Here's Why Kids Love Blue Dogs in Their TV Shows

If your toddler is one of the many who can't get enough of Bluey, they certainly aren't alone. According to the Nielsen rankings, Bluey was the second most streamed show in 2023. Not only is Bluey a fan-favorite character, but Blue from Blues Clues , and Huckleberry Hound are all popular blue dogs with massive fanbases. But have you ever wondered why blue dogs are so popular with kids?

We spoke with child psychologists about the hold blue dogs have on children and why this is a common phenomenon.

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The Psychology Behind Children's Attraction to Blue Dogs

Bluey, Blue, and Huckleberry Hound are all beloved children's cartoon characters and they're all blue dogs. So is there a connection between children's psyche and blue dogs? The short answer is yes, it can all be tied to color psychology, which is the study of how colors can influence different emotions and behaviors.

"This can be linked to the theory of [kids] being attracted to the color blue for its mood boosting and calming effects," says Reena B. Patel , psychologist and licensed educational board certified behavior analyst. "The color blue is associated with lower feelings of anxiety and instead creating feelings of being relaxed and content."

Additionally, kids love novelty and blue dogs are a variation on an established classic. "They respond to newness this way and love to make pretend," says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind . "Young children have a habit of defying boundaries between the real and imaginary—and unique fictional animals such as a blue dog are particularly appealing."

Aside from having mood boosting benefits, the color blue has also been shown to make people feel more comfortable and this can be felt by kiddos who become acquainted with their favorite dog characters on television.

Popular Blue Dog Characters

Blue from "Blue's Clues"

Blues Clues first went on the air in 1996 and since then it has been loved by kids (and adults) for many decades. The show catered to its target audience of pre-school children by featuring repetitive and engaging content that stimulated toddlers.

Not only was the show full of stimulating tidbits and narrative-style lessons, but Blue from Blue's Clues herself is a friendly blue dog that captivated the hearts of kids throughout the '90s and early 2000s. "She is very curious, taking her young viewers on adventure seeking clues," says Hafeez. "These adventures engage viewers so they can practice critical thinking and interactive learning along the way."

Huckleberry Hound from "The Huckleberry Hound Show"

It seems that every generation has its own beloved blue dog. In the late 1950s, another popular television character for kids was Huckleberry Hound from The Huckleberry Hound Show . Both kids and adults alike were fond of the relaxed and sweet blue pup with a southern drawl. "His 'chill' personality and humor drew children to him," says Hafeez.

Bluey from "Bluey"

This hit show has been a household staple since it first came out in 2018. Big and small kids everywhere are obsessed with Bluey from Bluey and you've probably seen the blue pup plastered on every toy and gift, from clothing and backpacks to bed spreads and diaper bags. It was made with the intention of capturing the hearts of 5-to 7-year-olds, however, it has expanded to older children and even adults.

" Bluey is great because they are short stories that are interesting, entertaining, and relatable for families," says Patel. "It offers some humor, good lessons, creativity , and is positive."

The Role of Color in Children's Media

Color psychology not only influences how much a child may like a particular character, but different colors can also impact how they feel and their behaviors.

"When looking at kids' shows, specifically and use of the color blue, this color tends to do much of what the blue space theory suggests," says Patel. "It has a calming effect and can literally soothe and relax a child. When it comes to shows, it can play a role in keeping them calm , content, and present."

Additionally, colors can impact how children comprehend and learn about the world around them through a thing called color association. Research shows that children associate lighter colors with more positive emotions and darker colors with negative emotions.

In very young children that lack socialization, color association is stronger.

"Even if children are not fully comprehending the dialogue of what they are watching, the colors used in a TV show can help children identify characters, places, or objects and assign meaning to them," says Hafeez. "For example, a black house might signal a place where a witch lives, and a pink one could signal where a good fairy resides."

This could explain why children prefer the light blue hue of characters like Bluey, along with all the other pastels and light shades featured on children's TV shows . Whatever the real reason is that your child can't stop watching Bluey , just know that blue dogs like him can bring them comfort and remind them that anything is possible—like bright, talking animals.

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