15 Dog Breeds That Were The First to Star in Color Television Commercials

With silky ears, soulful eyes, and classic American charm, the Cocker Spaniel was a natural star in early color TV commercials. They were adorable without trying and had that “good family dog” vibe that made them the perfect pitch pups for everything from pet food to home cleaning products. Their expressive faces and tail-wagging enthusiasm translated beautifully on screen. Whether trotting through a freshly mopped kitchen or playing with children in a cereal ad, Cockers made every frame warm and familiar. It’s no wonder Madison Avenue couldn’t get enough of them.

Beagle

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Few breeds can rival the Beagle’s on-screen appeal. Compact, comical, and endlessly expressive, Beagles were a staple in ads for breakfast items, cleaning sprays, and even shoes (yes, shoes—they were just that charming). Their tendency to follow their noses made them the perfect stars of curiosity-driven storylines, often “sniffing out” the product of the week. Combine that with those pleading eyes and floppy ears; you’ve got a commercial icon. Plus, when did they bark? Instant audience engagement.

Collie

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Lassie didn’t save Timmy; she was a color television for a while. The Collie’s elegant fur, poised demeanor, and intelligence made them a favorite for any ad campaign that needed a touch of class and family wholesomeness. Whether herding children in an insurance commercial or looking noble in a dog food ad, Collies brought gravitas and loyalty to the screen. Their fur alone looked like it was made to be appreciated in full-color glory. Long before HD, Collies were giving people 1080p feelings in 480p resolution.

Boxer

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Boxers were the original goofballs of television commercials. Their expressive eyebrows, enthusiastic bounce, and hilarious reactions made them naturals for funny, high-energy ads. Whether promoting home appliances, snack foods, or lawn care, they brought charm and chaos in equal measure. Their exaggerated head tilts and big grins turned ordinary scripts into memorable moments. Viewers didn’t just remember the product—they remembered the Boxer who “helped” wash the car by attacking the sponge.

Poodle

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Elegant, intelligent, and undeniably dramatic, Poodles were commercial darlings in the early color TV era. Their perfectly groomed coats made them visually stunning on screen, especially in high-contrast black-and-white-to-color transitions. Poodles often starred in luxury brand ads, pet grooming products, and anything marketed as “refined” or “advanced.” They could prance, pose, or play, depending on what the ad called for, and always stole the spotlight. And don’t underestimate their comedic timing—many a poodle pulled off the “sassy stare at the camera” like a seasoned actor.

Labrador Retriever

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Labs were (and still are) America’s sweetheart breed, which made them ideal for early TV ads centered around families, food, and feel-good messaging. They could sit nicely, play fetch on cue, or snuggle with toddlers on vintage shag carpeting like total professionals. Their golden or black coats popped on color screens, and their gentle, eager-to-please expressions fit every brand’s wholesome image. If you were selling a product meant for “happy homes,” the Lab was practically part of the pitch deck. Bonus points for any ad that showed a Lab stealing food off a table—it always got a laugh.

Dachshund

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With their short legs, long bodies, and big personalities, Dachshunds were built for visual storytelling. Their comical movements alone could carry an entire commercial—just watching them try to jump onto a couch was prime-time entertainment. They featured heavily in food and pet product ads, often playing the mischievous “little rascal” who disrupted the household in the most lovable way. Their bold bark and stubborn confidence added character to every scene. Dachshunds were the scene-stealers of color TV’s early ad days—fun-sized stars with full-sized charisma.

Old English Sheepdog

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This lovable mop of fur became iconic in advertising, largely thanks to one major brand: Dulux paint. The Old English Sheepdog was so popular in those commercials that people often called the breed the “Dulux dog.” Their shaggy coats looked great on camera, and their playful, lumbering presence added humor and warmth to every frame. They were used in various ads beyond paint, selling everything from floor wax to family vacations. Whether knocking over furniture or looking shaggy and adorable, they made a lasting impression.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards brought heart and heft to vintage commercials. Their massive size contrasted beautifully with their gentle demeanor, making them favorites for portraying gentle giants in family-centered ad spots. Often cast as babysitters, protectors, or couch potatoes with a heart of gold, Saint Bernards starred in commercials for heating products, home comfort brands, and hearty pet food. Their drool might not have been product-friendly, but their presence absolutely was. People couldn’t resist their big brown eyes and lumbering charm.

Scottish Terrier

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Scottish Terriers had a moment of serious stardom, especially in the 1950s and ’60s. With their proud little strut, bearded faces, and confident posture, they were instantly recognizable and easily anthropomorphized in commercials. They often played the role of the clever or sassy sidekick in humorous ads, selling everything from beer to baked goods. Their dignified looks made them a hit in upscale product campaigns, while their small stature kept them accessible and endearing. The Scottie was basically the George Clooney of dog breeds on vintage TV.

Basset Hound

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With ears longer than most toddlers and a gaze that could melt hearts, Basset Hounds were used in commercials for comic relief and emotional pull. Their slow, lumbering movement and perpetually sad expression made them ideal for punchlines or touching moments—sometimes both in the same ad. From promoting floor cleaners to starring in soup commercials, Bassets made it clear that a little droopy-faced charm goes a long way. They were lovable underdogs, and everyone rooted for them. Plus, watching them try to navigate stairs on TV? Instant ratings boost.

Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas weren’t as common in early color commercials as bigger breeds, but when they showed up, they were unforgettable. Their sassy attitude, tiny stature, and expressive faces made them perfect for punchy, fast-paced ads. Whether promoting snack foods or little gadgets, they brought enormous energy in a pint-sized package. They were often used for comic effect, zipping around scenes like little marketing missiles with eyeballs. And let’s be honest—there’s something inherently hilarious about a Chihuahua barking at a vacuum cleaner in 1960s technicolor.

German Shepherd

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German Shepherds were the go-to for strength, loyalty, and heroics—perfect for more serious, trust-focused commercials. Whether starring in ads for banks, insurance companies, or security systems, they exuded calm authority and reliability. Their noble look and focused demeanor gave any product a sense of trustworthiness. And if you needed a dramatic commercial about protection or loyalty, cue the Shepherd running in slow motion across a sunlit yard. They were the canine equivalent of Morgan Freeman’s voice-over: strong, dependable, and just plain iconic.

Pekingese

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Pekingese brought vintage elegance and a pinch of mischief to early television ads. Their lion-like manes and regal attitudes made them a perfect fit for glamorous product lines or scenes with a flair for the dramatic. They weren’t the dog next door—they were the “lady of the manor” curled on a velvet cushion while someone promoted luxury soap. These dogs didn’t run around causing chaos—they posed, judged, and let the humans do the work. They were the original divas of the dog commercial world.

Airedale Terrier

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Airedales were charismatic working dogs who played the roles of family protectors, adventurers, and all-around good boys in early color commercials. Their wiry coats and proud stance made them stand out, and their trainability meant they could do more than sit and stay—they acted. Airedales starred in ads that needed a dose of rugged charm, often shown helping around the house or trotting beside proud dads in flannel shirts. They were the dogs of action, loyalty, and occasional hijinks. Think of them as the “hands-on helper” type in canine form.

The Real MVPs of the Commercial Break

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Before DVRs and ad-skipping were a dream, these dogs turned commercial breaks into must-see moments. With every head tilt, goofy grin, and perfectly timed bark, they made audiences laugh, cry, and—most importantly—buy. Whether they were selling floor cleaner, breakfast cereal, or pure nostalgia, these furry stars delivered charm by the bowlful. They didn’t need lines or costumes; their charisma did the heavy lifting. And let’s be honest—half the time, we bought the product just to pretend we owned a piece of their magic.