Mickey’s Lesser Known Friends

You know Donald and Goofy and Pluto, but maybe you don't know Peter Pig or Gideon Goat who were also friends of Mickey Mouse. Here's to those characters who deserved more respect. I wanted to give them a moment to shine! Who are your favorites?

Clarabelle Cow

First appearance: Steamboat Willie (1928)

Established appearance: The Shindig (1930)

Clarabelle Cow has been around as long as Mickey and Minnie making her first appearance in Steamboat Willie, but she rarely gets the respect she deserves. She is often paired with Horace Horsecollar, but sometimes she is with Goofy. She's clumsy, but lovable. Recently, she's seen a resurgence, especially in the parks but also becoming a regular character in The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. While she's seen as a background character in the US, she is a main character in Italian comics. Way to go, Italy!

Horace Horsecollar

First appearance: The Plowboy (1929)

Horace Horsecollar is older than Donald and Goofy having made his first appearance in 1929's The Plowboy, but we sadly don't know Horace as well. Horace is prominent in the comic books often solving crimes with his pal Mickey. He is generally an affable fellow, although, he can have a temper a times, especially when sleuthing with Mickey, which can often get him into trouble. He is often seen around town kicking it up with Clarabelle Cow.

Clara Cluck

First appearance: Orphan's Benefit (1934)

Clara Cluck is the diva of the bunch, often singing chicken opera in the cartoons she's been in. Some believe her to be the hen in The Wise Little Hen, especially since they were voiced by Florence Gill. But, it is generally accepted that she first appears in 1934's Orphan's Benefit. While she is all but gone from other media, she still thrives as a major character in the comics. She has even been seen dating Panchito Pistoles, the rooster member of The Three Caballeros!

Peter Pig

First appearance: The Wise Little Hen (1934)

Do you know who Peter Pig made his first appearance with? He was Donald Duck's buddy in 1934's The Wise Little Hen. Despite that, Peter Pig never had neither a long movie or comics career, unlike Mickey's other lesser known friends. He was a lazy little tubby guy who also made appearances in The Band Concert and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Gideon Goat

First appearance: Mickey Mouse Book #1 (1930)

Unlike Mickey's other lesser known friends, Gideon Goat made his first appearance in the comics instead of the movies, appearing in Mickey Mouse Book #1. He was always a supporting character, often being a farmer or sheriff. Gideon, or Giddy as he was also known, was supposed to appear in 1935's The Band Concert, but was ultimately replaced with a dog playing a trombone.