[2] The character was inspired by author Norman Bridwell's childhood desire to own a dog the size of a horse.

[3] In 1962, Bridwell included paintings of what would become Clifford the Big Red Dog (who was named ‘Tiny’ at the time) in a portfolio of children's literature illustrations.

In the process of showcasing his portfolio for publishing houses, Susan Hirschman at Harper & Row suggested that Bridwell turn his drawings into a children's story.

In July 1988, Scholastic Studios, Nelvana Limited, and Family Home Entertainment released Clifford's Fun with..., a videotape series with a theme song composed by Phillip Namanworth and Benjamin Goldstein.

Scholastic Media produced a 65-episode adaptation shown on PBS Kids, which aired from September 2000 to February 2003.

In May 2012, it was reported that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment would make a live-action/CGI animated feature film based on the book.

Matt Lopez had been hired to write the script, while Chris Meledandri and Deborah Forte would produce the film.

[24] Although it was surprisingly screened at CinemaCon on August 26, 2021,[25] it was later announced that the film would be released theatrically and digitally on Paramount+ on November 10, 2021.