Turbo Dogs
Cruising canines share social values with kids.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this CGI animated series incorporates lessons about friendship, self-confidence, teamwork, and perseverance in its fun-filled stories. Kids will relate to the issues that arise in the canine characters' lives (helping a friend who's feeling blue, for instance) and may pick up some tips from the endearing pups on navigating their own relationships with others. Although one character often breaks rules to better his chances of winning, his underhanded methods are always foiled in the end, and the sticky situations remind kids that cheating really doesn't pay off.
Community Reviews
Report this review
ok for the prek and kindergarten set
Report this review
What's the Story?
TURBO DOGS follows the antics of a group of fun-loving canines with a passion for racing. Based on the picture book Racer Dogs by Bob Kolar, the series is set in the colorful burg of Racerville and centers on the town's speediest group of dogs: Dash (voiced by Lyon Smith), Mags (Stacey DePass), GT (Dan Petronijevic), Strut (Joris Jarsky), Clutch (Peter Cugno), and Stinkbert (Hadley Kay). Though the pooches are competitors on the track, they're always fast friends in the end, showing kids that no matter what the problem, cooperation, hard work, and good sportsmanship are the keys to overcoming life's little pitfalls.
Is It Any Good?
Turbo Dogs has all the qualities of a sure-fire kid pleaser: zany characters, funny stories, and fast-paced action. Young viewers will get a kick out of sneaky Strut's creative but ill-fated attempts to weasel his way to racing victory (think giant magnets on extendable car appendages), Stinkbert's deep love of all things trash, and, of course, the high-octane races.
Meanwhile, parents will be pleased that the series wins on another level, promoting valuable messages about teamwork, friendship, and fair play through its well-crafted stories. If a flaw can be found, it's in the noticeable shortage of female characters (there's only one), which seemingly promotes the stereotype that cars are a "guy thing." But girls who do tune in will find a positive role model in Mags, whose skill on the track is matched by her level-headedness and loyalty to her friends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about good sportsmanship. How do the Turbo Dogs react to winning a race? Do they gloat over their victory or accept congratulations respectfully? How do they act when they lose?
Are there any characters who aren't good sports? Have you ever known someone who didn't play fair? How does it change your enjoyment of the game?
How important is winning to you? How do you define being a winner?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 3, 2008
- Cast: Dan Petronijevic, Lyon Smith, Stacey DePass
- Networks: ION, NBC, qubo
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Cars and Trucks, Friendship
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: September 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Cars
Pixar comedy is full of four-wheeled fun.
-
Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks
Big-wheeled fun that's heavy on positive messages.
-
Dive Olly Dive
Underwater fun with positive social messages.
For kids who love exciting animation
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate