Dog Names Meaning Fiery

Clifford the Big Red dog is an animated pooch who is portrayed in a series of children's books and also on television. Norman Bridwell created the first book in 1963. Interestingly, he based the story on his pooch, but his canine companion was not large or red. The size and coloration were products of Bridwell's imagination and used to make the canine genuinely recognizable to fans and the public. Scholastic published the Clifford book series, and their popularity is what rose the publishing company to the top. Clifford became the publishing company's official mascot. 

Clifford is a striking red dog who is known not only for his fiery color but also his sheer size. He is a gentle giant who is often shy, clumsy, helpful, well-meaning, friendly, loveable, and always loyal to his beloved owner Emily Elizabeth. Despite the dog's well-intentioned actions, he often gets into trouble. Emily Elizabeth, a small eight-year-old girl,  often rides on Clifford's back.  In the books, Clifford is given to Emily Elizabeth as a Christmas present, but in the television series, the pooch is a 6th birthday gift for the small girl. 

The success of the big red dog Clifford is undeniable. When American illustrator Norman Bridwell first created the dog, he did not believe he would be successful. He honestly thought that the first book was just an isolated phenomenon. “I said to my wife, ‘Now don’t count on there being any more. This one is just a fluke. I don’t know if there will be another one,’” Bridwell said, according to the BBC. However, Bridwell was wrong. Clifford quickly gained international fame, and a bevy of books was written. Generations of children would fall in love with the big red dog.

Many people have wondered why Bridwell decided to make the iconic pooch a fiery red. Well, the reason why the pooch is fiery is far from premeditated. Mr. Bridwell's wife stated, “Many readers over the years wondered why Clifford was red,” she writes. "The answer," Mrs. Bridwell explained, "was simply that a jar of red paint was on his desk when he sat down to make his first drawing.”  Although the dog's coloration was a simple spur of the moment choice, his color undoubtedly had something to do with the character's success. His bold shading just appealed to audiences and made him memorable. 

When Bridwell passed away in 2014, he left behind an additional two books to be published for fans.