A running gag on The Jimmy Dean Show involves Rowlf the Dog overinflating himself with air. While the causes vary, the outcome is always the same, as Rowlf exclaims, "My belly button blew out!" In some instances, the lack of that portion of his anatomy causes concern and consternation.
- September 24, 1964 - Jimmy Dean suggests Rowlf practice deep breathing to get rid of his hiccups. Instead, he blows out his belly button.
- January 14, 1965 - Jimmy tries to treat Rowlf's ailment with medicinal throat spray.
- February 25, 1965 - To prove that he's not drunk, Rowlf takes a breathalyzer style test blowing into a balloon.
- March 25, 1965 - Rowlf asks Jimmy to help him with his oxygen tank. Inevitably, his belly button blows out (Jimmy says he can replace it with the seed of a "navel orange"). The incident is discussed a few episodes later on April 15, as Rowlf laments the loss of his belly button.
- October 1, 1965 - Rowlf, as a special agent for COUSIN, tests their blimp pills, which inflate those who consume them. When the expected blowout happens, Rowlf says, "Be on the lookout for a missing belly button. And be careful, it may be armed!"
- February 25, 1966 - Caused when Jimmy tries to take Rowlf's blood pressure.
- March 28, 1966 - Rowlf struggles to blow a whistle and instead inflates and blows his belly button out again. He's convinced the lack of a belly button makes him ineligible for service in the army.