The Ultimate Journey: How the Viral Lamb Chop Dog Toy Conquered America

Almost every dog lover I know owns a Lamb Chop toy For their pets, and often they own several. However, this character last appeared on television in the mid-1990s, which makes it remarkable how popular it remains nowadays. This is particularly striking because numerous pet owners might be unaware of the character’s original source.

Lamb Chop was created by the puppeteer and ventriloquist. Shari Lewis Her basic hand puppet was incredibly captivating during the late 1950s when featured on programs such as Captain Kangaroo That she secured her own eponymous television show and consistently maintained popularity up until her passing in 1998. Those who grew up in the millennial generation may recall Shari Lewis from her mid-90s PBS program. Lamb Chop's Play-Along . But somehow, Almost three decades since Lewis and Lamb Chop graced our TV screens routinely, their legacy persists and expands.

Lamb Chop's change from puppet to plaything

The cherished children's figure was transformed into a stuffed canine toy by a firm named Multipet International A decade ago. Nowadays, they sell millions of the toys annually.

“It’s a personality associated with warmth, joy, and nostalgia — qualities that pet owners enjoy experiencing with their four-legged companions,” explains Leslie Yellin, a top official at Multipet International for two decades. “We were confident that Lamb Chop’s charming appeal and huggable look would make an excellent toy that pets would cherish. After all, how could anyone say no to those droopy ears and adorable face?”

How the 70-Year-Old 'Lambie' Became an Internet Sensation

"The Lamb Chop Dog Toy "it’s our topmost beloved dog toy," states the Retail President at Chewy Allen Hughes states, "A multitude of customers include the Lamb Chop toy in their Autoship orders, with numerous individuals purchasing over five Lamb Chops annually."

Hughes acknowledged that the popularity of Lamb Chop toys on the internet has surged significantly within just one year, noting a 42 percent increase in social media references. Inspired by this trend, Chewy decided to team up with a musician for collaboration. Puppy Songs To craft a catchy TikTok tune that motivates viewers to display their collection of stuffed Lamby toys. (Be advised, once you watch this clip, the melody might linger in your mind for hours. It’s nearly as catchy as the classic hits of Lamb Chop with Shari Lewis.) The Never-Ending Song .)

Lamb Chop serves as a comforting toy for canine pets.

"Pet parents and their pets both adore Lamb Chop toys, making them among PetSmart’s best-selling plush items," states the Vice President of Merchandising. PetSmart , as Taylor Chamberlain highlights following Hughes. Despite their charm and fluffiness, why has this plush toy become essential for dog owners, particularly at present?

Chamberlain credits some of their success to the extensive range and seasonal releases. He notes, “The aspect of collectibility significantly contributes to their popularity. These toys are available in numerous sizes and feature various themes, ensuring that there’s a Lamb Chop plushie for every type of dog. Active dogs find joy in the squeaking sound, whereas those who prefer coziness appreciate its soft texture.”

"Similar to how children seek solace in their security blankets, dogs develop a similar bond with toys like Lamb Chop—they carry them around everywhere, snuggle with them for comfort, or squeeze them during playtime," notes Hughes.

When I asked my colleagues about their dogs' possession of a Lambie, they immediately shared pictures. Many noted that their pets owned numerous copies of the toy or had gone through various replacements due to excessive love and use.

What’s coming up for Lamb Chop?

Should your dog have an extensive collection of Lamb Chop toys, fear not; many more are set to arrive soon. As Yellin explains, “One of the best things about Lamb Chop is how incredibly versatile she is.” Whether it’s seasonal patterns like summery motifs, festive shamrock-carrying versions for St. Patrick’s Day, or love-hearted editions for Valentine’s Day, new iterations continue to emerge regularly. This year marks Multipet’s 30th anniversary, and according to Yellin, they plan to release exclusive Lamb Chops as part of their celebration.

If you’re curious about how Lamb Chop feels regarding the adoration (and occasional rough treatment) from dogs everywhere who see her image, there’s an explanation. Although creator Shari Lewis can’t provide insight into this revival of popularity, her daughter might. Mallory took to TikTok To respond to becoming a beloved dog toy.

A few of our beloved lamb chops.

If you haven't joined the Lamb Chop craze yet, we recommend beginning with it. traditional 10-inch squeaky toy unless you happen to have a larger breed of dog that might favor the 24-inch size And make sure not to overlook this addition. an Easter themed one into their cart this spring!