Animated Cartoons have been around longer than you think. First there was the phenakistoscope (in 1832), then the zoetrope (in 1834) and then the praxinoscope (in 1877). There was also something called a common flip book. All of these technologies were early animation devices which produced movement from sequential drawings. Many of these items would make great collector’s items (if you can find them). Animation only truly developed further with the dawn of motion picture film though.
In case you did not know, one of the first successful animated cartoons (which is also considered the first example of true character animation) was “Gertie the Dinosaur” by Winsor McCay (which was released in 1914). Cartoons have truly come a long way since then. At first they were silent and in black and white and nowadays they’re all digital and in crystal clear high definition colour with extra-ordinary sound. Animation technology is truly amazing today.
A while ago I featured 4 Famous Cartoon Cats on the Junk Mail blog. Today it’s the Cartoon Dogs’ turn. You’re probably familiar with most of the canines, so we trust this post brings back some good childhood memories for most of you.
Scooby Doo: This cartoon dog has been solving crimes with his partner “Shaggy” in animated shows and movies since 1969. When they’re not being bribed with Scooby Snacks, Scooby Doo and Shaggy will probably be found running in terror from what always ends up being somebody in a costume scaring them.
In case you were wondering, the original “Scooby Doo, Where Are You!” series was developed for Hanna-Barbera by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. Don Messick voiced Scooby Doo from 1969 to 1991. Since then he’s been voiced by 14 different actors and voice artists. Actor Matthew Lillard is the current voice for Scooby Doo.
Snoopy: Fans of Charlie Brown and Peanuts will be familiar with this famous cartoon dog. His character developed from being quite a normal dog to one of the most dynamic characters in Peanuts. Snoopy made his first appearance in a comic strip in 1950.
In case you did not know, all the characters in Peanuts were developed and created by Charles Schultz. Snoopy appeared in various television specials from 1965 to 2006 and was voiced by Bill Melendez. There has not been a new Peanuts comic strip since 2000 (when creator Charles Schultz passed away). Snoopy will always be remembered for his imitations. Over the years he did imitations of a pelican, a moose, Beethoven and Mickey Mouse (just to name a few).
Pluto: Fans of the Disney cartoons will be familiar with this cartoon canine. Pluto was created and developed by Walt Disney Productions and first made his appearance in 1930. He can best be described as a light brown (most recently yellow) medium-sized and short-haired dog. He mostly accompanies Mickey Mouse in his adventures.
Pluto appeared in no less than 89 short films from 1930 to 1953. Some of these films were nominated for Academy Awards. Pluto has been voiced by Pinto Colvig (from 1931-1961) and Lee Millar (from 1939-1941) and is currently voiced by Bill Farmer (since 1990). Pluto still makes his appearance on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney Channel.
Droopy: Droopy was created and developed by Tex Avery for Metro Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) cartoon studios. Droopy made his first appearance in 1943 in the short “Dumb-Hounded”. He appeared in 23 other shorts until 1957. Since then he’s appeared in various cartoon television shows and films like “Tom and Jerry: The Movie”, “Tom and Jerry Kids”, “Droopy, Master Detective”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, “Tom and Jerry Tales” and others.
Droopy moves slowly and lethargically, speaks in monotone and is almost always smart enough to outwit his enemies. If he’s finally roused to get angry he’s also capable of beating enemies twice his size with a comical thrashing. He was originally voiced by Bill Thompson and Tex Avery until 1957 and has been voiced by 8 different people since then.
There you have it, 4 of the most famous cartoon dogs in history. If you another cartoon dog that you feel needs to be added on this list, comment on this post and let the readers of Junk Mail Blog know. Feedback is appreciated and welcome.
Has all this nostalgia made you crave a new house pet? Check out the classifieds for Dogs and Puppies on the Junk Mail website, you might find what you’re looking for.
Watch this space for regular updates is the Fun Corner Category on the Junk Mail Blog.
