Volkswagen and Kong launch a special dog toy edition

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

The Volkswagen connection behind the Kong Classic

This particular toy has a historic link to Volkswagen. Joe Markham, who owned a vehicle repair workshop in Denver, noticed that his German Shepherd, Fritz, was captivated by a rubber bumper removed from the axle of a Volkswagen camper van.

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

That observation led to 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 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 Puppy Day in the United States, Kong and Volkswagen have released a special-edition toy inspired by the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, finished in Cabana Blue.

The toy costs around €13, and for every one sold, another will be donated to an animal shelter. All net proceeds will go to the VCA Charities organisation.

According to Volkswagen, the collaboration celebrates “the story of a man, his best friend and a Volkswagen van”. It is a tribute with a German stamp of approval - and canine endorsement.