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Is Snoopy a Beagle?

stamp featuring cartoon dog Snoopy dressed as a fighter pilot

Snoopy is a beloved character from Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts. He is referred to as a Beagle several times during the show and his physical appearance matches the attributes of this breed. For example, this white and black dog has floppy ears and a round snout. Similarly, the behavioral characteristics of Snoopy resemble a Beagle because he is playful and friendly. Keep reading to know whether snoopy is a beagle or not and learn more about its history.

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History of Snoopy

Cut out of Snoopy laying on his back on his red dog house in a mall

Snoopy was created by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. The character first appeared in the Peanuts comic strip on October 4, 1950, and quickly became a fan favorite. Snoopy started as a silent character, but his popularity led him to think and speak. In fact, he became known for his imagination, often daydreaming of being a World War I flying ace or a novelist.

The graph of Snoopy’s popularity has always been on the rise because he became one of the most recognizable characters in popular culture. Due to this reason, he also appeared in many advertisements, merchandise, and even a NASA mission.

The design of Snoopy has evolved a great deal and he has taken on many different personas. He has grown from a scout leader to a lawyer and appeared in several different roles. However, he always remained a beloved character to fans of all ages despite these changes.

After Schulz died in 2000, the character continued to appear in new Peanuts material, including a 3D-animated TV series on Apple TV+. The enduring popularity of Snoopy is a testament to the character’s charm and enduring appeal. It also helped in raising awareness about Beagles which gave a boost to the demand for these pups.

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What Kind of Dog Breed is Snoopy?

portrait of a Beagle on a blue background

According to most experts and people, Snoopy is a beagle. This is because it matches the physical and behavioral characteristics of this breed.

Beagles are a small hound breed that originated in England and are known for their friendly and playful nature. They have short, smooth coats that are typically tricolored, with black, white, and tan markings. The white and black coat of Snoopy with floppy ears and a round snout is a classic example of the beagle breed.

Beagles are also known for their intelligence and loyalty. These qualities are often seen in Snoopy’s character as he is depicted as a clever and imaginative dog. He often imagines and elaborates on scenarios in his head. Snoopy is also fiercely loyal to his owner, Charlie Brown, and is always there to offer him support and comfort. This feature is also identical to Beagles who make a strong bond with their owners.

The popularity of Snoopy as a beagle has helped to increase awareness and interest in the breed. Beagles make excellent family pets because they are social, affectionate, and easy to train. They are also great with children, making them a popular choice for families with young kids.

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Is Snoopy a Dalmatian or a Beagle?

Variety of small Snoopy/ Peanuts characters on a yellow background.

Although some people tend to suggest that Snoopy is a Dalmatian, that’s not true (he is a Beagle). This misconception is triggered by the appearance of this beloved character in certain Peanuts comic strips and merchandise. In these images, he can be seen wearing a spotted hat or scarf which gives the impression of a Dalmatian. However, this is simply a nod to his creator Charles M. Schulz’s love of Dalmatians and has no bearing on Snoopy’s actual breed.

Beagles and Dalmatians are two distinct breeds with very different physical characteristics. Beagles are small hounds with short, smooth coats that are typically tricolored, with black, white, and tan markings. They have long, droopy ears and a round snout. Similarly, they are known for their big, brown eyes and round, expressive faces.

Beagles typically weigh between 20 to 30 pounds and stand about 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Snoopy’s appearance matches these numbers and you can instantly recognize him as a beagle.

On the other hand, Dalmatians are larger dogs with short, white coats that are covered in distinctive black or liver-colored spots. They have erect ears and a long, pointed snout.

The behavior of Snoopy is also consistent with the beagle’s temperament. Beagles are known for their playful and friendly nature. Snoopy embodies these traits in his interactions with the other characters in the comic strip. He is also depicted as a clever and imaginative dog and these qualities are often associated with Beagles.

While Snoopy is a fictional character, he has helped to raise awareness and interest in the beagle breed, making it a popular choice among dog lovers. In fact, beagles are consistently ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

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Is Snoopy Actually a Beagle?

Small Charlie Brown and Snoopy figurines with their backs to the camera

Yes, Snoopy is actually a beagle and it shows from his appearance as well as his behavior. His short, smooth coat with black and white markings and floppy ears depict just that. Similarly, the round snout of Snooly is a classic example of the beagle breed.

In addition to that, Snoopy shows a lot of commonality with the beagle’s temperament. He is playful, curious, and loves to explore his surroundings. He is also very friendly with other characters in the comic strip, which is a typical trait of beagles. Likewise, Beagles are known for their intelligence and loyalty, and that is what you get from Snoopy.

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