Difference Between Chip and Dale

July 2023 · 5 minute read

Chip and dale are cartoon characters that were introduced as a duo by The Walt Disney Company in 1943. These chipmunks, who had humanlike behavior, initially featured as antagonists in the show ‘Private Pluto’. Later on, they also appeared against Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. In 1947, they had their own series, Chip an’ Dale. 

Their names were derived from the famous 18th-century cabinet maker and furniture designer, Thomas Chippendale, as wordplay. When they were first introduced, both Chip and Dale had no names and were identical in appearance. To prevent confusion, they were later given names and specific physical attributes by which they could be told apart easily. 

Chip vs Dale

The main difference between Chip and Dale is that Chip has a small black-colored nose and centered teeth that jut out from his mouth while Dale has a large nose that is dark red in color and buck teeth that have a huge gap between them. 

Apart from this, Chip and Dale have many physical attributes that differ from each other. Furthermore, the two chipmunks even have different behaviors and personalities.

Comparison Table Between Chip and Dale

Parameters of Comparison ChipDale
NoseChip has a small black-colored nose that is triangular in shape. Dale has a large dark red nose that has the shape of an ellipse
TeethChip has two front teeth that jut out from his mouth. Dale has two front teeth that have a huge gap between them. 
EyesChip has large eyes that are black in color. Dale has smaller eyes than Chip. 
Body-colorChip’s fur is dark brown in color. Dale’s fur is light brown and brighter than Chip. 
HairChip has short and groomed fur on top of his head. Dale has messy hair and bangs on top of his head. 
PersonalityChip is portrayed as clever, focused, fearless, bossy, logical, fast thinker, and always the one to come up with new ideas. Dale is portrayed as dim-witted, clumsy, laid-back, impulsive, carefree, fun-loving, and having a strong sense of humor. 

Who is Chip?

Chip is an anthropomorphic cartoon character who was introduced alongside his chipmunk brother, Dale. Chip has two small front teeth, large black colored eyes, and a triangular-shaped nose which is black in color. His fur is dark brown in color and his hair is short and groomed. 

Out of the two chipmunks, Chip is portrayed to be the one who always comes up with new ideas. He is a fast thinker, clever, fearless, bossy, logical, and smarter out of the two. 

The cartoon character of Chip was voiced by Jimmy MacDonald from 1943 to 1960. In 1956, Chip appeared in ‘Chips Ahoy’, a theatrical short with Dale and Donald Duck. In this short, Chip’s was voiced by Helen Silbert. 

Subsequently, Tress MacNeille voiced Chip in the animated adventure comedy television series, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Since then, Chip’s character has been voiced by Tress MacNeille alone.

Who is Dale?

Similar to Chip, Dale is an anthropomorphic cartoon character who was introduced alongside his brother in 1943. Dale has two teeth on either side of his mouth, slightly smaller eyes than Chip, and an ellipse-like shaped nose. His fur is light brown in color and is brighter than Chip’s fur. His hair is messy and slightly longer than Chips. 

Dale is portrayed as Chip’s dim-witted and clumsy brother. Dale has an impulsive, carefree, and fun-loving personality as well as a strong sense of humor. He is always the one to gave Chip a headache. 

Dale’s character was voiced by Dessie Flynn from 1943 to 1960. In the short ‘Pluto’s Christmas Tree’ (1952), Dale was voiced by Dessie Miller. From 1988 to the present day, Corey Burton has been voicing Dale’s character.

Main Differences Between Chip and Dale

  • Chip has a small triangular shaped nose that is black in color while Dale had an ellipse-shaped nose which is either brown, black, or red, depending on the short he appears in. 
  • Chip has two front teeth that are centered and jot out of his mouth while Dale has two teeth on either side of his mouth with a prominent gap between them. 
  • Chip has large, gooey eyes that are black in color while Dale has comparatively smaller eyes than Chip. 
  • Chip has short, smooth, and groomed hair on top of his head while Dale has longer, messy hair. 
  • Chip’s fur is dark brown in color while Dale’s fur is light brown in color and brighter than Chip.
  • Chip is portrayed as clever, fearless, focused, bossy, and logical while Dale is portrayed as a dim-witted, clumsy, impulsive, laid-back, and carefree chipmunk who has a strong sense of humor.
  • Conclusion

    Chip and Dale were a duo of cunning and mischievous chipmunks who had humanlike behavior. They were introduced by The Walt Disney Company in 1943. Initially, they were featured as antagonists in the theatrical short, ‘Private Pluto’.

    Chip and Dale were given their own series ‘Chip an’ Dale’ in 1947. Later on, they appeared against Donald Duck as well as Mickey Mouse. 

    Chip and Dale were initially identical and had no names. To prevent confusion, Dale was given a red nose in contrast with Chip. Dale’s eyes were made to be a little smaller, his fur a little brighter, and his hair was made messier. 

    Disney has now made differentiating the two chipmunks easier. Both have their names written on their feet which can be seen when they sit or spread their legs. 

    Along with physical attributes, Chip and Dale also have different behaviors. Chip is always portrayed as clever, focused, and bossy while Dale has more of a dim-witted, clumsy, and laid-back personality.

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