Hubbry Logo
Turbo DogsTurbo DogsMain
Open search
Turbo Dogs
Community hub
Turbo Dogs
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Turbo Dogs
Turbo Dogs
from Wikipedia
Turbo Dogs
GenreChildren's television series
Sports
Created byScholastic Corporation (characters)
Directed byDenny Silverthorne
Voices ofStacey DePass
Joris Jarsky
Dan Petronijevic
Lyon Smith
Hadley Kay
Peter Cugno
Opening theme"Let's Go, Turbo Dogs!" performed by Trust
Ending theme"Let's Go, Turbo Dogs!" (instrumental)
ComposersBrian Pickett
David Kelly
James Chapple
Graeme Cornies
Country of originCanada
New Zealand
United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes26
Production
Executive producersArnie Zipursky
Trevor Yaxley
Deborah Forte
Jef Kaminsky
ProducersKristine Klohk
Rodney MacDonald
Running time22 minutes
Production companiesCCI Entertainment
Smiley Guy Studios
Huhu Studios
Scholastic Entertainment
Original release
NetworkKids' CBC (Canada)
Qubo (United States)
ReleaseOctober 3, 2008 (2008-10-03) –
May 7, 2011 (2011-05-07)

Turbo Dogs is a Canadian animated television series based on the book Racer Dogs by Bob Kolar.[1] The series is produced by CCI Entertainment and animated by Huhu Studios and Scholastic Entertainment. The show premiered in the United States on Qubo on October 3, 2008[2] and ended on May 7, 2011.

Premise

[edit]

Canine friends Dash, Mags, Strut, Stinkbert, Clutch, and GT learn lessons in friendship, fair play, and teamwork as they pull together to protect their reputations as the fastest dogs in Racerville in the animated series adapted from Bob Kolar's book.[3]

Characters

[edit]
The characters of Turbo Dogs (From left to right): Strut, Mags, Dash, Clutch, Stinkbert, and GT.
  • Dash (voiced by Lyon Smith) is a selfless, thoughtful beagle with a heart of a gold and a healthy spirit of competition. Dash is the leader of the Turbo Dogs who always plays fair. His colors are red and white and his player number is 1 which is colored blue. His gloves have the same color as his number. He does try hard, but he can be hard on himself sometimes. He is also very tidy and neat. In one episode, it was shown that Dash also has a large collection of racing memorabilia and model cars. Dash may have a crush on Mags.
  • Mags (voiced by Stacey DePass) is an American Cocker Spaniel, and the only female Turbo Dog. Never bossy or overbearing, she is one tough girl who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She is responsible and cheerful, and often tends to be the voice of reason when things go awry.[citation needed] She also owns a pet hamster named Lulu. Her colors are purple and orange, her player number is 2. When her helmet is off, she's revealed to have bangs and purple hairbands.
  • GT (voiced by Dan Petronijevic) is a bulldog that is a natural born inventor and mechanic. His colors are blue and white and his player number is 3. It is said that GT can fix just about any car, and "could probably make an engine out of a leash and some empty dog food cans".
  • Strut (voiced by Joris Jarsky) is a dachshund who is his own worst enemy. Strut makes up for his small size by making big plans, that sometimes backfire. He wants to win so badly that he'll break the rules and take shortcuts to make it happen. His colors are blue and yellow and his player number is 5. His car has six tires unlike all the other cars. He is the only one of the Turbo Dogs who regularly uses his car's special apparatus to give him an unfair advantage during the races, however it usually ends up with him spinning out or crashing. If there's a way to get what he wants without working for it, you can be sure he'll try it.
  • Stinkbert (voiced by Hadley Kay) is a terrier with a strong odor who likes garbage. His colors are chartreuse and goldenrod and his player number is 6. He is a Lakeland Terrier. He is shown to have a cheerful and relaxed personality.[citation needed] One of his talents is cooking.
  • Clutch (voiced by Peter Cugno) is a Turbo Dog who is just a bit of a klutz. He is a Bernese Mountain Dog. While all the dogs like him, he's closest to Strut and Stinkbert than he is to Dash, Mags, or GT. As a result, he often gets mixed up in Strut's dastardly plans. His colors are green and yellow and his player number is 7.
  • Cam (voiced by Terry McGurrin) is a Beagle who is the announcer for every race. He is usually seen on the large display screen on the side of his personal airship that he flies above the racetrack during races.
  • Ump (voiced by Ron Pardo) is a German Shepherd. Ump is Racerville Raceway's track official. He is also the flagman for every race, and enforces the track rules.
  • Five (voiced by Joseph Motiki) is a pizza delivery dog who is in charge in the Dog-Gone Pizzeria. Five is usually seen travelling on his pizza-delivery scooter. He got his name from his "five minutes or less" delivery policy.[citation needed]
  • The Chicken is a chicken who attempts to cross the road/track in every episode, and is usually costumed according to the theme of that particular segment. However, no matter how carefully he looks both ways, he is always narrowly missed by whoever is driving by (such as the Turbo Dogs) and sent spinning to the other side of the road, dizzy, but unharmed.
  • Marlene (voiced by Shakura S'Aida) is a spaniel who runs "Marlene's", the shop where the Turbo Dogs get their racing helmets and suits.
  • Officer Sarge Gruffer (voiced by Ron Rubin) is a retriever who is a member of the local highway patrol. When the Turbo Dogs got lost in the fog during a race through the countryside, his laugh was able to guide them home.
  • Zanner Howler (voiced by Peter Cugno) is a young dog who is one half of "the Howler Brothers", and is Dash's biggest fan. He wears a large, gold dog tag around his neck, blue pants, belt, and brown sandals. He likes playing golf, watching TV with his friend Dash, eating snacks, and hanging out with his best friend Fanner. Zanner is from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Australia, and Ukraine.
  • Fanner Howler (voiced by Terry McGurrin) is a small terrier who, along with Zanner, is the other half of "the Howler Brothers". He wears racing gloves and sometimes a cape to emulate his idols, the Turbo Dogs.
  • Rock Rally (voiced by Dwayne Hill) is a German Shepherd and Dash's idol. Rock is actually a movie-star who makes racing movies. Upon visiting the Turbo Dogs home track to make a new film, Dash is pressed into service to double for him in the driving scenes. Dash soon discovers that the reason for this is driving makes Rock "very nervous", and he doesn't do his own driving in his films.
  • Auntie Ratchet (voiced by Catherine Disher) is Dash's aunt. A bright, extremely cheerful little dog who lives in the country, Auntie Ratchet is an inventor and former racer with a surprising number of skills, which she demonstrates.
  • Wrenchini (voiced by Bill Colgatte) is the local master mechanic and garage owner, who is idolized by GT, who obtains parts and occasionally works on or modifies the Turbo Dogs racing cars. He speaks with a German accent.
  • Pit-Crew Dogs are a crew of small Schnauzer-type dogs who do the tire changing, fueling, and other pit work on the Turbo Dogs racing cars.
  • The Alstatian Aces are a sister trio of Cairn Terriers with human hair and eyeglasses. Their names starts with "A".

Reception

[edit]

Turbo Dogs has won the 2009 US iParenting Media Award for Best Product in the television category.[citation needed]

The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, says this about Turbo Dogs:

"This new cartoon takes the creativity ingenuity of the movie CARS and uses dogs instead. For many kids, the combination couldn't be better. Turbo Dogs is a glossy, computer animated toon based on the book Racer Dogs, by Bob Kolar. The series is full of verve, humor and parent-friendly messages about helping your friends and being a good sport. Turbo Dogs ends with its fourth season sometime in 2014."

The Hollywood Reporter writes:

"Bottom Line: Going to the dogs is a good thing in this charming new animated series. The best thing about Turbo Dogs is its flawless animation, and the dogs all are charming in a loopy kind of way. It's all stuff kids will love, and the education they might get - how to behave in the world and find what's important - is an extra added canine attraction."

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateProd.
code
1"Lucky Charm"
"Speak Up"
October 3, 2008 (2008-10-03)101

"Lucky Charm": GT believes that a statue he inherited from his grandfather is a lucky charm, and loses his confidence when the trinket is stolen by Strut and Stinkbert.

"Speak Up": Dash, who is terrified of public speaking, is chosen to call the play-by-play for an upcoming race.
2"Stink Positive"
"Mixed Message"
October 10, 2008 (2008-10-10)102

"Stink Positive": Stinkbert ruins a surprise party when his pungent odor makes his friends exit prematurely, but after he tries to keep clean for their sakes, his friends notice that he isn't exactly happy with it.

