Prior to 1920, the University of Washington had two unofficial mascots-first the Indians, and later the Vikings. Neither name seemed appropriate, so most local publications referred to the university's athletic teams as the "purple and gold." In 1920, the students voted to adopt "Sundodger" as its official mascot. The name was quickly adopted and the mascot became a smiling figure named Sunny holding an umbrella. Many people took Sundodger to be a negative reference to the city's rainy weather. In February 1922, after mounting pressure from local newspapers and businesses, the Husky was officially introduced as the new mascot. The Husky captured the true spirit of the Northwest because Seattle was recognized as the "Gateway to the Alaskan frontier." The UW uses the Husky breed, the Alaskan Malamute, because it is the largest and strongest of all Husky breeds.