In the anime Kimba the White Lion, several cheetah characters appear, with the two most prominent being Dash, often referred to as Speedy, and Charley. These characters are distinct individuals but share the notable traits of their species, primarily exceptional speed and a place within the diverse animal community of the jungle.

Dash, also known as Speedy, is a young cheetah who is one of Kimba's close friends and allies. He is typically seen in the company of two other young animals, Dot and Dinkie, forming a trio of youthful companions. Dash has a distinctive appearance, shown as a very young and relatively small cheetah with a long, light brown mane running down the back of his neck. Notably, his fur color varies throughout the series, depicted in earlier appearances as a dull grey-blue and later as a more prominent blue, a possible reference to real-life chinchilla or blue cheetahs. As his name suggests, Dash’s key ability is his remarkable speed and agility, which allow him to outrun many predators and makes him an asset in various situations.

Despite being a supporting character, Dash has several episodes focused on his experiences and growth. In one episode titled Scrambled Eggs, he demonstrates his youthful naivety when he mistakes a pile of bird eggs for rocks and tosses them into a river. Upon realizing his mistake, he takes the lead in a mission to retrieve the eggs before they can be swept over a waterfall, showing his willingness to correct his errors and his emerging sense of responsibility. In another story, The Return of Fancy Prancy, he exhibits pride upon finding his sister, Fancy Prancy, and brings her back home to the jungle. Later, when an invasion of ants threatens the community, Dash is the only one left behind, too weak to flee. He is ultimately saved when Kimba finds him and buries him underground to protect him from the swarm, a moment that highlights both his vulnerability and the protective bonds within the jungle society.

The other notable cheetah character is Charley, also known as Rapid in some English dubs. He is an adult cheetah distinguished by his tan and white body with black spots, a large black nose, and longer fur on the back of his neck. Charley often appears alongside his brother, Harley, and sometimes a lynx as part of a trio of supporting characters. While generally a minor character, Charley takes on more prominent roles in specific episodes. In Monster of the Mountain, he decides to accompany Kimba on a dangerous mission to deal with the Chimiset monster, motivated by a personal concern for his own safety and a desire for protection. This decision leads him to assist Kimba in convincing the monster and her cub to change their aggressive ways, showing his capacity for bravery and diplomacy when the situation demands it. In The Return of Fancy Prancy, Charley, like many other male animals in the jungle, falls into a trance and becomes completely infatuated with the visiting Fancy Prancy, doing whatever she desires, which adds a comedic element to his character.

While the cheetah species itself is best known for its incredible speed, as shown by Dash, both he and Charley evolve beyond a simple physical trait. Dash matures from a naive child prone to mistakes into a more capable and proactive member of Kimba’s circle of friends. Charley, often just a face in the crowd, steps up in moments of crisis to join important quests and help resolve conflicts. Their loyalty to Kimba and their integration into the jungle community are central to their roles, supporting the series' overarching themes of friendship, courage, and coexistence.