A 2014 study from Northwestern Oklahoma State University showed that dogs were the top stars in ad campaigns, with cats lounging in second place and horses galloping into third. That same year, Budweiser dropped the now-iconic “Puppy Love” Super Bowl commercial, where a puppy and a Clydesdale horse formed a heartwarming bond. It wasn’t just an ad—it became one of the most-watched Super Bowl spots ever, a mini-epic that resonated deeply with viewers.
Fast forward to 2022, when the Journal of Marketing found that people were more excited to buy products—and even take financial risks—when dogs or cats appeared in ads. These animals didn’t just sell; they inspired action. Meanwhile, a neuroscience study by Nielsen and the Ad Council revealed that when a dog disappeared from an ad, so did viewers’ attention. The dog, it seems, was the glue holding everything together.
In other words, our love for pets remains constant. Dogs (and in this case, Chuck,) in particular, aren’t just our best friends—they can also be a brand’s secret weapon.