Gidget, also known as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, was an iconic advertising figure and mascot for Taco Bell from 1997 to 2000. The character was developed by TBWA and was associated with Mexico. The Taco Bell Chihuahua is not the current mascot for Taco Bell, as there were several reasons for its discontinuation. Some claim that Hispanic advocacy groups lobbying for the end of the campaign led to the cancellation of the Taco Bell dog, while others argue that the use of the dog failed to increase Taco Bell’s revenue stream despite its popularity.
The Chihuahua is a breed commonly associated with Mexico, and the name “Dinky” is the name used in the company’s television commercials. Gidget lost his passion for being a mascot and actor after his girlfriend’s death of a stroke at the age of 15, but he was mistaken for dying. The retirement of Gidget left many fans puzzled and curious, sparking a wave of speculation and debate.
In summary, Gidget was a beloved mascot for Taco Bell from 1997 to 2000, and her retirement has caused speculation and debate among fans. The company has since released the name “Dinky” for the Chihuahua dog used in its television commercials.
📹 “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”, 1997
What are Taco Bell dogs called?
The director replaced Dinky, the original canine cast in the lead role, with Gidget, originally cast as the “girlfriend,” and another Chihuahua named Taco, who served as a stand-in for Gidget.
Did Taco Bell have a Chihuahua mascot?
Gidget, also referred to as the “Taco Bell Chihuahua,” served as the company’s advertising figure and mascot from September 1997 to July 2000.
How many Taco Bell chihuahuas are there?
Gidget, an American dog actress, was best known as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, appearing in commercials from 1997 to 2000. She was the pet of Karen McElhatton. Gidget suffered a stroke in July 2009 and was euthanized at the age of 15. Her ashes were retained by her trainer, Sue Chipperton. A Famous Dog’s Life: The Story of Gidget, America’s Most Beloved Chihuahua, was published in May 2011 to share her life and the love she had for her dog.
Why did Taco Bell remove the Chihuahua?
In July 2000, Taco Bell ended its Chihuahua advertisements and relationship with creator TBWA after same-store sales fell by 6 in the second quarter of 2000, the largest decline in the company’s history. The dog was rumored to have died, but some sources suggest that Hispanic advocacy groups lobbying for the end of the campaign led to the cancellation. Other reports suggest the use of the dog was discontinued because it failed to increase Taco Bell’s revenue stream.
In 2003, Taco Bell lost a lawsuit by two Michigan men who had pitched the concept of the Chihuahua to them in 1996. Taco Bell worked with Thomas Rinks and Joseph Shields for over a year developing the campaign and commercials under the name “Psycho Chihuahua”. A jury awarded them $30. 1 million in compensation and nearly $12 million in additional interest three months later. Taco Bell sued TBWA, saying it should have been aware of the conflicts.
In 2009, a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled against Taco Bell. Gidget appeared in a 2002 commercial for insurance company GEICO, as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, and in the 2003 movie Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.
Are chihuahua dogs from Mexico?
The Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is believed to have been derived from the Techichi, a small mute dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as early as the 9th century CE. The Chihuahua stands about 5-8 inches tall and weighs 1 to 6 pounds. It has a rounded head, large erect ears, prominent eyes, and a compact body. The coat is variable in color and can be smooth or long and soft.
The Chihuahua is valued as a spirited companion, especially suited to apartment living. Owners should exercise great care to protect the breed from larger dogs, birds of prey, and falling objects. They enjoy swimming in safe waters, but are not particularly enthusiastic about retrieving.
Coat care consists of occasional brushing and bathing, with the smooth-coat Chihuahua needing brushing once per week and the long-coat variety requiring brushing two to three times per week. Experts recommend a small-breed dog food for the Chihuahua, and puppies should be fed several small meals daily to prevent hypoglycemia. Adults should be fed twice daily. Owners should be aware of signs of a luxating patella, common in small dogs, which can cause hind-leg “skipping”.
Are Chihuahua dogs from Mexico?
The Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is believed to have been derived from the Techichi, a small mute dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as early as the 9th century CE. The Chihuahua stands about 5-8 inches tall and weighs 1 to 6 pounds. It has a rounded head, large erect ears, prominent eyes, and a compact body. The coat is variable in color and can be smooth or long and soft.
The Chihuahua is valued as a spirited companion, especially suited to apartment living. Owners should exercise great care to protect the breed from larger dogs, birds of prey, and falling objects. They enjoy swimming in safe waters, but are not particularly enthusiastic about retrieving.
Coat care consists of occasional brushing and bathing, with the smooth-coat Chihuahua needing brushing once per week and the long-coat variety requiring brushing two to three times per week. Experts recommend a small-breed dog food for the Chihuahua, and puppies should be fed several small meals daily to prevent hypoglycemia. Adults should be fed twice daily. Owners should be aware of signs of a luxating patella, common in small dogs, which can cause hind-leg “skipping”.
Why did Taco Bell stop using the Chihuahua?
