Dudley and Kitty, for many years, were the subject of speculation and "shipping" (the act of pairing characters together romantically).
“Okay, pretty boy. Your good looks may have gotten to Kitty, but they just make me jealous and want to punch you even more!”
—Dudley Puppy, Diary of a Mad Cat
Though it seems to start as a love/hate relationship, Dudley and Kitty's relationship began to soften as they warmed up to one another. During T.U.F.F. Puppy's run, this led to many rumors that Dudley and Kitty's relationship was bordering on that of romance. Although these rumors are mostly false, the pairing has remained a mainstay among the show's following.
On a stream done by Hartman in December of 2017, he stated that he personally viewed them having more of a brother-sister relationship instead of a romantic relationship, albeit recognizing the romantic aspects of the pairing. [1]
Hints of their so-called "Relationship"
There out the series, there were numerous hints that indicate that Dudley and Kitty would be couple or at least moments where they acted like good friends.
Season 1
Cruisin' For A Bruisin'
- Throughout the episode, Dudley wanted to hang out with Kitty, despite her wanting to have some alone time.
- When Dudley was in Kitty's room, she allows him to sleep with her, despite that fact that he was sleeping on the top of the sheets while she slept in the bottom.
Monkey Business
- During the last verse of 'Cause You're a Dude, Girl When Dudley and The Hunky Monkeys were singing "Girl", Kitty was shown happy with a big smile.
Season 2
Time Waits for No Mutt
- Dudley gave Kitty cash from his move that he made when he was gone a whole year on east Hamton.
Trivia
- Kudley, a term for the pairing which is popular among fans, is a homophone of the word "cuddly".
- Despite Butch's personal opinion about their relationship, Butch has never prohibited or confirmed the romantic aspect of their relationship, so any refutations or confirmations of this shipping are completely subjective.