Hanna-Barbera introduced Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy, cartoon characters, on The Quick Draw McGraw Show, before giving them their own segment.
This segment spotlighted the antics of a father-and-son dachshund duo. Doug Young, using a Brooklyn accent fashioned after a Jimmy Durante impersonation, lent his voice to Doggie Daddy, a character doing his utmost to raise his boisterous son Augie, whom Daws Butler voiced.
Outside of their series, these characters have appeared in their own video game, in Yogi’s Ark Lark, and its spin-off series.
Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy: The Power Duo
Ready for a flashback to the good old days? Hold your seats tight as we take a quick trip back to 1959 when animation was hand-drawn and a duo named Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy took the world of cartoons by storm.
These two loveable canines from the ever-prolific Hanna-Barbera studios epitomize a harmonious father-son relationship, often infused with a slice-of-life comedy twist. Augie, the enthusiastic pup, and Doggie Daddy, his indulgent yet occasionally stern father, kept us in stitches as they navigated life’s trials and tribulations together.
Written by: Michael Maltese
Directed by: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera
The Art of Fatherhood
The segments actively chronicled the comical escapades of a dachshund father-and-son duo. Doug Young voiced Doggie Daddy, a character striving to raise his lively son Augie, voiced by Daws Butler, to the best of his ability. Augie, a devoted son, often addressed his father as “dear old Dad.”
Their shared affection extended to moments when Daddy would gently admonish, “Augie, my son, my son” if Augie disappointed him. Conversely, if Augie said or did something that invoked pride, Daddy would beam at the audience, declaring, “Dat’s my boy who said dat!”
The segments and characters bear striking resemblance to the Spike and Tyke cartoons that William Hanna and Joseph Barbera created during their theatrical animation tenures at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the 1940s and 1950s.
Behind the Voices
The legendary voice actor Daws Butler breathed life into both Doggie Daddy and Augie Doggie, at least initially. Butler, known for other iconic roles like Yogi Bear and Huckleberry Hound, had a knack for creating memorable vocal performances.
For Doggie Daddy, he channeled the comedian Jimmy Durante, infusing the character with a distinctive growly charm. Butler also gave Augie Doggie a youthful, vibrant tone that perfectly captured the spirit of an eager-to-learn youngster. Later, when Butler fell ill, another legendary voice actor, Don Messick, stepped in to continue the legacy.
Doggie Daddy’s Protective Instinct
Doggie Daddy, the suave speaker, tries to impose strict parenting on Augie, much to Augie’s chagrin. Usually depicted with only a collar, Doggie Daddy may seem stern, but he has a warm heart and generally yields to his son’s desires. Doug Young brings Doggie Daddy to life, voicing the character with a Jimmy Durante impersonation.
Despite his sometimes blustering demeanor, his deep affection and concern for Augie were never in doubt. The creators of the show brilliantly highlighted the dichotomy between the harsh exterior that parents often need to put on and the loving softness that lies beneath.
Augie Doggie’s Curious Nature
Augie Doggie was portrayed as an energetic, inquisitive youngster always eager to explore the world. His youthful curiosity and enthusiasm were infectious, and his knack for asking disarmingly innocent questions often put Doggie Daddy on the spot, much to the amusement of the audience.
Whether he was asking where babies come from or why the sky is blue, Augie’s innocent inquiries highlighted the world’s wonders through a child’s eyes, reminding us to stay curious.
Classic Hanna-Barbera Style
In true Hanna-Barbera style, both characters were delightfully anthropomorphic, living in a human-like environment, driving cars, and having distinctly human occupations.
This classic trademark of the animation studio blurred the lines between animal and human behavior, making the characters relatable and their narratives more impactful. It allowed the creators to tap into universally relatable experiences, ensuring the timeless appeal of Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy.
Filmography
- The Quick Draw McGraw Show (1959-1962)
- Yogi’s Gang (1973)
- Laff-A-Lympics (1977-1979)
- Yogi’s Treasure Hunt (1985-1988)
- Wake, Rattle & Roll – “Fender Bender 500” segment (1990-1991)
- Yo Yogi! (1991)
- Cartoon Network promos and advertisements (1990’s)
Films and Specials
- Yogi’s Ark Lark (1972)
- Casper’s First Christmas (1979)
- Yogi’s First Christmas (1980)
- Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper (1982)
- Yogi Bear and the Magical Flight of the Spruce Goose (1987)
- The Good, the Bad, and Huckleberry Hound (1988) (Doggie Daddy only)
- Hanna-Barbera’s 50th: A Yabba Dabba Doo Celebration (1989)
Guest Appearances
- The Yogi Bear Show – “Yogi’s Birthday Party” (1962)
- I Am Weasel – “I Am My Lifetime” (1998) (Doggie Daddy only)
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – “Peanut Puberty” (2004)
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – “Droopy Botox” (2004) (Doggie Daddy only)
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – “Bird Girl of Guantanmole” (2005) (Doggie Daddy only)
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – “Evolutionary War” (2005) (Doggie Daddy only)
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – “The Death of Harvey” (2007)
Casting History
Augie Doggie
- Daws Butler – The Quick Draw McGraw Show (1959) through The Good, the Bad, and Huckleberry Hound (1988)
- Greg Berg – Hanna-Barbera’s 50th: A Yabba Dabba Doo Celebration (1989)
- Patric Zimmerman – Fender Bender 500 (1990) and Yo Yogi! (1991)
- Chris Edgerly – Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (2004)
- Georgie Kidder – Jellystone! (2021-present)
Doggie Daddy
- Doug Young – The Quick Draw McGraw Show (1959), The Yogi Bear Show (1962)
- John Stephenson – Yogi’s Ark Lark (1972) through Yo Yogi! (1991)
- Maurice LaMarche – Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (2004-2007)
- CH Greenblatt – Jellystone! (2021-present)
