Volkswagen launches a special Kong dog toy inspired by the ID. Buzz

Volkswagen has just introduced a new special edition, although it is not a car. Instead, it is a dog toy created in collaboration with Kong, the company behind its production.

Volkswagen and Kong: the story behind the dog toy

The origins of this particular toy are historically connected to Volkswagen. Joe Markham, who ran a vehicle repair workshop in Denver, noticed that his German Shepherd, Fritz, was captivated by a rubber bump stop removed from the axle of a Volkswagen Type 2, commonly known as the “Camper Van”.

The rubber proved tough enough to withstand constant chewing, while remaining soft enough not to harm Fritz’s teeth or gums.

This inspired the Kong Classic, a dog toy that Markham began developing in the late 1960s. Over six years, he refined its material, size and shape before launching the Kong in 1976. It went on to become one of the world’s best-selling dog toys.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Kong special edition

Nearly 50 years later, to mark National Dog Day in the United States, Kong and Volkswagen have released a special version of the toy inspired by the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, finished in Cabana Blue.

The toy is priced at approximately €13 and, for every one sold, another will be donated to an animal shelter. All net profits will go to VCA Charities.

According to Volkswagen, the partnership celebrates “the story of a man, his best friend and a Volkswagen van”. It is a tribute carrying a German seal of approval - and canine approval too.