I used to watch Scooby-Doo cartoons all the time as a kid, but recently I noticed he didn’t have too many distinct features to describe what breed he was. After doing some digging I found the answer to my curiosity.
What kind of dog is Scooby-Doo? Scooby-Doo is modeled after a Great Dane but is different in most physical ways because the designer wanted to make a much less intimidating, kid-friendly version of the popular breed.
Keep reading for more information on how Scooby-Doo is like a Great Dane and how he can be quite different.
What Kind Of Dog Is Scooby-Doo?
There are a lot of famous television and movie canine characters, and most people know that Snoopy is a beagle, while Lassie is a collie.
But Scooby Doo’s breed has sometimes been in question. While the Hanna-Barbera character certainly has many resembling features of a Great Dane, some call that comparison into question.
It’s no wonder either. Scooby is the opposite of most things associated with a Great Dane. For one, a Great Dane is a majestic looking animal, with a stout and imposing presence, and a regal appearance. All qualities Scooby does not possess.
This was an intentional move by Iwao Takamoto. He met with breeders of Great Danes and got all of the general characteristics.
Then twisted most of them into a more kid accessible cartoon character, creating a character opposed to a Great Dane in many ways.
Similarities and Differences Between Scooby-Doo and Great Danes
Scooby is a big dog, a characteristic very accurate to the Great Dane.
Scooby is also exceptionally devoted to Shaggy, his owner, and is willing to do many things he would not normally do for the reward of a treat (the infamous Scooby Snacks).
This keeps true with the nature of a Great Dane who is a very loyal dog.
Much like his real-life counterpart, Scooby is also very easy going and has a strong bond with his human friends, enjoying their company vastly.
But that is about it for similarities Scooby holds to a purebred.
The differences are stark. From a physical appearance perspective, Great Danes are stout and firm, often associated with an imposing presence next to the royal guard.
Scooby has an awkward hump in his back, and walks with a waddle, hardly ever standing up straight. Unlike a short-haired Great Dane, Scooby also has random hair in very odd places on his body.
Great Danes are exceptionally good guard dogs, whereas Scooby is a coward of monumental proportions, jumping into Shaggy’s arms at the mere mention of a ghost.
If a Great Dane was to suddenly leap into your arms as Scooby does, good luck to your spine.
Not all Great Danes are equal on the barking frequency.
When a Great Dane does engage in barking, they possess a booming, startling bark that would intimidate and likely ward off any threat, human or animal from coming anywhere near their owner.
Scooby, on the other hand, does not do much barking. (He sure talks and giggles a whole lot though!)
Final Thought
Even though Scooby is a skewed version of a Great Dane, his character works. It puts a goofier, friendlier face on an otherwise potentially intimidating looking dog.
This resonates with younger viewers, as those of us who great up watching Scooby-Doo, and even children who watch old Scooby-Doo episodes now, grow quickly attached to loyal, cowardly, snack loving, and not so “great” of a Great Dane.