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What Kind of Dog Is Blue from Blue’s Clues? Cartoon Dogs Presented

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Blue from Blue's Clues

For anyone who grew up in the 1990s, Blue’s Clues was an essential part of their childhood. The show featured a lovable dog named Blue who would help her owner Steve (and later, Joe) solve various puzzles and problems. But what kind of dog was Blue? Well, the creators of “Blues Clues” never went on record with what breed Blue was, but many have speculated that she was a Basset Hound.

Let’s break down why this may be the case and talk briefly about the Basset Hound breed.

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Why Do We Think Blue Is a Basset Hound?

Fans suspect Blue is a Basset Hound for a few reasons:

  • In pop culture, Basset Hounds have been used as detective dogs.
  • In real life, Basset Hounds have been used to sniff out and hunt for things, including criminals!
  • Blue has long, floppy ears.
  • Blue is great with children!
  • Blue is smart, vocal, and loyal, which are all famous Basset Hound traits.

While the creators of Blue’s Clues have never confirmed what breed Blue is, it’s safe to say that she does share many characteristics with a Basset Hound.

Basset Hound sitting on dry leaves
Image Credit: Marry Kolesnik, Shutterstock

Fun Facts About Blue from Blue’s Clues

The creators of Blue’s Clues never expected the show to be such a runaway hit. It captured the hearts and minds of kids and adults alike and will go down in history as one of the most popular kids shows of all time. Let’s take a look at some fun facts about the series.

  • Blue is voiced by Traci Paige Johnson, who was also one of the original creators of the show.
  • Her favorite food is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
  • Blue has a pet goldfish named Goldie.
  • Blue’s Clues was created to help teach preschoolers problem-solving skills.
  • The original name for the show was “Blueprints.”
  • Blue was originally meant to be a cat.

More Famous Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds have been popular dogs throughout history. Here are a few of the most famous Basset Hounds of all time.

  • Ranger is a Basset Hound that was featured on the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
  • Otis is a Basset Hound that appeared in the movie “The Little Rascals.”
  • Bingo is a Basset Hound that appeared in the movie “Homeward Bound.”

As you can see, Basset Hounds have been popular dogs for centuries. They are gentle, loyal, and smart dogs that make great family pets. If you’re looking for a lovable dog to add to your family, a Basset Hound may be the perfect choice for you.

Now that we’ve taken a look at the TV side of things, let’s learn more about Basset Hounds!

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A Brief History of the Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog in the hound family. The Basset is a scent hound that was originally bred for the purpose of hunting hare and rabbit. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound.

The Basset Hound breed originated in France and was used for hunting purposes. The word “basset” comes from the French word “bas,” meaning “low,” a reference to the dog’s short legs. As hunting became more of a sport in Europe, breeders began to create dogs that were specifically designed for hunting, such as the Basset Hound.

Basset Hounds were brought to America in the 1800s and quickly became a popular breed. During the Civil War, many Basset Hounds were used as Union Army mascots. The Basset Hound continued to gain popularity in America throughout the 20th century. They were recognized by the AKC in 1885 and today, they are the 38th most popular breed in the United States.

Characteristics of the Basset Hound

Now that we’ve learned a little bit about the history of the Basset Hound, let’s talk about some of their most notable characteristics. Basset Hounds are known for their big, droopy ears, short legs, and long bodies. They are also known for being loyal, smart, and vocal dogs.

Basset Hounds are gentle giants. They usually weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and stand between 12 and 15 inches tall. The coat of a Basset Hound is short, smooth, and dense. They come in a variety of colors, including black, tan, and white.

Basset Hounds are lovable dogs that make great family pets. Despite their size, Basset Hounds are known for being gentle and good with children. They are also known for being very loyal to their family and friends. Basset Hounds are smart dogs, but they can be stubborn. They need a patient owner who is willing to train them consistently.

Basset Hound
Image Credit: jawestad, Pixabay

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Tips for Caring for A Basset Hound

Thinking of getting a Basset Hound? Here’s a brief snapshot of what it looks like to take care of one so you can decide if this breed is the best fit for your family.

Grooming Needs

Basset Hounds have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain. They only need to be brushed once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. Basset Hounds only need to be bathed when they start to smell bad or get dirty. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their skin, so it’s best to only bathe them when necessary.

Exercise Needs

Despite their short legs, Basset Hounds are high energy dogs that need a lot of exercise. They should be taken on long walks or runs every day to stay healthy and happy.

Feeding Needs

Basset Hounds are known for their big appetites, so it’s important to feed them high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and nutrients. They should be only fed two or three meals a day to prevent them from becoming overweight.

Training Needs

Basset Hounds are smart dogs, but they can be stubborn. They need a patient owner who is willing to train them consistently. Basset Hounds respond best to positive reinforcement, so it’s important to use treats and praise.

Stimulation Needs

Basset Hounds need a lot of exercise, but they also need mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored. Some ways to keep your Basset Hound stimulated include playing fetch, going for walks, and providing them with chew toys.

Caring for a Basset Hound is a big responsibility, but it’s also a lot of fun. These lovable dogs are known for being loyal and loving, so they make great family pets.

Pros and Cons of Basset Hounds as Family Dogs

Thinking of getting a Basset Hound? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of this breed to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your family.

Pros
  • Loyal and loving
  • Good with children
  • Low maintenance grooming needs
  • High energy, so they need a lot of exercise
  • Smart, so they’re easy to train
Cons
  • Can be stubborn
  • Known for being big eaters, so they need a lot of food
  • Their exercise needs can be costly if you don’t have a yard for them to run in
  • Long ears can make them prone to ear infections

Overall, Basset Hounds make great family dogs!

Basset Hound Portrait outside in the fall
Image Credit: Victoria Rak, Shutterstock

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Where Can I Get a Basset Hound?

If you’re interested in getting a Basset Hound, there are a few different places you can look.

Breeders

If you want to get a Basset Hound puppy, your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. This is someone who breeds Basset Hounds as their profession and has a lot of experience with the breed.

Animal Shelters

If you’re open to adopting an adult Basset Hound, your local animal shelter is a great place to look. This is a cheaper option than buying from a breeder, and you’ll be giving a home to a dog in need.

Rescue Groups

There are also rescue groups specifically for Basset Hounds. This is a good option if you want to adopt an adult Basset Hound and you’re not sure where to start your search.

No matter where you get your Basset Hound, be sure to do your research to make sure you’re getting a healthy dog from a reputable source.

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Final Thoughts

While we may never know for sure what kind of dog Blue from Blue’s Clues is, we do know that she shares many characteristics with the Basset Hound breed. From her big ears to her loyalty, Blue is the perfect representation of this lovable breed. Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, a Basset Hound may be the right dog for you and your family. Just be sure to do your research before making the commitment, as they are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and stimulation. But they give a lot of love in return!


Featured Image Credit: Characters by  Nickelodeon Animation Studio.  All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

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