Dora functions as the pet cat for Taisho and his younger brother Shosho, distinguished by his considerable size and strength. This physical capability enables Shosho to ride him as a reliable mode of transportation, a trait maintained consistently across the original 1969 anime, the 1988 series, and later manga adaptations.
Dora exhibits a distinct emotional bond with Shippona, Akko's cat, especially within anime narratives. This connection frequently shapes story developments where Akko employs magical transformations, disguising herself as Shippona to engage with or monitor Dora.
Narratively, Dora primarily accompanies Taisho and Shosho during their schemes and confrontations. His presence spans the 1969 anime and subsequent manga versions, shifting between active involvement in comedic or troublesome scenarios and serving as a background element. Certain anime episodes extend his interactions beyond the brothers, placing him in situations with other characters or animals.
Dora's design undergoes variations across different adaptations, though his imposing stature remains a fixed visual characteristic. Personality-wise, he consistently operates as a supportive figure for Shosho's endeavors rather than independently driving storylines.
His appearances remain exclusive to television series and specific manga iterations, with no inclusion in film adaptations, OVAs, or the 2012 live-action version.