Animation lovers have reason to celebrate: Bill Plympton’s iconic short film Guard Dog is officially available to stream for free on YouTube. Originally released in 2004, this five-minute gem of surreal comedy has earned its place as a cornerstone of independent animation — and now, it’s finding new life with a digital audience two decades later.
The unforgettable short that redefined cartoon comedy
Created entirely by hand at Plympton’s studio, Plymptoons, Guard Dog takes viewers into the wildly imaginative (and slightly paranoid) mind of man’s best friend. The premise is simple yet brilliantly executed: why do dogs bark at harmless critters like pigeons or squirrels? The film answers that question with a mix of dark humor, exaggerated visuals, and Plympton’s signature squiggly animation style.
In the story, the titular dog imagines absurd and increasingly grotesque dangers posed by innocent animals — turning every trip to the park into a life-or-death scenario. The comedy lies in the contrast between the real-world tranquility and the dog’s over-the-top fears, making it both hilarious and oddly relatable to any pet owner
A decorated short with global recognition
Upon its release, Guard Dog became one of the most celebrated short animations of the 2000s. It earned a nomination for Best Animated Short at the 2005 Academy Awards, placing Plympton’s unique vision on a global stage. The film also won numerous accolades, including Best in Show from ASIFA-East, a Special Prize from the Hiroshima International Animation Festival, and the Audience Award at Sweden’s Uppsala International Short Film Festival.
It was shown in theaters alongside Plympton’s feature Hair High, toured internationally with The Animation Show, and has since been preserved in the Academy Film Archive — an honor reserved for culturally significant works of cinema.
The evolution of a slobbery indie icon
Guard Dog didn’t just mark a high point in Plympton’s career — it birthed a character that would become a recurring figure in his animated universe. The anxious canine reappeared in three follow-up shorts: Guide Dog (2006), Hot Dog (2008), and Horn Dog (2009). He even made cameos in the features Idiots and Angels (2009) and Cheatin’ (2013), as well as in the animated music video for “TMZ” by Weird Al Yankovic (2011).
For Plympton, this character has become something of a mascot. “He’s my Mickey Mouse,” the director has said — a recognition of the dog’s resonance with audiences and its role in defining his artistic identity.
Where to watch and explore more Plympton projects
Fans old and new can now experience Guard Dog directly on Bill Plympton’s official YouTube channel or explore more of his quirky and heartfelt work at plymptoons.com. The website features streaming options, merchandise, and updates on upcoming projects from the Emmy-winning animator.