"Mixed Message": Strut moves in with Dash after destroying his own house. Unfortunately for Dash, this makes him run late for picking up a replacement helmet.
3"Strut's Trick"
"A Star Turn"
October 17, 2008 (2008-10-17)103

"Strut's Trick": When the Turbo Dogs do what they can to help Strut recuperate from a broken foot, he milks the situation for all it is worth.

"A Star Turn": Clutch has a great day at the track, drawing admiration from all sides.
4"The Cook-Off"
"Strut Delivers"
October 24, 2008 (2008-10-24)104

"The Cook-Off": The Turbo Dogs are enthusiastic when Cam announces a cooking competition. Stinkbert, however, is finding trouble making a dish that others will eat.

"Strut Delivers": The Turbo Dogs all pitch in to plan a party for the unveiling of a statue of Racerville's founder, but a procrastinating Strut threatens to derail plans.
5"Crotchet Surprise"
"Star Attraction"
October 31, 2008 (2008-10-31)105

"Crotchet Surprise": Dash is off to visit his Auntie Ratchet in the countryside, and discovers she is much more fun than anticipated.

"Star Attraction": Everyone in Racerville is excited when movie star Rock Rally comes to town. Dash, however, discovers a secret of his.
6"Marshall Dash"
"Dogs in a Fog"
December 5, 2008 (2008-12-05)106

"Marshall Dash": Dash wins the title of marshal at the race track, but starts to implement rules at the clubhouse that begin to repel his friends.

"Dogs in a Fog": Fog envelops the Cross Country Rally, while Officer Gruffer tries to deal with his own laugh.
7"Five Minutes Flat"
"Wrenchini's Wrench"
December 12, 2008 (2008-12-12)107

"Five Minutes Flat": Strut gets a job at the Dog Gone Pizzeria to prove that five is no better than a Turbo Dog.

"Wrenchini's Wrench": GT learns how hurtful and unfair it is to accuse people wrongly when he blames others for stealing a wrench.
8"Relay Racers"
"Bowled Over"
December 19, 2008 (2008-12-19)108

"Relay Racers": The Turbo Dogs are paired up for the big relay, but when Mags tries to make Stinkbert race like her, she realizes that she forgot the main basics on teamwork.

"Bowled Over": GT discovers that he has a passion and talent for bowling, but as he hounds Mags into joining a bowling team, he learns that it is best not to make someone do more than what they wanted.
9"Race for Treasure"
"Everyone's a Winner"
December 26, 2008 (2008-12-26)109

"Race for Treasure": Stinkbert finds one-half of a map. GT finds the other half. The race is on to be the first to find the treasure.

"Everyone's a Winner": Stinkbert is discouraged after a few near-wins, and decides to quit racing. As the others notice, however, he has yet to fully expunge the racer life from his heart.
10"What a Lulu!"
"Can't Do It All"
March 6, 2009 (2009-03-06)110

"What a Lulu!": Dash learns that he must take responsibility – for his promises and his friendships.

"Can't Do It All": When Mags gets overwhelmed while planning a party, she realizes that she DOES need help and all the Turbo Dogs pitch in.
11"Pinata Party"
"What a Card"
March 14, 2009 (2009-03-14)111

"Pinata Party": Mags throws a party at the clubhouse and gets a specially-made pinata, which Strut fills with water balloons when he feels like he wasn't invited.

"What a Card": Strut and Dash race for Stinkbert's rare and collectible racing card, and Strut employs several cheats to try and win.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Turbo Dogs is a Canadian-New Zealand 3D CGI-animated preschool television series that follows a group of anthropomorphic dogs in the town of Racerville as they engage in high-speed races filled with comedic antics and adventures, while imparting lessons on , , perseverance, and self-confidence. The show is adapted from the children's book Racer Dogs by author and illustrator Bob Kolar, which depicts speedy canines zooming through a vibrant world of competition and camaraderie. Produced primarily by CCI Entertainment in association with New Zealand's Huhu Studios, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and Scholastic Entertainment, Turbo Dogs consists of 52 eleven-minute episodes structured as 26 half-hour installments, each typically featuring two self-contained stories. The series premiered in Canada on in 2008 and debuted in the United States on the network later that year, running through 2011 with reruns on various children's programming blocks. Executive producers included Arnie Zipursky and Trevor Yaxley from CCI, alongside Deborah Forte and Jef Kaminsky from Scholastic, emphasizing high-energy animation tailored for young audiences. At the heart of the series are the titular Turbo Dogs—a tight-knit team of racers including the optimistic leader (voiced by Smith), the clever Mags (Stacey DePass), the strong GT (), the boastful Strut (), the inventive Stinkbert (Hadley Kay), and the laid-back Clutch (Peter Cugno)—who navigate challenges on the racetrack and in , often outsmarting rivals like the cunning Alsatian Aces. Through their escapades, such as "Strut's Trick" or "Jokes on You," the characters model positive and problem-solving, making the show a staple for in the late preschool market.

