[1] The character of Deputy Dawg originated in 1959 as part of a projected series entitled Possible Possum, intended as a component of the Captain Kangaroo Show.

Midway through production, the project was overhauled as a standalone series; Deputy Dawg became the star, and "Possible" was rechristened Muskie Muskrat, to avoid comparisons with Walt Kelly's comic strip character Pogo Possum.

The other main characters are the "varmints" Muskie Muskrat, Ty Coon, Vincent van Gopher, and Pig Newton, as well as Dawg's boss the Sheriff and his wife Mrs.

[5] Much of the comedy in the cartoons is sight gag/action-based, with additional humor provided by comical dialects and stereotypical southern characteristics.

Many storylines involve Deputy Dawg battling with peculiar locals and trying to please the Sheriff, as well as protecting his produce from Muskie and Vince.