Current:Home > MarketsWhat kind of dog is Snoopy? Here's some history on Charlie Brown's canine companion. -TrueNorth Capital Hub
What kind of dog is Snoopy? Here's some history on Charlie Brown's canine companion.
View
Date:2025-04-11 22:26:00
On Oct. 2, 1950, "Peanuts" made its comic strip debut. Featured in seven newspapers, the four panels introduced the nation – and eventually the world – to Good ol' Charlie Brown.
For the next 50 years, creator Charles Schulz would chronicle the Peanuts gang and their daily lives, introducing new characters and stories.
Each member had their quirks, from bossy Lucy to pensive Linus. But none were quite like Charlie Brown's canine companion, Snoopy.
The pup was first introduced on Oct. 4, 1950, just two days after the initial comic strip appeared. Soon after, readers would discover that Snoopy was no average dog.
What type of dog is Snoopy?
Snoopy is a beagle, according to his official profile on the Peanuts website. While real beagles are bred to be hunting dogs, Snoopy's role was never that simple.
Throughout his life, Schulz had several dogs. But it was his childhood dog Spike that served as the biggest inspiration for Snoopy. The black-and-white, mixed-breed dog was very smart, according to Schulz. Spike could understand at least 50 words, he said in 1983.
This intelligence and cleverness made its way into Snoopy's character. The cartoon beagle "is a collector of fine art and a root beer connoisseur." He also enjoys having suppertime, playing make-believe and writing, according to his profile.
Snoopy also has several alter-egos, including "Flying Ace" and "Joe Cool". Whether he's battling the Red Baron or exuding charm, Snoopy can be anyone he wants to be with the help of his immense, creative imagination. Despite being a dog, Snoopy and his abilities seemingly have no limits.
Snoopy was promoted to "Head Beagle" in the Feb. 16, 1970 Peanuts strip, an honor that was recognized at the time by then-Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty.
Meet Bayley:The mini sheepadoodle who looks like a real-life version of Charlie Brown's dog Snoopy
Does Snoopy have siblings?
Initially, Snoopy was introduced as an only child. In the June 6, 1959 strip, Snoopy's thought bubbles read, "I've never had any sisters or brothers. I was an only dog!"
Snoopy's family tree eventually grew. In the comic strips, five siblings are introduced: four brothers, Spike, Marbles, Olaf and Andy, and one sister, Belle.
Spike was introduced in the Aug. 13, 1975 strip: "My brother has arisen! Eggs Benedict for my brother, Spike!" Snoopy says.
Belle, the second sibling to be introduced, debuted on June 28, 1976. "I found my sister Belle ... and what a reunion we're having!" Charlie Brown reads from Snoopy's letter in a later strip.
Marbles was introduced in the Sept. 28, 1982 strip. "Peppermint Patty said your brother, "Marbles," is at her house," Charlie Brown tells Snoopy in the following day's comic.
On Jan. 24, 1989, the Peanuts audience met Olaf. "He won! Olaf won! Your brother won the "Ugly Dog" contest!" Lucy tells Snoopy.
In the June 18, 1989 strip, Snoopy sends a letter to his father for Father's Day. He discloses that there were "eight of us in the litter."
In the 1991 television special "Snoopy's Reunion", the remainder of the litter was revealed: Andy, Molly and Rover. Andy was later featured in the comics.
Rover and Molly, however, never appear or are named in the strips.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What kind of dog is Scooby Doo?" to "What kind of fish is Dory?" to "What animal is Arthur?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (1573)
Related
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Trial opens of Serb gunmen accused of attacking Kosovo police
- Tampa Bay Avoided the Worst of Milton’s Wrath, But Millions Are Suffering After the Second Hurricane in Two Weeks Raked Florida
- Stellantis, seeking to revive sales, makes some leadership changes
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Horoscopes Today, October 10, 2024
- Figures and Dobson trade jabs in testy debate, Here are the key takeaways
- Trump insults Detroit while campaigning in the city
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Avian enthusiasts try to counter the deadly risk of Chicago high-rises for migrating birds
Ranking
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Watch dad break down when Airman daughter returns home for his birthday after 3 years
- RHOSLC's Jen Shah Gets Prison Sentence Reduced in Fraud Case
- Disney World and other Orlando parks to reopen Friday after Hurricane Milton shutdown
- Sam Taylor
- Best-selling author Brendan DuBois indicted on child sex abuse images charges
- A second ex-Arkansas deputy was sentenced for a 2022 violent arrest
- Influencer Cecily Bauchmann Apologizes for Flying 4 Kids to Florida During Hurricane Milton
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Anderson Cooper hit by debris during CNN's live Hurricane Milton coverage
Condemned inmate Richard Moore wants someone other than South Carolina’s governor to decide clemency
Polling Shows Pennsylvania Voters Are Divided on Fracking
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Saoirse Ronan Details Feeling “Sad” Over Ryan Gosling Getting Fired From Lovely Bones
California pledged $500 million to help tenants preserve affordable housing. They didn’t get a dime.
Teen dies suddenly after half marathon in Missouri; family 'overwhelmed' by community's support