In July 2000, Taco Bell ended its Chihuahua advertisements and relationship with creator TBWA after same-store sales fell by 6 in the second quarter of 2000, the largest decline in the company’s history. The dog was rumored to have died, but some sources suggest that Hispanic advocacy groups lobbying for the end of the campaign led to the cancellation. Other reports suggest the use of the dog was discontinued because it failed to increase Taco Bell’s revenue stream.
In 2003, Taco Bell lost a lawsuit by two Michigan men who had pitched the concept of the Chihuahua to them in 1996. Taco Bell worked with Thomas Rinks and Joseph Shields for over a year developing the campaign and commercials under the name “Psycho Chihuahua”. A jury awarded them $30. 1 million in compensation and nearly $12 million in additional interest three months later. Taco Bell sued TBWA, saying it should have been aware of the conflicts.
In 2009, a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled against Taco Bell. Gidget appeared in a 2002 commercial for insurance company GEICO, as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, and in the 2003 movie Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.
What is the rarest Chihuahua?
White is the rarest color of Chihuahua, and both albino and white Chihuahuas lack pigmentation due to melanocytes. White Chihuahuas have black eyes, noses, and paws, while lacking melanocytes, which give their coat pigmentation. Pink noses may also be present. The AKC lists white as a color, but it is not widely recognized by breeders. To obtain a chocolate blue puppy, parents must carry both the dilute gene for black pigmentation and the ‘b’ allele that makes black pigment appear brown. Although not a genetic expert, the AKC’s statement suggests that a combination of both is possible.
Where is the Taco Bell Chihuahua?
Gidget, a 15-year-old Chihuahua mascot in Taco Bell commercials, has died following the onset of a severe cerebrovascular accident at the residence of her trainer in Santa Clarita. Gidget was the sassy mascot from 1997 to 2000, distinguished by her distinctive bug-eyed, big-eared appearance and the manner in which she pronounced the phrase “Yo quiero Taco Bell,” which was dubbed in a male voice. The animal’s owner, Studio Animal Services, has confirmed the news.
Where are the El Paso Chihuahuas?
The El Paso Chihuahuas are a Minor League Baseball team in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They played in the PCL until 2021 when they shifted to the Triple-A West, which was renamed the PCL in 2022. The Chihuahuas won the PCL championship in 2016. Their heritage can be traced back to the original Los Angeles Angels in 1903. The team was sold to Brooklyn Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley in 1957, and later moved to Spokane, Washington, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they formed the core of the Dodgers franchise. The team’s star players and manager Tommy Lasorda formed the core of the Dodgers franchise, which won the 1977, 1978, and 1981 pennants and 1981 World Series title.
Why did Taco Bell remove the chihuahua?
In July 2000, Taco Bell ended its Chihuahua advertisements and relationship with creator TBWA after same-store sales fell by 6 in the second quarter of 2000, the largest decline in the company’s history. The dog was rumored to have died, but some sources suggest that Hispanic advocacy groups lobbying for the end of the campaign led to the cancellation. Other reports suggest the use of the dog was discontinued because it failed to increase Taco Bell’s revenue stream.
In 2003, Taco Bell lost a lawsuit by two Michigan men who had pitched the concept of the Chihuahua to them in 1996. Taco Bell worked with Thomas Rinks and Joseph Shields for over a year developing the campaign and commercials under the name “Psycho Chihuahua”. A jury awarded them $30. 1 million in compensation and nearly $12 million in additional interest three months later. Taco Bell sued TBWA, saying it should have been aware of the conflicts.
In 2009, a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled against Taco Bell. Gidget appeared in a 2002 commercial for insurance company GEICO, as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, and in the 2003 movie Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.
📹 Yo Quiero Taco Bell
Cool how this is appearing on everyone’s reccomended! The Taco Bell dog aka Gidget is an inside joke to my friends and I. I had one of those “vintage” Gidget bobbleheads from the late 90s growing up and I still have it on my desk. Before, he was on my shelf and I’d call my friends thru discord, they’d always be wary of him bobbing his head and I’d always play it off as silly saying it’s a still doll. They also didn’t like how void his stare into the camera was. When I saw this as a potential joke, I turned off my camera, replaced me with him in my chair, and turned the camera back on. My friends were so confused. I was on the floor slightly wiggling the chair just so his head could bob and their faces were priceless! So now it’s a joke that whenever I go afk, I would place Gidget on my chair or desk. Although this is probably only funny to my and friends and I, I thought it’d be cool to share. Thank you if you read this far and hope you have a fantastic day!
YouTube is listening to me for sure now. Every time my mother hears me say “yo quiero” in Spanish for any reason, she automatically thinks of this commercial and says to me “yo quiero Taco Bell,” to be funny. I didn’t look this up but it was in my recommended feed, so I think YT has some explaining to do lol 😂 But I do love this commercial, it’s so classic.
As a Mexican I already thought taco bell was bad and just exploiting a Mexican stereotype as I’ve never tried it myself After seeing this all those thoughts have been reinforced, with the difference that now, I know for a fact that despite abusing a stereotype, those dudes used to saberle al shispop XDDD