If you’re a fan of Scooby-Doo, you probably know that the iconic main character is the Great Dane. But what about the smaller dog in the show, Scrappy? His slightly different appearance and small size might make you think that Scrappy-Doo is a different breed entirely from his Uncle Scooby, but Scrappy-Doo is actually a Great Dane puppy. This cute and feisty character is known for his spunky attitude – just like many Great Dane puppies today!
Scooby vs Scrappy
Scrappy-Doo looks similar to Scooby, but there are definitely some differences too. The biggest difference, of course, is the size. Scooby is huge, while Scrappy is still a small puppy that only comes to the human characters’ knees. Scrappy is also a lighter shade of brown than Scooby, and he doesn’t have Scoob’s iconic black spots. Another big difference is that Scrappy-Doo usually shows up walking on two legs like he’s making himself as tall as possible. But despite that, they do have a lot in common. They have similar face shapes, with pointed ears, big black noses, and zig-zagging mouths. Both dogs also wear the same iconic dog collar – blue with a diamond-shaped tag.
Scrappy-Doo History
Scooby-Doo hit the TV scene way back in 1969 and was an immediate success. Early seasons of the show, called “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” are still some of the most beloved episodes. But by the late seventies, Scooby-Doo was in trouble. Ratings were going down, and a network shift didn’t help things. In fact, if things had gone a little differently, Scooby-Doo wouldn’t be the pop culture icon he is today!
Luckily, Scrappy-Doo came along. In 1979, the show was rebooted as “Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo” and featured Scrappy for the first time. Scrappy was introduced as Scooby’s feisty, fearless nephew. With his catchphrases of “Scrappy-dappy-doo!” and “Lemme at ‘em!” he charged into danger headlong, providing a great contrast to the cowardly Scooby and Shaggy.
The ploy worked – kids loved Scrappy and ratings soared. For the next ten years, Scrappy was an essential part of the team, keeping viewers engaged. In 1989, Scrappy was sidelined to an occasional guest, but by then Scooby-Doo was a beloved classic with two decades of runtime.
About Great Dane Puppies
If you love Scooby and Scrappy and you’ve always wanted a large dog, you might be tempted by a Great Dane puppy. These dogs can be loyal, loving companions, but it’s important to make sure you’re up for the commitment. These dogs not only grow to be very large, but they also occasionally have health issues related to their size. Because of that, you’ll want to make sure that you’re ready to care for such a dog.
Great Danes are known for being gentle dogs, especially if they are well socialized. But Scrappy’s feisty personality is a good reminder that they don’t always start out that way. Great Dane puppies can have boundless energy and all the problems that come with being a puppy, along with a much larger size than most pups. Playful behavior that’s cute in a tiny pup might be difficult to manage in a big Great Dane, so it’s important to be prepared if you decide to buy one.
Last Thoughts
Scrappy-Doo is an iconic part of cartoon history and a beloved character for many. His spunk, sass, and courage have charmed generations of kids, and the Scooby-Doo show wouldn’t be the same without him – if it even existed at all. If you’re a Great Dane lover, this standout puppy should make you proud.
Featured Image By: Characters by Hanna-Barbera, property of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
