September 13th is Scooby Doo Day! The beloved cartoon canine has become a fixture in American pop culture, and has been exposing the nefarious dealings of malevolent, mask-wearing schemers since the late 1960’s. A vet discusses the iconic animated pooch below.
Starting Out
Scooby Doo, Where Are You? was originally planned as a horror/mystery, but execs thought it may be too scary for kids, and made it a comedy. The show wasn’t exactly an immediate success, but it found its groove before too long. Scooby also went through some growing pains. In an early version, titled Mysteries Five, the canine star was, well, more of a dog and less of a sleuth.
A Pup By Any Other Name
Scooby Doo was actually named after the ‘Doo-be-doo-be-doo’ line in Frank Sinatra’s song Strangers in the Night. There were also fictional characters named Skooby Doo in the 1953 film Swingin Together and in the Archies’ song Feelin’ So Good (S.K.O.O.B.Y.-D.O.O.) The rest, as you know, is history. Or, as Scooby would put it, ‘Ristory.’
Voices
Scooby has been voiced by dozens of actors over the years. One of the more iconic voices behind the adorable pup was Don Messick. Messick was also the voice of the Jetsons’ beloved pup, Astro. He gave up the role after quitting smoking, which took the iconic rasp out of his voice.
Scrappy
A new member of the cast popped up in 1979. Scooby’s nephew, Scrappy Doo, definitely shared his uncle’s talent for cracking clues. The feisty pup starred with his uncle for several years in spinoff series The Scooby and Scrappy-Doo Show. Puppy Power!
A Little Help From Some Friends
Scrappy isn’t Scooby’s only relative. Cousins Scooby-Dee and Scooby Dum have also lent the gang a helping paw in solving cases. Many celebrities were also happy to pitch in. Some of the stars that made guest appearances include Sonny and Cher, Don Knotts, Dick Van Dyke, Phyllis Diller, Mama Cass Elliot, and the Harlem Globetrotters!
Cameos
Scooby Doo has also popped up in cameos or guest roles on many different films and TV shows, including Johnny Bravo, Looney Tunes: Back In Action; and Space Jam II.
Breed
Ever wonder what breed Scooby is? He’s a Great Dane. Or, a not-very-good Dane. The pooch was deliberately drawn with none of the qualities breeders strive for with these gentle giants!
Our Advice on Celebrating Scooby Doo in 2024
How did the Scooby Doo concept change before reaching its final form?
The concept of Scooby Doo underwent significant revisions before reaching its final form. Originally conceived as a horror/mystery series, it was altered to a comedy format to suit a younger audience. Additionally, the early version titled “Mysteries Five” portrayed the canine character in a less detective-oriented role, focusing more on his traits as a regular dog. These adjustments contributed to the creation of the beloved character known as Scooby Doo, blending mystery-solving adventures with comedic elements that appealed to both children and adults.
Where did the inspiration for Scooby Doo’s name come from?
Scooby Doo’s name was inspired by the ‘Doo-be-doo-be-doo’ line from Frank Sinatra’s song “Strangers in the Night.” This catchy phrase led to the naming of the iconic animated Great Dane. Additionally, there were prior fictional characters with similar names, including Skooby Doo in the 1953 film “Swingin’ Together” and in the Archies’ song “Feelin’ So Good (S.K.O.O.B.Y.-D.O.O.),” showcasing the name’s pop culture resonance before solidifying its place in history through the beloved character of Scooby Doo.
Why has Scooby Doo remained so popular over multiple decades?
Scooby Doo’s enduring popularity stems from its unique blend of mystery, comedy, and the portrayal of enduring friendship. The series combines engaging whodunit plots with lighthearted humor, appealing to both children and adults. Its formula of a lovable, albeit cowardly, Great Dane and his human companions solving mysteries while inadvertently teaching lessons about bravery, teamwork, and skepticism towards the supernatural resonates across generations. Furthermore, the series has continually refreshed its content with new stories, characters, and cultural references, keeping it relevant and entertaining through the decades.
Who were the creators of Scooby Doo?
Scooby Doo was created by the combined efforts of Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, and artist Iwao Takamoto. This team worked together to develop the concept, characters, and aesthetic of the show under the guidance of Hanna-Barbera Productions. Their collaborative vision brought to life the iconic mystery-solving Great Dane and his gang, launching a franchise that would become a staple in American pop culture. Their innovative approach to children’s television, blending mystery with comedy and adventure, laid the groundwork for Scooby Doo’s lasting success.
Are there any criticisms of the Scooby Doo formula or its portrayal of characters?
While Scooby Doo has been widely celebrated for its entertainment value and longevity, it has not been without criticisms. Some critiques focus on its formulaic structure, where episodes often follow a predictable pattern of mystery, investigation, and unmasking of the villain, which some argue could stifle creative storytelling. Additionally, there have been discussions regarding the portrayal of its characters, particularly in terms of stereotypes and character development. For example, the cowardly nature of Shaggy and Scooby contrasted with the bravery of Fred, Daphne, and Velma, has been a point of contention, highlighting a simplistic approach to character traits.
Do you have a Great Dane with a love for Scooby Snacks? Ruh Roh! Contact us, your local animal clinic in North Miami, FL, today!
