If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning watching a monkey cause absolute mayhem in a high-rise apartment, you know Hundley. He’s the low-slung, orange-brown dachshund who looks like he’s permanently smelling something slightly offensive.
Honestly? Hundley from Curious George is the most relatable character in the entire franchise.
While George is busy flooding the kitchen or "organizing" the mail into a giant bird’s nest, Hundley is just trying to maintain some dignity. He’s a professional. He’s a lobby dog. He has standards.
But there is a lot more to this wiener dog than just a shiny black nose and a collar. People often overlook how much work goes into making a cartoon dog feel this distinct.
The Lobby Dog Life
Hundley isn’t just some stray or a casual pet. He belongs to the Doorman, the uniformed gatekeeper of George’s apartment building in the city.
Basically, Hundley thinks he is the Doorman.
He’s incredibly proper. He spends his days keeping the lobby rug perfectly straight. If a single leaf blows in through the door, Hundley is on it. He’s the ultimate "rules and regulations" guy in a world where the main character is a literal primate with zero respect for gravity or property values.
A Dachshund’s Pride
Physically, he is your classic dachshund. Long body. Short legs. Orange-ish fur.
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In the show, his personality is built entirely around his breed’s reputation for being stubborn and slightly aristocratic. Unlike Charkie (the hyperactive black spaniel who lives nearby), Hundley doesn't do "play" unless it’s on his terms. He doesn’t want to fetch. He wants to supervise.
There's actually a pretty famous episode called King Doggie where a princess from a place called Bratvia thinks Hundley is a royal dog named Barkington the Fifteenth. It’s hilarious because he fits the role perfectly. He’s naturally regal, but at the end of the day, he just wants his lobby back.
What’s He Really Thinking About George?
The relationship between Hundley from Curious George and the monkey is... complicated.
Imagine you’re a professional accountant and a toddler with a jetpack moves in next door. That’s Hundley’s life.
George treats Hundley like a best friend.
Hundley treats George like a natural disaster.
But if you watch closely, there’s a lot of respect there. Hundley is often the one who has to help George fix whatever mess was made. He’s the "straight man" in the comedy duo. Without Hundley’s disapproval, George’s antics wouldn't be nearly as funny.
Sometimes they actually team up. Whether it's navigating the basement or dealing with a rogue vacuum cleaner, they have a weird, silent bond. Hundley won't admit it, but he’d be bored to tears if that monkey ever moved back to the country full-time.
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The Voice Behind the Bark
It takes a specific kind of talent to voice a character that doesn't actually speak English.
In the first season of the PBS Kids show, Hundley was voiced by Bill Chott.
Later, Lex Lang took over the role.
They don't use words, but you know exactly what Hundley is saying. That "huff" he does when George touches the lobby clock? That’s pure annoyance. The little yip when he’s proud of a clean floor? Pure ego.
It’s interesting to note that the TV version of Hundley is a much bigger character than he ever was in the original books by Margret and H.A. Rey. The show's creators needed a foil for George in the city, and a high-strung dachshund was the perfect choice.
Why Hundley Matters for Kids
Parents might think he’s just a sidekick, but Hundley actually teaches some pretty big lessons:
- Order vs. Chaos: He represents the rules of society.
- Responsibility: He takes his "job" in the lobby seriously.
- Tolerance: He learns to live with someone who is completely different from him.
Honestly, we all have a little Hundley in us. We all just want the rug to stay flat and the mail to be delivered on time.
Fact-Checking the Breed
Is he actually a dachshund? Yes.
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Some fans argue he might be a mix because of his height or color, but the show officially identifies him as a dachshund. Specifically, he’s a smooth-haired variety. His sleek look is part of his "dignified" persona.
Interestingly, while George has "vocal effects" from the legendary Frank Welker (who also does Megatron and Scooby-Doo), Hundley’s sounds are specifically designed to be less "cartoonish" and more like a real, slightly grumpy dog.
How to Spot a "Hundley Moment" in Your Life
If you’re watching the show with your kids, keep an eye out for these classic Hundley-isms:
- The "Sigh of Resignation": Usually happens when George walks in with something messy (mud, pigeons, etc.).
- The "Lobby Patrol": Hundley walking in a perfect square to inspect the perimeter.
- The "Grudging Tail Wag": Only happens when George actually does something helpful.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of the city building, check out the episodes where the Doorman isn't around. That’s when you see Hundley’s true leadership skills—or his total anxiety—shine.
Next time you’re watching, pay attention to the background details in the lobby. The animators put a lot of work into Hundley’s little world, from his specific bed to the way he interacts with the elevator.
To get the most out of the character, try watching the episode Hundley’s Great Escape. It’s a great look at how he handles the "wild" when he’s forced out of his comfort zone. It really highlights why he’s the perfect anchor for the show’s city setting.
Actionable Insights for Parents and Fans
- Character Contrast: Use Hundley to talk to kids about personality types. George is an "explorer," while Hundley is a "maintainer." Both are important!
- Observational Learning: Ask your child to "translate" what Hundley’s barks mean. It’s a great way to build emotional intelligence by reading body language.
- Episode Guide: Look for Season 1, Episode 7 (Hundley’s Great Escape) or Season 8, Episode 5 (Big, Bad Hundley) for the best character development moments.