Zoinks! It's Like About Scooby Doo, Man!

There have been quite a number of canine heros over the years. With Rin Tin Tin, the german shepherd war hero, Lassie and way of subtly getting help to where it’s needed most, dogs have had a good amount of time on the silver screen. It’s not just real dogs, however, dogs are also a popular subject for cartoons, and perhaps none so famous as Scooby Doo!

Generations both young and old are familiar with Scoob and the Gang. After all, it’s pretty hard to forget about a talking great dane that solves all manner of mysteries. But what about the origins of Scooby Doo? It’s time to shed a little light on the mystery and origins of master of the cartoon dog franchise, Scooby Doo.

A Much Needed Comedy Relief

In the late 60’s, many television networks were starting to get a lot of attention from various parentage organizations complaining about the violence in Saturday morning cartoons. This was during the glory days of Hannah Barbera cartoons, which included Johnny Quest, Space Ghost, and the Herculoids. Most of these cartoons were cancelled because of pressure from the organizations which gave rise to the need for new cartoons. This is where the idea of Scooby Doo was born.

Too Much?

Everyone knows about the gang that helps Scooby navigate the pitfalls of human schemes for power and riches. Fred, Daphne, Velma and Scooby’s best friend Shaggy (fun fact, Shaggy’s real name is Norville Rogers) but did you know the great dane Scooby Doo, was almost a sheep dog named Too Much? While it would have worked with the campiness that cartoons in that era possessed, Scooby Doo wouldn’t have lasted as long as he has if that were the case.

Originally, the cast of Scooby Doo was leaning in a very different direction than the group of groovy teenagers that we know and love today. The original concept was inspired by the Archie Show and the gang (all given different names) were part of a mystery solving band known as the Mysteries 5. When the group wasn’t playing a gig, they were moonlighting as mystery solvers, similar to Jose and the Pussycats. Even Too Much played an instrument during the shows, banging away happily on the bongos as only a sheep dog in a campy cartoon can. Shortly after the Mysteries 5 was created, Too Much was changed to a great dane instead of a sheep dog.

Scooby Doo! Where are You?

Upon the initial premier, it was decided that the mystery scenes were too scary for kids. The writers worked together to focus more on the comedy aspect and down play the scary parts. The gang was renamed, as well as our loveable canine companion. Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s nonsensical scat (doo be- doo be- doo) Too Much was renamed Scooby Doo (and there it is, the mystery behind “Scooby Doo be Doo!” has been solved!) and the show was renamed, “Scooby Doo, Where are you?” Scooby and the gang solved crimes and mysteries, revealing all the worlds monsters to be people in rubber masks.

In 2013 Scooby Doo was pronounced by TV Guide to be the 5th greatest cartoon of all time. Even now, Scooby Doo merchandise can be found just about everywhere and Scooby Doo still stalks the airwaves, bringing joy to us all. So grab a bowl of scooby snacks, and settle down to enjoy some nostalgia with Scoob and the Gang.

Featured image: License: Creative Commons image source 

+Neil Kilgore is the Jack (Russell) of all trades at Greenfield Puppies in Lancaster Pa. He regularly blogs about dogs, breeders and puppies on the Greenfield Puppies website.