Bullseye (mascot)

Bullseye is a Miniature Bull Terrier and trademark of the Target Brands, a subsidiary of Target Corporation. It has a pure white coat, and has Target Corporation's bullseye logo painted around its left eye. It is featured in Target's commercial campaigns and in store sale signing and is used in various marketing campaigns. Target also offers the dog as a stuffed toy for special events or employee recognition. The original Target dog was American Kennel Club CH Kingsmere Moondoggie, affectionately known as "Smudgie".

In media

The TV campaign by Rhythm & Hues Studios was launched in July 2005. Its commercials feature modernized versions of Busby Berkley inspired choreography with hip hop music. In an article published in August 2005 on [http://www.rhythm.com/ Rhythm & Hues Studio Website] , the Executive Producer, Amy Hassler, gave her comments on working on this project:

"The Target ads are fresh and hip so we were thrilled to be a part of this campaign," says Amy Hassler. "It was a creative convergence for our studio on a variety of levels: it showcased our art direction and seamless Flame compositing capabilities and gave us the opportunity to create a CGI version of the iconic Target dog."

Also collaborating on this winning ad project was the six-time MTV Award winner Eric DeHaven. In the same article mentioned above, DeHaven commented, "The Target job was an exciting opportunity to work with a new client whose work I respect immensely; We had a high standard to live up to." DeHaven was around for the entire project from dreaming it up to wrapping it up.

This ad campaign was no easy task and the Target Dog only helped. It is highly trained and did most everything the trainers and design collaborators wanted it to do. This was especially helpful during the 360-degree test shots the crew did while rendering the dog to create it in CGI.

In store

Bullseye is occasionally a focal point of weekly sales ads and in store signing. Accompanying images of the dog is the advertising slogan "See. Spot. Save." This has led to the incorrect conclusions that the dog's name is actually Spot. The slogan is a combination of a play on See Spot Run moniker and the concept of the Target logo's center (essentially a spot). Bullseye in full grown and puppy form may also be seen on various Target Gift Cards.

Plush toy

Originally the Bullseye plush toy was sold in stores as a holder for Gift Cards. Bullseye came unclothed or with a birthday hat, a string and plastic sleeve hung around its neck to hold a gift card. In 2003, Target Corp. discontinued the in-store plush and started issuing them exclusively for special events and occasions. There are many different dogs each wearing a different outfit, everything from a yellow rain slick, to antlers, and even a kimono. The dogs can be found and purchased on Target's Exclusive Branded Logo Site, Bullseyeshop.com. Which features the various versions of the stuffed animal, as well as shirts, jackets, drink ware, seasonal merchandise, and travel, office and novelty items. A dog was also issued for Reed Sorenson, the driver of Target's NASCAR entry.