Countless screen pooches have pawed their way into our hearts, but for many Australians there is only one top dog: Wags, best friend of a pirate, botherer of octopuses, and beloved background dancer. In 1995, the Wiggles introduced him with his very own song, ‘Wags the Dog’.

In this clip from Anthony’s Friend, the first episode of the TV show The Wiggles, we’re greeted by Wags performing a magic show, complete with whacky sound effects and a vibrantly playful set. His limelight is stolen by the entrance of Captain Feathersword (Paul Paddick) on a unicycle, and Wags has to abandon the stage in favour of helping out his very (silly) best friend.

It’s a great introduction to the playful relationship between the two, and demonstrates the Wiggles’ savvy ability to tap into a reversal of norms, something that delights children. Captain Feathersword tries to teach Wags some new tricks – but ends up demonstrating them all while the dog lounges in a deckchair. Watching a grown man crawl around a set dressed as a pirate with a stick in his mouth must have been a delight for the film crew as well as the kids.

Who was inside the suit? Wags has been played by multiple people over the years, most notably Anthony Field (the Blue Wiggle and the original Captain Feathersword) and Paul Field, each of them breathing charming life into the man-sized canine.

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