Plot and characters

Premise

Turbo Dogs is an animated that centers on a group of anthropomorphic dogs residing in the fictional town of Racerville, where they engage in high-speed races using customized vehicles. The show emphasizes core themes such as , , fair play, perseverance, and self-confidence through the characters' racing adventures. Adapted from the 2003 children's Racer Dogs by Bob Kolar, which introduces similar canine racers, the series expands the concept into stories focused on competitive challenges and personal growth. In a typical , the main characters—such as and his friends—face a race or obstacle that imparts a specific life lesson, incorporating comedic elements arising from their distinct personalities and occasional mishaps during competitions. The overall tone of Turbo Dogs is light-hearted and educational, designed for audiences aged 3-6, blending action-packed sequences with humor and positive messaging while avoiding any depictions of violence.

Characters

The main characters of Turbo Dogs form the core racing team known as the Turbo Dogs, a group of anthropomorphic canines in the town of Racerville who compete in high-speed races while learning about friendship and cooperation. Dash, a brave beagle and the team's leader, is characterized by his selfless and competitive spirit, always prioritizing fair play and motivating his friends during races. Voiced by Lyon Smith, Dash's energetic performance suits the character's role as the group's inspirational racer. Mags, the team's only female member, is a clever known for her calm intelligence and level-headed advice, often helping resolve conflicts within the group. Stacey DePass provides her voice, delivering a poised yet enthusiastic tone ideal for young audiences. GT, an inventive bulldog and the team's mechanic, excels at repairing and modifying vehicles with his gadget-filled creations, reflecting his problem-solving personality. Dan Petronijevic voices GT, bringing a boisterous energy to the role. Strut, a sneaky , frequently bends rules with clever tricks to gain an edge in races, adding mischief to the team's dynamics. lends his voice, capturing Strut's sly and creative flair. Stinkbert, a messy terrier with an obsession for garbage, contributes humor through his unkempt habits and unconventional ideas, often leading to comedic mishaps. Hadley Kay voices the character, emphasizing his quirky and fun-loving nature. Clutch, a clumsy but kind-hearted , provides loyal support to the team despite his frequent stumbles, highlighting themes of perseverance. Peter Cugno voices Clutch, infusing warmth and relatability into the performance. Each character's design incorporates their dog breed traits—such as Dash's alert beagle ears or GT's sturdy bulldog build—while their personalized racing vehicles enhance their personalities, like GT's gadget-filled car equipped with inventive tools. Supporting characters include Cam, the enthusiastic race announcer who commentates on events with excitement; Ump, the strict German shepherd official who enforces rules and starts races with his flag; and Five, a speedy pizza delivery dog who occasionally assists the team. Rivals and mentors appear sporadically in Racerville, challenging the Turbo Dogs and reinforcing lessons in teamwork. The voice cast was chosen for their ability to deliver vibrant, kid-friendly portrayals that align with the series' focus on energetic adventures and positive messages.

Production

Development

Turbo Dogs originated as an adaptation of Bob Kolar's 2003 children's Racer Dogs, published by Dutton Juvenile, which introduced the concept of anthropomorphic dogs engaged in racing but featured a single, static narrative without ongoing character development. The series was co-produced by Scholastic Media and Canada's CCI Entertainment, in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), with development focused on transforming the book's premise into a preschool-targeted animated program incorporating educational themes such as , , and perseverance to align with Scholastic's goals for child-oriented content. Key creative choices included expanding the book's ensemble of racer dogs into a dynamic team facing episodic adventures, emphasizing life lessons through racing scenarios to engage young audiences while promoting positive social values. The project was initially pitched to family-friendly networks, securing pre-sales to in the United States for broadcast, with production planned for 26 half-hour episodes comprising a single season. Denny Silverthorne served as director, overseeing the narrative adaptation, while executive producers included Arnie Zipursky and Trevor Yaxley from CCI Entertainment, alongside Deborah Forte and Jef Kaminsky from Scholastic Media.

