Calling all vintage toy experts: Can you determine how unusual this blue-eared Snoopy stuffed toy is?

Recently, at Thrift Town in San Francisco, I found an unusual stuffed Snoopy, with BLUE ears, nose, eyes, and mouth, instead of the normal black. Also, on the right side of his body, there is a hole with some kind of socket, perhaps for a wind-up key. When I squeeze his body, I feel some kind of mechanism inside, which is connected to the socket visible on the outside. The tag gives its copyright date as 1968, from United Features Syndicate.

Why was this Snoopy made with blue ears, nose, mouth, and eyes back in 1968? How rare or unusual was it? What is the socket on the side for--was this a wind-up toy? If so, what was it supposed to do? Have you ever seen a Snoopy with blue ears, etc? Please let me know more!

Here are the photos of my recent find:










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