For over half a century, the Mystery Inc. gang has captivated audiences with their spooky mysteries, always managing to unmask the villain, who would inevitably lament, “And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids!” At the heart of this beloved group is Scooby-Doo, the talking Great Dane, Shaggy Rogers’ best pal, and a perpetually hungry member of the mystery-solving team.
Scooby-Doo is more than just a cartoon dog; he’s a cultural icon. But for many fans, a crucial question lingers: What Kind Of Dog Is Scooby Doo? Let’s jump into the Mystery Machine and unravel the breed behind this famous cartoon canine.
Scooby-Doo’s Breed: The Great Dane Revealed
Scooby-Doo is indeed a Great Dane. This breed reveal might surprise some, especially given Scooby’s famously cowardly and clumsy demeanor. The character was brought to life by Iwao Takamoto, a talented animator at Hanna-Barbera. Interestingly, the Great Dane breed is often described by the American Kennel Club as the “mighty ‘Apollo of Dogs’,” a stark contrast to the often-frightened Scooby we all know and love.
To design Scooby Doo, Takamoto consulted with a colleague at Hanna-Barbera who was a Great Dane breeder. He learned about all the desirable traits of a prize-winning Great Dane. However, in a playful twist, Takamoto decided to design Scooby with the opposite of these ideal characteristics. For example, while show-quality Great Danes boast strong, straight backs, Scooby’s is noticeably sloped. Similarly, instead of a prominent, well-defined chin typical of the breed, Scooby’s chin is “under-swung.”
These deliberate imperfections – the sloping chin, spots, long tail, sloped back, and bow legs – are what give Scooby-Doo his unique and endearing look. They certainly make him distinct from a purebred show dog, contributing to his lovable, slightly awkward charm.
The Enduring Legacy of ‘Scooby-Doo’
The “Scooby-Doo” franchise began with the original series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” which premiered in 1969. Featuring Shaggy, Daphne, Fred, Velma, and of course, Scooby-Doo, the cartoon quickly became a hit, following the gang’s humorous and spooky investigations.
Originally airing on CBS, the show’s popularity led to a vast franchise encompassing numerous spin-offs, animated movies, and even live-action films. The live-action movies featured Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Matthew Lillard perfectly cast as Shaggy, and Linda Cardellini as Velma, bringing the cartoon characters to life for a new generation.
The franchise continues to evolve, with recent adaptations like “Velma,” an adult-animated series that premiered on HBO Max in 2023, featuring Mindy Kaling voicing Velma. This demonstrates the lasting appeal and adaptability of Scooby-Doo for contemporary audiences.
Voices Behind the Great Dane: Who Voices Scooby Doo?
Over the decades, many talented voice actors have given voice to Scooby-Doo. Currently, Frank Welker is the voice of Scooby, taking on the role in 2002. Interestingly, Welker’s history with Scooby-Doo goes back further; he first voiced “Baby Scooby Doo” in 1979 for “Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood.” Welker also holds the distinction of being the original and current voice actor for Fred Jones, showcasing his significant contribution to the franchise.
Before Welker, Don Messick was the original voice of Scooby-Doo, voicing the character from the very beginning in 1969 until 1996, leaving an indelible mark on the character’s vocal identity. For the live-action “Scooby-Doo” films, Neil Fanning provided Scooby’s voice, adapting the character for a different medium.
Where Can You Watch Scooby-Doo?
Want to watch Scooby and the gang in action? The original “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” series is readily available for streaming on HBO Max. Another popular animated series, “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” is also available on HBO Max.
For fans of the live-action films, the first movie, “Scooby-Doo,” and its sequel, “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” can be found streaming on Netflix.
For a comprehensive Scooby-Doo experience, Boomerang offers a vast library of animated Scooby-Doo series and movies, providing a treasure trove of content for fans of all ages.
Conclusion: Scooby-Doo – A Great Dane and a Great Character
So, to definitively answer the question, Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane, albeit a uniquely designed one that deviates from the breed standard in humorous ways. His Great Dane identity, combined with his lovable personality and enduring adventures, has cemented Scooby-Doo as one of the most iconic cartoon dogs of all time. Whether he’s facing ghouls or gobbling down Scooby Snacks, Scooby-Doo continues to entertain and charm audiences worldwide.
