How a VW Bus part inspired the KONG dog toy

At Bismarck Motor Company, we know that every Volkswagen has a story—sometimes, even its parts do! If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably seen (or stepped on) a KONG toy before. That tough, treat-stuffable rubber chew toy has kept countless pups entertained for decades. But did you know that its origins trace back to a Volkswagen Bus?

A Chew-Happy Pup and a Volkswagen Part

Back in 1970, Joe Markham, an auto mechanic in Denver, was struggling to find a solution for his German Shepherd, Fritz, who had an uncontrollable chewing habit. “Fritz would chew on anything he found, but he especially liked rocks,” says KONG company president K.D. Decker. This was causing serious damage to Fritz’s teeth, and despite trying everything from animal bones to radiator hoses, Markham couldn’t find a solution.

Then one day, while working on a late 1960s Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, Markham heard Fritz going crazy. The chew-crazy canine had gotten hold of a bulbous rubber axle stop that had rolled away from the parts pile. “And he wasn’t tearing it up,” Decker recalls. The pliable yet tough rubber and its unique shape made it perfect for Fritz—strong enough to withstand his powerful bite but soft enough not to damage his teeth. Markham immediately thought, “This would be a good dog toy.”

Engineering the Perfect Dog Toy

Determined to bring his idea to life, Markham spent years perfecting the rubber formula, size, and design of what would eventually become the KONG toy. He even tried sourcing the parts directly from Volkswagen but couldn’t reach the right person. So, he turned to rubber experts in Germany to finalize the right chemistry and composition. “He wanted to be associated with German build quality and engineering,” says Decker. After six years of testing and refinement, Markham launched the snowman-shaped KONG toy in 1976, and it quickly became a global favorite among dogs and their owners.

Get a KONG with Your New Volkswagen!

To celebrate the shared history between Volkswagen and one of the most beloved dog toys of all time, Bismarck Motor Company is giving away a free KONG dog toy with every new Volkswagen purchase. Just like a VW, KONG toys are built to last—making them the perfect gift for you and your furry co-pilot.

Whether you’re hitting the road in your new Volkswagen or just looking for the perfect way to keep your pup entertained, we’re excited to bring a little extra joy to your car-buying experience. Visit us today to find your next ride—and a new favorite toy for your best friend!