Why Socks Doesn't Talk In Bluey

Socks Is Still A Puppy In Bluey Season 1

Bluey follows a family of talking dogs who act more like humans, but one character noticeably doesn't speak much when they're introduced: Socks Heeler. Socks is Bluey and Bingo's youngest cousin, and she appears in a number of episodes throughout the children's show's three seasons. Unlike the rest of Bluey's characters, Socks speaks in a jumble of dog noises and toddler gibberish. She also walks like a dog in season 1, something that's immediately noticeable when she first appears in Bluey episode 7, 'BBQ.' Socks' unique way of walking and talking sets her apart during Bluey's early seasons, but the character makes progress on both fronts in season 3. She also speaks in full sentences in the Bluey bonus episode, 'Honk.' Socks' behavior raises questions about why she appears different from Bluey's other characters in season 1. It's also sparked interesting theories about her behavior.

Uncle Stripes with a veil on his head and Socks looking angry in Bluey

One plausible explanation for Socks' way of walking and talking in Bluey season 1 is that she's still a puppy. The youngest member of the Heeler tribe, Socks is still going through the stages of being a toddler when she's introduced. It's possible that this is why she hasn't mastered the mannerisms the rest of the family displays. After all, toddlers don't learn to walk for some time, and their communication isn't usually clear to those outside their household. The theory that Socks' behavior is because she's a puppy is backed by the fact that she goes from having a crib to a dog bed over the course of Bluey. She also starts walking and talking more like everyone else in season 3, suggesting time contributes to both factors. And although her puppy walk looks different from other toddlers in-universe, Bluey's website even talks about how Socks is young and is transitioning into different behavior as the show continues. That seems to confirm that Socks' behavior comes down to her age. However, some viewers have come up with another possible explanation.

The theory that Socks' behavior is because she's a puppy is backed by the fact that she goes from having a crib to a dog bed over the course of Bluey. She also starts walking and talking more like everyone else in season 3, suggesting time contributes to both factors. And although her puppy walk looks different from other toddlers in-universe, Bluey's website even talks about how Socks is young and is transitioning into different behavior as the show continues. That seems to confirm that Socks' behavior comes down to her age. However, some viewers have come up with another possible explanation.

Why It's Theorized Socks Has Autism

Although Socks' recent appearances in Bluey suggest the pup is simply growing up, there is a popular fan theory that the character has autism. Children with autism often have developmental delays, which would explain Socks not reaching milestones like walking upright or talking. This would undoubtedly offer some great representation of neurodivergence on TV, as Socks is a fun supporting character. However, the longer Bluey goes on, the more likely it seems that Socks' early behavior is because she's still a puppy. Without confirmation, Socks' potential autism remains a fan theory.