What Kind of Dog Is Snoopy? Breed Information, Pictures, and Facts

Charles M. Schulz produced the captivating characters of the Peanuts comics in 1950, and since Snoopy and the gang have actually been a precious component in American popular culture. Each special character has their own peculiarities and beauties that make them quickly identifiable and amusing. However, Snoopy frequently took the program with his amusing humor, wild creativity, and standing firm spirit. Snoopy even has his really own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, ideal beside Schulz’s star! This much-loved canine is absolutely anything however normal. But what sort of dog is snoopy? Let’s take a more detailed look!

Charlie Brown and Snoopy

Schulz’s very first Peanuts comic strip operated on October 2, 1950, although it did not yet consist of Charlie Brown’s precious dog. Just 2 days later October 4, 1950, Snoopy made his renowned launching, albeit at this moment he was walking on all 4 legs and acting quite like your typical dog. Within the next couple of years, nevertheless, Snoopy started to progress and ultimately ended up being a a lot more anthropomorphic canine who strolled on 2 legs like an individual and interacted with an idea bubble above his head. The Snoopy we understand and like today is far from being a typical dog — Snoopy checks out War and Peace, flies a fighter jet, plays jazz, and gathers art.

What Kind of Dog Is Snoopy?

Snoopy is a beagle — albeit a rather uncommon one. As remarkable as he is, nevertheless, Snoopy still maintains lots of attributes of the beagle breed. Snoopy is a white dog with big black areas, black ears, and an adorable black nose. Beagles are typically a mix of black, white, and brown. However, on unusual celebrations, there are beagles that are just black and white with no brown at all, much like Snoopy! In addition, Snoopy has long, droopy, dark-colored ears like a beagle.

The motivation for Snoopy originated from Schulz’s youth dog, Spike. Spike was an energetic and curious dog who frequently misbehaved and consumed all examples that he most likely ought to not have. Although he did look a lot like a  beagle, Spike was in fact some sort of tip or hound breed mix. Like the character of Snoopy, nevertheless, Spike was white and had floppy ears, along with black spots on his head and back.

Although Snoopy was based loosely on Spike, Schultz was initially going to call his brand-new comics dog Sniffy. However, he altered the name to Snoopy at the last minute when he discovered a newsstand comic that had a dog with the specific very same name. Schultz said that when he was younger, his mom had actually recommended calling their next dog Snoopy.

Spike played another function in Schultz’ animation developments later too. In 1975, Schultz introduced a new character to his Peanuts comic strip — Snoopy’s older brother, Spike. In the comics, Spike looks a lot like Snoopy although much thinner and with super long whiskers. Spike also wears a fedora and has droopy eyes that make him look like he’s always tired. Perhaps his fatigue is because Spike lives in a town all the way out in the desert, where he mostly engages with rocks and cactuses.

Beagle Personality

Not only does Snoopy share many characteristics physical characteristics of the beagle breed, but his personality is also very much like that of many beagles. Beagles are cheerful and intelligent dogs, but sometimes they have a stubborn streak as well — not unlike Snoopy. They are known for their energetic and playful personalities and are very loyal companions to their owners. Beagles were bred as hunting dogs so they need lots of exercise and readily follow their human companions on adventures.

Just like real-life beagles, Snoopy is a cheerful character with a lot of intelligence, wit, and energy — how else can he do so many amazing things? Think about it: Snoopy can play fetch with soap bubbles, knows how to fly a fighter jet, writes novels, attends college classes, curates fine art, plays music, and can even hear if someone is eating cookies far away. Not to mention that Snoopy was the first animation animal to fly to the moon! (Fun fact: After his historic adventure, Snoopy became the safety mascot for NASA). Snoopy likewise follows Charlie Brown and the other Peanuts around and often plays games and goes on adventures with them.

However, although beagles are energetic and playful dogs, they also love to sit back and relax. Similarly, Snoopy often enjoys indulging in his lazy side, and many comics show him happily napping on the roof of his dog house. In addition, beagles tend to howl a lot — sometimes as a warning, but often just to communicate their emotions and desires. Snoopy is an excellent communicator with many friends and associations. He is also quite musical and even knows how to play the jaw harp!

Beagles as Hunting Dogs

Snoopy may not be a hunting dog per se, but one of his alter egos is a hunter of sorts. When Snoopy becomes the World War I Flying Ace, he transforms into an excellent fighter pilot who is out to hunt down his arch nemesis, the Red Baron — much like a beagle hones in on a target when hunting prey. Beagles are also known for their excellent sense of smell, which is one of the traits that makes them such great hunting dogs.

That amazing sense of smell also allows Beagles to track down good things to eat. In fact, they love foods of all kinds, and without proper boundaries, they can easily become overweight. Likewise, Snoopy also has a great sense of smell and quite an appetite. Whenever Charlie Brown brings Snoopy a meal, Snoopy celebrates with his very own happy dance. In one of the Peanuts comics, Snoopy also says that he doesn’t care what the research says — scarfing down junk food will constantly be one of his greatest joys in life.

Although beagles are hunting dogs, they are also friendly and outgoing, making them great with people, children, and other dogs. Not just does Snoopy have lots of other canine and human friends, however he is even friends with birds as well! While a real-life beagle likely wouldn’t befriend such a small animal (particularly since they were bred to hunt small animals), Snoopy’s best friend is a tiny little bird named Woodstock. Snoopy also leads his own troop of Beagle Scouts — all of which are small yellow birds like Woodstock.

Summary of the Beagle Dog Breed

Just like Snoopy, beagles are the ultimate canine companions. They are energetic, smart, and full of character. With soulful eyes and adorably floppy ears, it is nearly impossible not to fall in love with a beagle! Although they may come in nontraditional colors, generally beagles have tricolored coats of brown, black, and white. They are natural scent hounds and are commonly used as hunting dogs.

On average, beagles grow around 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh 20 to 30 pounds. There are likewise “pocket beagles” that are smaller, ranging from 7 to 13 inches tall and weighing 7 to 15 pounds. Although they are smaller than lots of other hunting dogs, beagles are surprisingly athletic and love nothing more than running around and playing. Beagles are affectionate and faithful pups who make great family dogs (just be sure to give them plenty of workout and mental engagement).

Up Next: