Spike is a cartoon character, a breed of American Creamhound (Bulldog). In the cartoon, Spike is a friend of the tomcat and one of the characters that appear consistently. In reality, there are many different breeds of Cream Dogs, including the English Bulldog and the French Bulldog. While there is no definitive statement showing Spike's breed, it is more certain to have contributed to the popularity of his cartoon character.

2. Character traits of Spike in cartoons

Spike is a kind and gentle dog. He is a friend of Tomcat's, but unlike other dogs featured in the cartoon, he is no match for Tomcat. Among multiple episodes, Spike always won over the audience and became an integral part of the Tom and Jerry cartoon series.

In addition to his kind and gentle nature, Spike is often seen in key moments when saving Tom Cat. It seems that despite not excelling in direct conflict with other characters, Spike still possesses a lithe pace and reassuring presence that is integral to Tom and Jerry.

3. The History of Spike's Creation

The original _creator_ of Tom and Jerry was Hanna & Finbacks (HannaBarbera). The cartoon was introduced in the 1940s and subsequently became a hit on television. Spike made his first appearance in 1942's The Night Before Christmas, where his official name was "Butch the Bulldog". In later versions, Spike was redesigned to be more in keeping with his good-natured, friendly character, and over the next few decades, Spike continued to appear in the Tom and Jerry cartoon series, where his character became increasingly recognized and loved.

4. Spike's Pop Culture Influence

Spike's characters were not only widely loved by the public, but also had a profound impact on pop culture. Spike can be seen in movies, TV shows and other media forms, and even in various merchandise. The cartoon's portrayal of the lovable dog character has gained a cult following and continues to influence the way people live their lives in today's culture.