Animation and crew

Turbo Dogs is a 3D CGI-animated series produced by CCI Entertainment in , with animation handled by Huhu Studios in and Scholastic Entertainment . The animation style features vibrant colors and dynamic racing sequences designed to engage young audiences, emphasizing high-speed vehicle chases and humorous antics in the fictional town of Racerville. Each episode runs approximately 22 minutes, incorporating fast-paced visuals that highlight the anthropomorphic dogs' customized vehicles, such as Dash's speedy racer, to convey themes of speed and . The production involved key crew members focused on technical execution, including animation director Denny Silverthorne and supervising producer for animation Jonas Diamond, who oversaw the CGI modeling and rigging for fluid motion in racing scenes. Writers contributed educational scripts integrating lessons on teamwork and perseverance, while editors ensured tight pacing to maintain viewer attention. Music editor Adam Axbey handled the upbeat, energetic score composed to match the racing themes, featuring lively tracks that underscore excitement and resolution. Sound design, led by dialogue editors Paul O'Brien and Kerri Silva along with re-recording mixer Stephen Traub, incorporated comedic sound effects for gags like crashes and inventive mishaps, enhancing the humorous tone without major production controversies. Animation and post-production were completed by mid-2008, allowing for a fall premiere and aligning with the series' run from 2008 to 2011.

Release

Broadcast history

Turbo Dogs premiered in the United States on , a children's programming block on , on October 3, 2008, with its debut episode airing at 3:30 p.m. ET. The series also launched in on Kids' CBC the following day, October 4, 2008. The show produced 26 episodes, with new episodes airing from October 2008 through 2010, followed by reruns that continued until May 7, 2011, on both networks. In the United States, Turbo Dogs aired weekly on Fridays as part of Qubo's afternoon lineup on Ion Television, targeting preschool viewers during accessible time slots. It also broadcast on NBC's Saturday morning schedule starting October 4, 2008, and appeared on Telemundo's weekend mornings to reach a broader audience, including Spanish-speaking households. In Canada, the series typically aired on Saturdays on Kids' CBC, aligning with family viewing hours for young children. These placements emphasized Qubo's focus on educational content for early learners. Beyond , Turbo Dogs benefited from its co-production between Canada's CCI Entertainment and New Zealand's Huhu Studios, leading to distribution in and select international markets through Scholastic Media partnerships. The series reached audiences in additional countries via dubbed or subtitled versions, though primary emphasis remained on English-language broadcasts in core production territories. The 26-episode season maintained a consistent weekly format, with each half-hour installment featuring two 11-minute stories. This structure supported Qubo's educational programming block, where Turbo Dogs aired alongside similar preschool shows like Pajanimals, promoting themes of teamwork and adventure for children aged 3 to 6.

Home media

The home media releases of Turbo Dogs were primarily distributed through partnerships with and Scholastic, targeting young audiences with educational content. The first DVD volume, Turbo Dogs: Everyone's a Winner, was released in 2009 by and features four episodes focused on themes of perseverance and fun racing antics. A follow-up volume, Turbo Dogs: Racing with the Team, arrived in 2010, also containing four episodes that emphasize teamwork and rule-following, with some editions including bonus features such as clips and interactive games. Complete series sets encompassing all 26 episodes have been made available through specialty retailers like 90sDVDs, often as custom or region-free compilations for nostalgic collectors. These physical releases achieved modest commercial success, bolstered by the series' appeal as an educational tool for children learning about and . In terms of streaming, select episodes are accessible on Prime Video as of 2025, including volumes 1 and 2 with up to 13 episodes each, though full seasons are not available on or Disney+. Official Qubo clips can be found on , providing free previews of episodes. Internationally, home media distribution was limited, with DVD releases in via eOne Films and digital downloads available on during the 2010s; similar limited editions appeared in tied to its co-production involvement.

Episodes

Season structure

Turbo Dogs consists of a single season comprising 26 half-hour episodes, each approximately 22 minutes in length (excluding commercials). These episodes are structured as self-contained stories centered around challenges faced by the Turbo Dogs, typically resolving within the episode to emphasize key lessons. Each full episode often features two 11-minute segments, allowing for distinct but related narratives that fit within the standard half-hour broadcast slot, including time for opening and as well as a brief moral recap. The series employs loose thematic arcs across its episodes, with early installments focusing on foundational concepts like and overcoming personal fears, while later ones explore perseverance and the value of fair play. For instance, initial stories highlight collaborative problem-solving during races, whereas subsequent episodes address resilience in the face of setbacks, all without extending into multi-episode storylines to maintain for young viewers. This episodic format reinforces the show's educational goals, drawing from the core themes of and inspired by the original book Racer Dogs. Production codes for the episodes are sequential, numbered from 101 to 126, which correspond to their order of production and alignment with initial air dates on networks like . The series concluded after this single season, with no additional seasons produced following its final episode in 2011.

