At some reputable chain stores, you will find a mascot that is said to be their symbol. Their models and images will appear in every advertising campaign and the affiliated stores of these brands.
If you wonder what Target’s mascot is, the answer is a pure white Bull Terrier with an adorable name- “Bullseye.”
But is the Target dog still alive until now? Let’s find out the answer and all the information about this little Spuds MacKenzie through this article.
What Is The Target Dog?
Bullseye’s first public appearance was in the 1999 “Sign of the Times” advertising campaign. Four years later, the “See. Point. Save.” Targets went viral, leading Bullseye to get more and more attention.
Since its debut, it has represented this US brand for over 20 years. It’s so popular that you’ll only be able to see it at store openings or even on the red carpet.
So, what makes this adorable Bull Terrier different from other furry friends?
Besides the white coat, this dog has a Target logo cleverly placed on one eye. Every time attending a certain project, this lovely representative will obediently sit still to be “makeup.”
Its makeup is also very safe with plant origin and easy to wash off when bathing the dog.
Initially, Target designed the Bullseye dog with the male gender. But to this day, female Bull Terriers have performed it many times.
Is The Target Dog Still Alive?
Target-Bullseye’s mascot (or Spuds MacKenzie) so far this year is very healthy to work as a representative for this brand.
The lifespan of a Bull Terrier ranges from 12 to 13 years. Therefore, the first dog to play Bullseye in 1999 – Arielle, is most likely dead.
However, the image of the Bullseye dog continues to be taken up by other Bull Terrier dogs.
According to the latest information from retailer Target, they own 6 Bullseye dogs and 2 dogs in training.
Such a large number of dogs is needed because Bullseye is an adorable mascot that cannot simultaneously appear in many different projects.
How Does The Target Dog Work?
As an agent, a Bull Terrier must have received thorough training to resemble the image of Spuds McKenzie closely.
It will only listen to the words of its trainer and is always docile with a gaze that cannot be moved by anything.
Target Corp mascots are treated with the utmost respect, such as sitting in first class on every flight or interacting with important people (Salma Hayek, Michael Bublé, and Cameron Diaz).
Before launching projects, Target employees would carefully wash the dog, groom it, dress it up, and then apply it with red and white botanical paint.
In an hour of work, it can rest a few times with extremely special care.
The image of the Bullseye dog never goes out of style, as it can change based on the variety of wardrobes and the qualifications of Target’s professional designers.
In each project, the 7-year-old Bull Terrier is dressed in extremely unique and luxurious designed clothes with a full range of different styles.
Sometimes it looks strong in a racing outfit, but sometimes it looks elegant in a suit when participating on the red carpet.
All information related to the Bullseye (such as food, transportation, resting places, and so on) is kept extremely confidential by Target.
When Did Target Start Using The Dog?
The iconic logo “Bullseye” was created in 1962. In 1999, the Bullseye mascot first appeared in Target’s “Signs of the Times” campaign. It later inspired a remake of the 1960s pop tune Petula Clark.
At that time, the projects with Bullseye’s participation were so successful that the Target marketing team decided to develop its image in many areas (web, print, direct marketing).
Up to now, this Bullseye has appeared on more than 25 Target customer gift card designs.
Bullseye dogs won the hearts of Target store shoppers so much that Target 2001 released a wider range of luxury pet apparel.
In 2003, the “See. Point. Save” starring the mascot was so successful that it became part of American popular culture.
FAQs
Why Does Target Use Red?
If we talk about the main colors chosen by brands most, it is certainly indispensable for red – the color that represents the impulse to speed.
Big companies like Target or Kmart choose this color because it shows great determination and motivation, which is what the retail industry is pursuing.
Besides, striking colors also attract the eye and make customers more sympathetic.
Did Target Put Down The Dog?
The answer is not! Although more than 20 years have passed, the Target mascot image has never been outdated.
The Bull Terrier dogs continue to be adopted by Target and undergo special training to play this lovely mascot fully.
Because Bullseye’s influence was so great, it was even sculpted in a statue museum within a wax museum. Besides, it also becomes a special guest in any famous project or red carpet event.
Bullseye has been with Target for a long time and has made many contributions to the brand development career.
Target created this mascot with all their love, creativity, and expectations. Therefore, Target will not be able to put down this mascot but instead accompany it to develop further.
How Old Is Target Dog?
The image of the Bullseye mascot first appeared in an advertising campaign by Target in 1999. So far, it has operated for over 23 years as a representative of this famous brand.
The lifespan of a Bull Terrier is only about 12 years, so the first actor dog has died.
However, Target does not stop selecting and training dogs for the next generation so that they fulfill their Bullseye role very well.
Some Last Words
The stories associated with the Bullseye mascot of the Target brand always arouse endless excitement for people worldwide.
This cute dog is a wonderful combination of color, seriousness, professionalism, and elegance. That is why its influence is so incredible.So, is target dog alive, and how does it work?
I hope you got a satisfactory answer and learned more interesting information about this 4-legged representative through this article. See you in the next articles!
