
Spud McKenzie, the bull terrier, was a beloved and iconic figure in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a symbol of the Anheuser-Busch beer company's advertising campaigns.
Spud's fame can be attributed to the company's "This is Spud" campaign, which ran from 1977 to 1983.
The ads featured Spud, a charming and charismatic bull terrier, and his mischievous escapades.
Spud McKenzie's Story
Spud McKenzie was a legendary Bull Terrier who gained international fame for his role in the iconic advertising campaign for Foster's Lager beer.
Spud was known for his charismatic personality and distinctive appearance, which made him a beloved mascot for the beer brand.
The Life and Times of Spuds MacKenzie
Spuds MacKenzie was a fictional bull terrier dog character used for an extensive advertising campaign marketing Bud Light beer in the late 1980s.
The Spuds MacKenzie mascot and campaign was the idea of a 23-year-old art director named Jon Moore, who worked at a Chicago advertising agency at the time.
Spuds first showed up in a Bud Light Super Bowl XXI ad in 1987, and was portrayed by a female bull terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye, or Evie for short.
Evie was from Woodstock, Illinois, and lived in North Riverside, Illinois, with her owner's family, where she died in 1993.
Anheuser-Busch sponsored many dogs from the kennel in Illinois where Evie was born.
The Spuds McKenzie ad campaign was not without its share of controversy, with politicians and advocacy groups criticizing the ads for promoting consumption of alcohol by children.
Senator Strom Thurmond began his own media campaign, claiming that the beer maker was using Spuds to appeal to children in order to get them interested in their product at an early age.
The ads featuring Spuds dressed as Santa Claus caused more legal action by Christmas 1987, as advertisements for alcohol beverages cannot reference Santa Claus in states such as Ohio.
Anheuser-Busch decided to retire Spuds in 1989, claiming that the character's image had started to overshadow the product.
In 2017, the character appeared in Bud Light's Super Bowl LI advertisement as a ghost who helps a man named Brian reunite with his friends.
The Maker
Jon Moore is the creator behind Spuds MacKenzie. He's the one who brought the lovable beer-loving dog to life.
The idea for Spuds was born out of a Bud Light Super Bowl commercial in 1987.
Breed and Genetics
The Bull Terrier breed was developed in England in the 19th century by crossing the Old English Bulldog with the Old English Terrier.
The resulting breed was known for its distinctive egg-shaped head and athletic build.
Bull Terriers come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brindle, and fawn, but Spud McKenzie, a famous Bull Terrier, is often associated with the red and white pattern.
Spud McKenzie's genetics likely contributed to his unique appearance.
Bull Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which are a result of their breeding history.
Spud McKenzie's friendly demeanor was well-documented in his time.
Health
Bull Terriers aren't the healthiest dog breeds, unfortunately.
They suffer from specific genetic ailments due to years of breeding malpractice.
Kidney failure tends to cut their lives somewhat short.
Common and routine vet care is critical to ensure the longevity of your dog.
Bull Terriers have a lot of love to give while alive, even if their lifespan is shorter than other breeds.
Grooming
Bull Terriers have short, easy-to-maintain coats that only need to be brushed a few times a week to remove any debris or dander buildup.
You can bathe your Bull Terrier every six weeks to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Nail clipping is a crucial part of Bull Terrier care, and it's best to make it a regular routine so your dog gets used to it.
Teeth brushing is also essential, and you should aim to do it regularly to keep your Bull Terrier's teeth healthy and clean.
Air cleaning is another important aspect of Bull Terrier care, and it's something you should do regularly to keep your home clean and free of allergens.
Discover more: Yorkshire Terrier Care
Legacy and End
Spud McKenzie's legacy extends far beyond his adorable face and charming personality. He was a beloved advertising mascot for Bull Terrier breeders.
Spud's popularity peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, with his image appearing on various merchandise and in numerous advertisements. The Bull Terrier breed gained significant attention during this time.
Spud McKenzie's impact on the Bull Terrier breed is still felt today, with many breeders crediting him for helping to popularize the breed. His image remains iconic in the world of dog breeding.
Despite his passing, Spud's memory lives on through the many fans who still cherish his image and the joy he brought to their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Target dog a Bull Terrier?
Yes, Bullseye, the official Target mascot, is a Bull Terrier. This iconic breed is featured in Target's marketing campaigns and store signage.
What happened to Spud McKenzie?
Spud McKenzie, a 10-year-old bull terrier, passed away due to kidney failure after undergoing dialysis.
Sources
- https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-kind-of-dog-breed-was-spuds-mackenzie
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/56228/life-death-and-resurrection-spuds-mackenzie-original-party-animal
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spuds_MacKenzie
- https://rockykanaka.com/what-happened-to-spuds-mackenzie/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-bud-light-dog-spuds-mackenzie
Featured Images: pexels.com