What was the title of the first cartoon to feature the bulldog Spike?

The first cartoon to feature the bulldog later known as Spike was “Dog Trouble.”

Released in 1942, this MGM short presents the character as an unnamed, aggressive bulldog who chases both Tom and Jerry. He is not yet called Spike, but later reference works identify this appearance as the character’s debut.

The name Spike and the familiar speaking characterization arrived in “The Bodyguard” (1944), where Billy Bletcher provided the voice. That distinction causes a common mix-up: “Dog Trouble” is the character’s first appearance, while “The Bodyguard” is generally credited as Spike’s first named and speaking appearance.

Spike later became one of the series’ recurring supporting characters, often acting as Tom’s intimidating enemy and Jerry’s occasional protector. His son Tyke was introduced later, in “Love That Pup” (1949).