Hairy MacLary

YMA recommendation

Approved as non-violent media, with caution. Accidental harm; Distressing scenes

Most suitable age range:

2-4

Availability

At time of review, screening on DVD.

Many items on the list of non-violent media may be available for either purchase or hire. Click here for some ideas of where to look for them.

About the program

Year of production	1995
Classification advice
Rating	G
Consumer advice lines	None
Duration	5 minutes

Other information
Country of origin	NZ
Production Company	New Zealand On Air

Synopsis

Based on the books by Linley Dodd, Hairy Maclary tells the rhyming adventures of a little dog from Donaldson’s Dairy as he goes about town with his canine friends all the while trying to avoid Scarface Claw, the nastiest cat in town.

Points to consider

Words of caution

Hairy and his friends are surprised by Scarface Claw who was lurking in the bushes. There is a suspenseful scene when he lashes out with a claw and sends the group fleeing back to their homes.
In one episode a lady is tripped over in a veterinary clinic after the animals present cause chaos: a bird bites a tail, animals get out of their cages, legs get tangled in leashes, etc.

Positive aspects

promotes language development through the use of rhyme and repetition
shows friendliness and determination
depicts common aspects of life from a dog’s point of view.

Questions to ask

Why do you suppose that hairy and the other dogs are so afraid of Scarface Claw?
Is there a way that they could all work together to solve their problems?