Disney cartoon Goofy isn't actually a dog

The Walt Disney Company has been going strong now for over 100 years after first being founded way back when in 1923.

Over the decades, we've seen countless Disney princes and princesses, nostalgia-inducing soundtracks, and a famous gang of cartoon characters - AKA the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse crew.

The main characters are, of course, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.

And while it's pretty obvious what animals the first four are, given that it's quite literally in their name, some fans are only now just clocking that Goofy isn't actually a dog.

Goofy, who is synonymous with his iconic turtleneck, waistcoat, signature white gloves, blue trousers and hat combo, was first developed in 1932. And, interestingly, he was initially referred to as 'Dippy Dawg'.

The voice actor behind Goofy revealed that he's not actually a dog (Disney)

Due to that, paired with his lengthy snout, black button nose, whiskers and floppy ears, it's no wonder people were convinced after all this time he was a pooch.

But, according to the actor who voiced Goofy for so many years, he isn't actually a dog at all.

Bill Farmer, the 'official voice' of Goofy from 1987 right up until now, told Yahoo Entertainment, back in 2020: "Goofy is not a dog.

"Pluto is a dog, but Goofy seems to be in the canine family in the same way that a wolf is not a dog, but they also are in the canine family."

Bill continued: "I think Canis Goofus is the technical Latin term for what Goofy is.

"He’s just Goofy."

Pluto, however, is the gang's pet dog - so there is a four-legged friend involved in the gang.

Goofy first appeared in 1932. (Disney)

The voice actor is the seventh actor to provide the voice of Goofy, as he recalled: "He was my favourite Disney character.

"I grew up doing voices, and I loved cartoons. I always practised the voices and became a stand-up comic impressionist for about five years before moving to LA."

After catching light of the bombshell revelation, Disney fans rushed to social media to share their thoughts. Disney fans have since taken to social media to share their complete and utter shock.

One wrote: "I will refuse to acknowledge that Goofy is anything but a dog for eternity."

Another added: "WHAT? GOOFY IS NOT A DOG! I am truly shocked."

While a third commented: "They say Hello Kitty isn't a cat too..."

Well, I guess you really do learn something new every day!