The 7 Most Heartwarming And Viral Dog Commercials That Stole The Super Bowl Show

Every year, the Super Bowl delivers a high-stakes football game, but for millions of viewers, the real event is the battle of the brands, and no participant is more consistently victorious than the humble dog. These canine companions have a unique, almost magical ability to cut through the noise, delivering moments of pure emotional connection, humor, and heart that make them the undisputed champions of Super Bowl advertising. As of the current date in December 2025, the latest crop of ads from Super Bowl LVIII continues to prove that a well-placed dog can turn a simple commercial into a cultural phenomenon and a viral sensation.

From tear-jerking tales of loyalty to laugh-out-loud slapstick comedy, dog commercials consistently rank among the highest-rated spots in the USA TODAY Ad Meter. Brands understand that a dog instantly taps into universal themes of friendship, family, and unconditional love, making their message stick long after the final whistle blows. This deep dive explores the most recent, iconic, and unforgettable dog commercials that have cemented their place in Super Bowl history.

The Unbeatable Power of Paws: Why Dog Ads Dominate the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the single most expensive advertising slot in the world, with airtime costing millions of dollars for just 30 seconds. To justify this massive investment, brands must create an ad that is not just seen, but remembered, discussed, and shared. Dogs provide the perfect formula for this success. Their presence instantly creates an emotional resonance that transcends demographic barriers, a concept known in marketing as "topical authority" on the theme of loyalty and companionship.

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The success of these ads is often measured by the USA TODAY Ad Meter, which polls viewers on their favorite commercials. Spots featuring dogs, particularly those from long-running advertisers like Budweiser and newer players like The Farmer's Dog, frequently win or place in the top ten. The use of dogs allows for powerful storytelling, often contrasting the high-stakes game with simple, relatable moments of pet ownership and love. Entities like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and even animated dog characters have become synonymous with Super Bowl excellence.

The Most Viral and Heartwarming Super Bowl Dog Commercials

The Super Bowl has given us a gallery of memorable canine stars. These commercials are more than just ads; they are short films that capture the essence of the human-dog bond, often leaving viewers reaching for a tissue.

1. The Farmer’s Dog: “Forever” (Super Bowl LVII, 2023)

The Farmer’s Dog, a premium fresh dog food company, made its Super Bowl debut in 2023 with a commercial titled "Forever" that immediately became a classic. The ad follows the life of a Golden Retriever named Bear and his owner, from the moment she brings him home as a puppy through major life milestones like moving out, getting married, and having a child. The commercial is a powerful, heartwarming love note to pet owners, highlighting the company's mission to extend the health and life of a dog. It was a massive success, winning the prestigious USA TODAY Ad Meter competition for the best Super Bowl commercial of the year.

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2. Budweiser: The Clydesdales & The Labrador (Super Bowl LVIII, 2024)

Budweiser's Super Bowl commercials are legendary for featuring their iconic Clydesdales, but the inclusion of a loyal dog often elevates the story. In Super Bowl LVIII (2024), the ad continued this tradition with a heartwarming tale of perseverance. The commercial featured a Labrador Retriever named Roy, who is actually the family pet of actors Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. The ad, which focused on the Clydesdales overcoming a blizzard to make a delivery, showcased the Labrador's unwavering loyalty and friendship with the majestic horses, cementing their status as a beloved advertising duo.

3. Budweiser: “Lost Dog” (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015)

Arguably one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials of all time, Budweiser’s “Lost Dog” from 2015 is a masterclass in emotional advertising. The ad depicts a young Labrador puppy who gets lost and must brave a dangerous journey to find his way back home. The tension builds until the puppy is cornered by a wolf, only to be rescued by his best friends: the Budweiser Clydesdales. The reunion is a tear-jerker that perfectly encapsulates the theme of friendship and loyalty. This spot is a key entity in the history of Super Bowl ads and an LSI keyword for "heartwarming" commercials.

4. Michelob ULTRA: “GOAT vs. DOG” Teaser (Super Bowl LVIII, 2024)

Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 also saw the inclusion of a dog in a celebrity-driven teaser from Michelob ULTRA. The ad featured soccer legend Lionel Messi, often referred to as the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time), in a playful showdown with a dog. The teaser built anticipation for the full commercial, demonstrating how even a short appearance by a dog can generate significant buzz and social media traction. The contrast between a global sports icon and a simple, playful dog provided a lighthearted, memorable moment.

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5. Doritos: "Pug Attack" (Super Bowl XLIII, 2009)

While many dog ads aim for the heart, others go for the funny bone. Doritos has a history of hilarious dog-themed commercials, with the "Pug Attack" being a standout. The ad features a man taunting a small, angry Pug with a bag of Doritos. The dog, in a moment of pure slapstick, crashes through a glass door to get the chip. The sheer absurdity and perfect comedic timing made it an instant viral hit and a fan favorite for its humor, proving that dogs can deliver both tears and laughter.

The Business of Bark: Impact and LSI Keywords

The success of Super Bowl dog commercials is not accidental; it’s a calculated marketing strategy. The entities involved—from the specific breeds to the emotional music—are carefully chosen to maximize impact. Beyond the major brands, smaller, non-profit entities also leverage the power of dogs. For example, the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center featured their therapy dogs in a 2024 Super Bowl ad, highlighting the crucial role of these canines in patient care and emotional support.

The key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and themes that consistently appear in successful dog Super Bowl ads include:

• Loyalty and Friendship: The core narrative of almost every successful ad, like the bond between the Clydesdales and the Labrador.
• Health and Longevity: Central to The Farmer's Dog message, connecting fresh food to a longer, healthier life for pets.
• Emotional Connection: The ability to evoke strong feelings, whether it’s joy, sadness, or nostalgia.
• Rescue and Adoption: Themes often subtly or overtly present, appealing to the massive community of pet owners who have adopted animals.
• Viral Success: The measure of an ad's reach beyond the game day broadcast, driven by shareability on social media.

The investment in these high-production commercials pays off handsomely. The Farmer's Dog, for instance, saw a massive surge in brand awareness and subscriptions following their emotional 2023 spot. Similarly, the continued goodwill generated by Budweiser's classic dog-and-horse narratives helps maintain their brand's image of tradition and heart. Super Bowl dog commercials are a potent reminder that the simplest, most genuine emotions often lead to the most effective advertising.