If you haven't seen Dinky the Taco Bell Chihuahua, then you must not own a television.
Taco Bell has struck gold with advertisements featuring the saucy 8 pound 11 inch tall pooch. Touted as one of the most successful campaigns of all time, the ads have boosted Taco Bell's visibility and sales. Franchise profits are soaring from merchandising revenues generated from the sale of T-shirts, hats, mugs, lunch boxes and stuffed toys featuring the Chihuahua's image.
The advertising coo was orchestrated by TBWA Chiat/Day Advertising whose mission was to develop a catch phrase and/or being that would appeal to Taco Bell's target market of 15-25 year old males. In true Hollywood fashion, advertising directors Chuck Bennett and Clay Williams made the dog connection while lunching in Venice, CA. As they sat eating burritos at an outdoor cafe, they spied a Chihuahua "cruising alone down the boardwalk, looking large and in charge." Amused at the sight, both men were impressed by the Chihuahua's big attitude packed in a tiny body. That dog led them to develop a Spanish/English speaking Chihuahua with the persona of a 19 year old guy, whose main interest in life is girls and tacos- not necessarily in that order. The concept was sealed with the catch phrase, "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" which means "I want Taco Bell."
The perfect Chihuahua was hired from Steve Martin's Working Wildlife Facility which trains animals for screen work. The selected dog was a seasoned performer whose credits include being sandwiched between two larger dogs in the front seat of a vehicle for Nissan's "Dogs Love Trucks" campaign.
Mystery swirls around the identity of the Taco Bell Chihuahua. He is the dog with no name or sex. The dog's agent is mum about rumors that he is actually a female named Gidget. Different sources claim Gidget is the Chihuahua's love interest or body double. The advertisement agency calls him The Hero Dog and popular web sites identify him as Dinky.
Legends have been woven around Dinky's background. Some report he was rescued from a pound just days from being destroyed. His hard luck "lost on the street" tale has spun into an epic of King Arthur proportion.
Endearing to his audience because of his over-sized ears, expressive brown eyes, and a wide range of digitally animated facial expressions, Dinky enjoys a substantial fan club. However, some Hispanic communities and concerned Chihuahua breeders have criticized the commercials.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Lyndee Sue Henderson's Small Dog Breeds topic, please visit the Discussions page.