Alma Mater

Meet Udon, also known as @samoyedudon, who some might say is a local celebrity, just like Alma Mater.

Ruff to Be So Cute

Boba, a dog, poses in front of Butler Library at night.

Boba, a pomeranian-husky mix, has eyes that shine as bright at Butler Library, even on the darkest of nights. You can follow her adventures at @bobapomsky

Walk This Way

A small dog sits under the Scholars' Lion statue.

Cassie, Cassie, Cassie. Only a pup as cute as you could distract us from the regal Scholars' Lion on Columbia's Morningside campus. You can keep up with the adventures of this cavachon puppy at @cassandra_the_cavachon.

An M. Bark in Barkitecture

A dog in a graduation cap and bow.

This distinguished cocker spaniel received her M. Bark in Barkitecture in 2019, showing us all how Commencement style is done. That bow! Incredible. You can follow Hallie's adventures at @life.of.hallie