Is your dog NZ's next Tux dog?

Everyone remembers the TUX jingle so well… “Tux keeps them full of life… fit as a fiddle, sharp as a knife…”

Not everyone realises however, that the iconic ad is 15 years old! So now, Purina TUX is searching for a new “true Kiwi dog” to star in a new television commercial that will hopefully resonate with New Zealanders just as much as the previous one did.

“The TUX range has a product for every type of dog, so the search criteria is quite open,” says Animals on Q’s Mark Vette, a top animal trainer for film and television who will be part of the judging panel and training the chosen dog on the day of the shoot. “The new dog doesn’t have to be a big dog, or a rural dog – it could be large or small, an urban or a working dog. Of course, we’re looking for a dog that can follow a few commands, but nothing too tricky will be required – it just needs to have that something special.”

Owners of enthusiastic canines can print the entry form online at www.tux.co.nz and post it in with a photo from 20 March until last mail on 18 April 2011. The judging panel will then visit the shortlisted dogs to meet their owners and film auditions of the dogs in action. The public will then be able to see the Top Ten dogs on the TUX website, and select their favourite TUX Dog – the “TUX People’s Choice” by voting online between 9-20 May. If any other dogs are needed for the television commercial, they will be selected by the judges.

The original TUX TVC, airing in March and April, will also let the public know how to enter - no doubt evoking some Kiwi nostalgia along the way. To be a part of the search for the NZ’s Next TUX Dog, head to www.tux.co.nz, and make your dog a star!

ENDS

About Nestle Purina New Zealand

• For over eighty years Purina has been a leader in the advancement of pet care and pet nutrition.
• Purina’s expert nutritionists, food scientists, vets, and animal behaviorists are constantly discovering new ways to help pets lead healthier, happier, longer lives.
• No one invests more in research and development, and as a result Purina has made more breakthroughs in the field than any other company.
• Today Purina is one of the world's leading pet care companies, producing some of the best known pet food brands; many of which have served pet owners for generations. Each is the result of the very latest advances in quality, taste and nutrition.
• Purina products are designed to give pets and their owners the best possible choice of recipes and formats, for every life stage and lifestyle.
• Purina is also a committed member of the wider pet care community, supporting charitable organisations, working closely with the communities in which we work and operate, and promoting responsible pet ownership in New Zealand and worldwide.
• With over seventy per cent of New Zealand households owning pets, Nestlé Purina is servicing a growing market.
• Throughout the company's long history in the pet care business, it has built strong brands such as TUX, FRISKIES and FANCY FEAST.
• In 2002 the company acquired Ralston Purina, which saw the introduction of brands such as Purina ONE, BENEFUL and PRO PLAN.