Episode summaries

The Turbo Dogs series consists of 26 half-hour episodes (52 segments total) in its first season, each featuring two 11-minute segments that typically revolve around a race or challenge in Racerville, resolving with a team victory and a moral lesson for the characters. Below is a list of the episodes, organized by half-hour installments with paired segment titles, air dates (Canadian where known), and brief synopses drawn from descriptions. Note: This covers the first 13 episodes; the remaining 13 episodes include titles such as "Mags' Promise" / "You're Both Right," "The Case of the Broken Trophy" / "The Dog's Got Talent," and others, airing primarily in 2009-2011. For the full list, see .
EpisodeSegment 1 TitleSegment 2 TitleAir DateSynopsisKey Lesson
1Lucky CharmSpeak UpOctober 3, 2008GT inherits a statue from his grandfather and believes it is a lucky charm responsible for his racing success; when Strut steals it, GT struggles in a race but ultimately wins by relying on his own skills, retrieving the statue in the process. Dash is selected to announce a big race but fears public speaking; after failed attempts to mimic others, he speaks authentically during the event, helping the team secure victory.Success comes from personal skill, not superstition. Be yourself to overcome fears.
2Stink PositiveMixed MessageOctober 10, 2008Stinkbert's strong odor accidentally ruins Clutch's surprise party, leading to embarrassment during a casual race; he embraces his trait positively, turning it into an advantage to help the team finish strong. Strut moves in with Dash after his house is fumigated, but his pranks lead to misunderstandings during a relay race; clear communication resolves the chaos, allowing the Turbo Dogs to win.Embrace your unique qualities with positive thinking. Effective communication prevents conflicts.
3Strut's TrickA Star TurnOctober 17, 2008Strut fakes a foot injury to gain attention and sympathy before a race; when exposed by Mags, he confesses and participates honestly, contributing to the team's success. Clutch gains fame from a racing stunt but skips practice, nearly costing the team a relay; pairing with Stinkbert teaches him the value of consistent effort, leading to a comeback win.Honesty builds better relationships than deception. Practice and teamwork outweigh fleeting fame.
4The Cook-OffStrut DeliversOctober 24, 2008Stinkbert enters a cook-off tied to a pre-race event but doubts his abilities; with encouragement from the team, his unique dish wins, boosting morale for the main race victory. Strut procrastinates on delivering party invitations for a racing celebration; he fulfills the task at the last moment, ensuring everyone attends and the team celebrates their win.Confidence in your strengths leads to success. Responsibility ensures positive outcomes.
5Crochet SurpriseStar AttractionOctober 31, 2008Dash visits his aunt expecting boredom, but discovers her inventive racing gadgets during a test run; inspired, he applies her ideas to help the team dominate a gadget-themed race. Dash serves as a stunt double for celebrity Rock Rally in a film race scene; when Rally takes undue credit, Dash focuses on his own talents to lead the real race to victory.Don't judge others' abilities prematurely. Recognize and value your own strengths.
6Marshal DashDogs in a FogDecember 5, 2008Dash is appointed marshal to enforce rules at the track, but overdoes it during a chaotic race; learning balance, he adjusts to fair play, guiding the team to a united win. A thick fog disrupts a nighttime race, causing confusion; the Turbo Dogs use teamwork and trust to navigate, emerging first at the finish line.Fair rules promote teamwork. Trust in friends overcomes uncertainty.
7Five Minutes FlatWrenchini's WrenchDecember 12, 2008The team aims to complete a pit stop in five minutes for a timed race challenge; through coordinated effort, they achieve it, securing the overall race triumph. GT loses his favorite wrench before a crucial repair race; improvising with team help, he fixes vehicles faster than opponents, clinching the event.Efficiency comes from collaboration. Adaptability aids problem-solving.
8Relay RacersBowled OverDecember 19, 2008In a relay race, mispasses nearly derail the team; synchronized handoffs learned mid-event allow the Turbo Dogs to surge ahead and win. A bowling-themed race obstacle bowls over the competitors; the team recovers by supporting each other, knocking down the final pins to victory.Coordination is key in team relays. Resilience turns setbacks into wins.
9Race for TreasureEveryone's a WinnerDecember 26, 2008Stinkbert and GT find halves of a treasure map, leading to a competitive hunt race; combining forces, they restore an antique car and claim the prize together. Stinkbert considers quitting racing after close losses; encouraged by friends, he participates for fun in a non-competitive event, finding joy in the team's shared success.Collaboration uncovers greater rewards. Participation brings fulfillment beyond winning.
10What a Lulu!Can't Do It AllMarch 6, 2009Dash promises to care for Mags' hamster Lulu but neglects it during race prep, causing an escape; responsible actions reunite them, aiding the team's focus for victory. Mags tries to organize a party and race alone, leading to overload; accepting team help completes both successfully, with a flawless event win.Keeping promises builds trust. Teamwork handles big tasks.
11Piñata PartyWhat a CardMarch 14, 2009Strut pranks a piñata at a party-race by filling it with water balloons, feeling excluded; apologizing integrates him back, turning the event into a team triumph. Strut sabotages Dash's racing card collection out of jealousy before a card-themed challenge race; confessing leads to a fair competition and mutual respect win.Apologies strengthen friendships. Fair play fosters respect.
12Fair PlayKing for a DayDecember 20, 2008During a fairground race, temptations for cheating arise; sticking to fair play, the Turbo Dogs outpace cheaters and earn the crowd's admiration in victory. One dog is crowned "king" for a day, leading to bossy behavior in a royal-themed race; humility restores team harmony for the win.Integrity leads to true success. Humility enhances leadership.
13Jokes on YouThe Surprise SurpriseMarch 7, 2009Strut's excessive pranks during a humor-themed race alienate friends and cause a blimp mishap; moderating his humor reunites the team for a laughing victory. Dash and Mags plan a surprise gift for GT but exclude him accidentally before a gift-exchange race; revealing it early builds excitement, leading to team joy and win.Humor should uplift, not harm. Inclusion makes surprises better.
Later episodes (14-26) continue similar themes, with examples including "Mags' Promise" (Mags learns the value of keeping promises to friends), "Alsatian Aces" (teamwork against rivals), and "" (overcoming fears), airing through 2011.

