This series was controversial even at the time due to the methods used to get the dogs to pose and "talk". In the UK, the "Performing and Captive Animals Defense League" printed a circular in 1931 detailing the alleged abuse these animals endured. They were successful in having the British film censors ban these films due to animal cruelty.
First of nine "Dogville Comedies" released by MGM from 1929 to 1931. These shorts generally spoofed popular films of the day and were hugely popular.
These popular films were called Barkies.
The character of "Red Mange" is a play on the name of Harold 'Red' Grange, a very popular and successful college and pro football player of the era. Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites.