What breed of dog is Clifford the Big Red Dog? Here’s the Answer

Clifford the Big Red Rog’s Breed

In the original book and animated TV show, it is never specified what breed of dog Clifford is. Indeed, author and illustrator Norman Bridwell never unraveled the mystery surrounding the breed that was the big red dog, other than the fact that he was the tiniest offspring of his litter. It was the boundless love of his owner, Emily Elizabeth, that allowed Clifford to grow to gigantic proportions, as the following quote from the movie explains:

  • Emily Elizabeth: How big is he going to get?
  • Bridwell: That depends, doesn’t it?
  • Emily Elizabeth: On what?
  • Bridwell: On how much you love him.
  • What Is the Story Behind the Character of Clifford the Big Red Dog?

    The first “Clifford the Big Red Dog” book was published in 1963, and the whole series has been read by hundreds of millions of children around the world for over 50 years.

    But before the adorable big red dog won the hearts of millions of children, Mr. Bridwell worked as a commercial artist in New York, where he lived with his wife and baby. Since money was scarce, his wife suggested that he try his hand at illustrating children’s books. Unfortunately, if one believes the criticisms of a young editor of the time, Mr. Bridwell was not very good at drawing. So, the editor advised him to tell a story from an illustration that Mr. Bridwell had done of a little girl with a horse-sized red dog.

    It appears that Mr. Bridwell did not base his drawing sketch on any particular breed but most likely drew inspiration from the behavior of several types of dogs to define Clifford’s endearing and loyal personality. As he once said in an interview when asked about his process for writing Clifford, there was “no process at all. He just seems like the kind of dog that would be fun to own.”

    What Does Norman Bridwell Say?

    While Bridwell never mentioned what kind of dog Clifford is, he did say that his inspiration came from the behavior of all types of dogs.

    Bridwell was also clear that he wanted Clifford to always behave like a normal dog. He didn’t believe in coming up with any unrealistic stories. This is why there were never any books about Clifford time-travelling or frolicking with dragons.

    So, since Bridwell himself never discussed Clifford’s breed, we can probably assume that Clifford is a mixed breed.

    What breed is Clifford the Big Red Dog?

    Most of us grew up knowing Clifford the Big Red Dog. He’s been in books, on several different TV shows, and even in movies. What makes this fictional dog so enduring? Also, have you ever wondered what kind of dog Clifford is?

    While it’s not possible for a dog to grow as large as Clifford, it’s thought he was first drawn based on a Bloodhound, although there might be Vizsla in there too. Overall, it’s likely that he’s a mixed breed.

    Here, we look closer into the phenomenon that is Clifford, including information on the breeds that he was fashioned after and how Clifford came into existence.