Iwao Takamoto, the animator responsible for the creation the animated dogs, Scooby Doo and Mutley, has died at the age of 81.

A spokesman for Warner Bros, where he was vice president at the time of his death, said that he died of heart failure.

Takamoto began his career at Disney before moving to the Hanna Barbera studios.

During his time there in the 1960s, Takamoto created the remainder of Scooby Doo’s friends, including Daphne and Fred, as well as the characters in The Flintstones and The Jetsons.

He also worked on numerous animated films in his 60-year career, including 101 Dalmatians, Sleeping Beauty and Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella and directed Charlotte’s Web.

In 2005 he was honoured with a Golden Award to mark over 50 years of working in the animated industry.

His death comes three weeks after that of Hanna-Barbera co-founder Joseph Barbera, who died at the age of 95.

Takamoto is survived by his wife Barbara and two children.