<P> Steve Burns hosted the series from its debut in 1996 until 2002, when the part was taken over by Donovan Patton . The program features an ensemble cast of animated characters who interact with the host . Co-creator Traci Paige Johnson voices the title character, a dog named Blue who communicates through distinctive barks . The series' composers Michael Rubin and Nick Balaban voice Mailbox and Mr. Salt, respectively . </P> <P> In addition to the main characters, the show included various newly - introduced recurring characters and guest stars throughout its run . Some guests appeared as live - action companions of the host, while others voiced an animated cameo role . When a spin - off series titled Blue's Room premiered in 2004, a group of puppet characters were introduced as new friends of Blue . </P> <P> Blue is a playful and energetic female puppy with light blue fur and dark blue spots . She cannot talk but communicates with her owners, Steve and Joe, through barks that they interpret based on her tone and expression . In each episode, she plays a game called Blue's Clues, in which she leaves three blue paw print clues for the host and viewers to find in order to answer a question . She has the ability to enter storybooks and picture frames by "skidooing" into them with a special dance routine . In the sixth season, she is granted a magic playroom called Blue's Room in which she can interact with the viewer and a cast of live - action puppet characters . She is voiced by Traci Paige Johnson, one of the series' creators . Johnson was cast as the character's voice because out of the crew, she was able to sound the most like a dog . </P> <P> Steve is the host for the show's first four seasons . He is Blue's owner and caregiver . He wears a distinctive green - striped shirt and loves anything that has a similar pattern . He is clever and sympathetic but sometimes forgetful . He is always excited to play Blue's Clues, but can almost never find clues himself and relies on the viewer to help locate them . Whenever he finds a clue, he draws it in a pocket - sized pad of paper called the Handy Dandy Notebook . When he finishes a game of Blue's Clues, he sits in a giant red armchair called the Thinking Chair and comes up with possible solutions to Blue's puzzle . His favorite time of the day is mailtime, when he receives a letter from Mailbox . He owns a stuffed anteater named Horace . At the end of the fourth season, Steve leaves for college on a hopscotch scholarship and leaves his younger brother, Joe, to care for his house and Blue . He is played by Steve Burns . </P>

Blues clues is blue a girl or boy
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