Current:Home > MarketsWhat kind of dog is Snoopy? Here's some history on Charlie Brown's canine companion.-LoTradeCoin
What kind of dog is Snoopy? Here's some history on Charlie Brown's canine companion.
View Date:2024-12-23 19:43:00
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! (483)
Related
- World leaders aim to shape Earth's future at COP29 climate change summit
- U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer’s son pleads not guilty to charges for events before fatal North Dakota chase
- Lisa Vanderpump Has the Perfect Response to Raquel Leviss' Podcast Shade
- Sleepy bears > shining moments: March Napness brings bracketology to tired sanctuary bears
- Shel Talmy, produced hits by The Who, The Kinks and other 1960s British bands, dead at 87
- New York City nearly resolves delays in benefits to thousands of low income residents, mayor says
- Emma Hemming Willis shares video about Bruce Willis' life after diagnosis: It's filled with joy.
- Denver Broncos inform QB Russell Wilson they’ll release him when new league year begins
- Indiana in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings? You've got to be kidding
- In 1807, a ship was seized by the British navy, the crew jailed and the cargo taken. Archivists just opened the packages.
Ranking
- Shel Talmy, produced hits by The Who, The Kinks and other 1960s British bands, dead at 87
- NFL world honors 'a wonderful soul' after Chris Mortensen's death at 72
- Man City’s 3-1 win against Man United provides reality check for Jim Ratcliffe
- Kate Winslet was told to sing worse in 'The Regime,' recalls pop career that never was
- Jana Kramer’s Ex Mike Caussin Shares Resentment Over Her Child Support Payments
- Armed suspect killed, 4 deputies hurt after exchanging gunfire during car chase in California
- Takeaways from the Wisconsin 2020 fake electors lawsuit settlement
- Gun control advocates urge Utah governor to veto bill funding firearms training for teachers
Recommendation
-
How Leonardo DiCaprio Celebrated His 50th Birthday
-
Air Force employee charged with sharing classified info on Russia’s war with Ukraine on dating site
-
Philadelphia LGBTQ leaders arrested in traffic stop the mayor calls ‘concerning’
-
Caitlin Clark passes Pistol Pete Maravich's record to become all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader
-
Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
-
Haiti orders a curfew after gangs overrun its two largest prisons. Thousands have escaped
-
Search continues for autistic Tennessee teen who walked away from home a week ago
-
Settlement in Wisconsin fake elector case offers new details on the strategy by Trump lawyers