Since its inception over half a century ago, the Mystery Inc. gang, consisting of Shaggy, Velma, Fred, Daphne, and the endearing canine, Scooby-Doo, have been iconic figures in solving spooky mysteries. The Scooby-Doo live-action series in the works at Netflix will now bring these characters to life, capturing the hearts of a broader audience. But one question often arises: What dog breed is Scooby-Doo?
What is the breed of the dog in ‘Scooby-Doo’?
Scooby-Doo — or Scoobert “Scooby” Doo as his full name goes — is a Great Dane. This detail stems from the original character design by Iwao Takamoto of Hanna-Barbera. Interestingly, the traits chosen for Scooby-Doo diverge significantly from those of a typical prize-winning Great Dane. Despite Great Danes being known as the “Apollo of Dogs” for their dignified and strong appearance, Scooby-Doo’s design intentionally incorporates the opposite characteristics to give him a distinctive and lovable appeal. This includes features like a sloped back, under-swung chin, and bow legs, all of which are unusual for a purebred Great Dane but have come to define Scooby’s iconic look.
Neil Fanning voiced Scooby-Doo in the live-action film “Scooby-Doo” and its sequel “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” Beyond the live-action adaptations, Scooby-Doo remains a pivotal character in the franchise, which has expanded to include various spin-offs, movies, and animated series, such as the adult-oriented “Velma” that premiered on HBO Max in 2023. Frank Welker — the voice behind Scooby-Doo since 2002 — has contributed to the character’s lasting appeal, embodying the friendly yet cowardly nature that fans have come to love. Welker’s versatility also extends to voicing Fred Jones, another key member of the Mystery Inc. gang.
For fans eager to revisit or introduce themselves to the adventures of Scooby-Doo and his friends, the original “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” series, as well as other iterations like “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?,” are available on streaming platforms like HBO Max and Boomerang, with the live-action movies also accessible on Netflix.