Reception

Critical reception

Turbo Dogs received generally positive reception from critics and audiences for its engaging and educational themes aimed at preschoolers. awarded the series 3 out of 5 stars, praising its zany characters, funny stories, and fast-paced action that promote values like , , fair play, , hard work, and good , though it noted the plots follow a somewhat formulaic structure centered on challenges. Audience feedback echoed these sentiments, with the series holding an rating of 7.2 out of 10 based on 105 user votes, where viewers appreciated the lovable characters and passable computer-generated graphics that make it attractive to children despite some finding the jokes lame. Parents on commended the great messages and entertainment value, noting that young children, such as 3- to 6-year-olds, preferred it over other cartoons and found it engaging, even if the deeper lessons were not always fully grasped. review emphasized its educational fun, teaching lessons in , asking for help, following rules, and through episodes. Critiques often focused on the series' strong emphasis on inclusivity and non-violent action, with the female lead Mags serving as a positive for her level-headedness and dedication in a male-dominated cast, though reviewers pointed out the shortage of additional female characters as a potential of stereotypes in the theme. The non-competitive yet spirited races provided action without aggression, aligning with programming standards. In the 2020s, Turbo Dogs has maintained a nostalgic appeal, where full episodes continue to draw families, and parents highlight its enduring educational impact on .

Awards

Turbo Dogs received the 2009 iParenting Media Award for Best Product in the Television category, recognizing its educational value for parents and children. The series' DVD release, Turbo Dogs: Racing with the Team, earned the Dove Foundation's "Family-Approved" Seal for all ages, praised for its wholesome content promoting positive values like and perseverance. The show did not receive major nominations from prestigious awards such as the or . It garnered minor recognition within children's media circles, including a KIDS FIRST! endorsement from the Coalition for Quality Children's Media, highlighted by distributor Scholastic Media for its quality programming. Internationally, the series earned positive nods in Canadian media, with featuring it as a highlight for its engaging, family-friendly animation tied to its CBC broadcast. These accolades underscored the show's educational appeal, aligning with critical praise for its lessons in social values.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.