For many he was their first dog, a strange little fellow pumped up with his own importance, whizzing about their TV screens with other mind warping critters from The Magic Roundabout
Today, more than 50 years on, Dougal is back and right in time for Christmas.
Always filled with self-importance and casual criticism, the bumptious shaggy little dog based on a Skye Terrier, was known for only eating sugar.
Today with a hefty price tag of £225, fans can be taken back in time with a new exclusive, limited-edition Steiff re-creation of the childhood favourite.
The Magic Roundabout ran from 1965 to 1977 and featured a unique cast of Dougal, Zebedee a character who bounced, Dylan the rabbit with his enormous flop ears.
Then there was sweet natured Ermintrude the pink cow, Dougal’s owner Florence and Brian the snail, always well-meaning, hyperactive and cheerful despite Dougal’s usual insults.
The craftsmen and women at Steiff have made a great version of Dougal and say: His glorious golden-brown coat is made from beautifully soft long-pile plush that you simply won’t be able to resist stroking.
"He has a fabulous black velveteen nose, friendly eyes and a cheeky red felt tongue poking out his mouth. Of course, under that fur, you’ll find the world famous Steiff button-in-ear.”
Only 3,000 Dougal dogs, measuring 15cm by 30cm, have been made for the worldwide audience for the Danbury Mint.
