High Five: Paws-itively Perfect Dog Ads
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with ads, it’s easy to suffer from ‘choice paralysis,’ so choosing a top five of anything is becoming increasingly difficult. However, even in today’s ocean of content, I’m sure we can all agree on one thing - dogs are awesome! So here are my top five commercials with dogs in them. Woof!
Budweiser - 'Spuds McKenzie'
Agency: Needham Harper & Steers
As a bull terrier owner, I can’t take my dog for a walk without someone shouting “Spuds Mckenzie!”. So, that is surely a testament to how impactful these adverts were then, and still are today.
John Lewis - 'Buster the Boxer'
Agency: adam&eveDDB
I remember when this came out, it got a lot of buzz. In the UK, the John Lewis Christmas ad is usually a big deal and eagerly anticipated. This one was - and still is - one of my favourites. I actually more fondly remember and associate it with the video that went subsequently viral of a dog imitating the dog in the advert, so not only do adverts with dogs stir something in humans, but dogs, too.
Budweiser - 'Lost Dog'
Agency: Anomaly
Production: RSA
Director: Jake Scott
With a history of using such an iconic dog in their older commercials (Spuds), it was quite a bold choice to use a dog again, but a different one. Needless to say, they nailed it. When this came out at the Super Bowl some years back, it broke the hearts of everyone who watched!
Chevrolet - 'Maddie'
Production: The Herd Films
Director: Lloyd Lee Choi
As I re-watch my last pick, I notice a trend: big macho American brands (Budweiser, Chevy, etc.) using puppies to tug at viewers' heartstrings. This ad does it perfectly and is so relatable to so many people.
Apple - 'The Invincibles'
Agency: TBWA/Media Arts Lab
Production: Serial Pictures
Director: India Sleem
This wasn’t supposed to be in my top five, but LBB posted it as I was finalising the list, so of course it had to be included!
