Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” Returns in 2026 and Steals the Super Bowl Spotlight
The game had its moments. The halftime show had its spectacle.
But once again, it was a tiny puppy and a towering Clydesdale that truly owned the Super Bowl.
Budweiser revived the spirit of its iconic “Puppy Love” campaign in 2026 — and viewers responded exactly the way you’d expect. While the stadium roared and fans debated plays, one runaway puppy quietly ran away with America’s heart.
A Super Bowl Ad That Outshined the Game
In a night packed with big-budget commercials and celebrity cameos, Budweiser’s sentimental spot rose above the noise. The ad — centered on a spirited puppy who bonds with a majestic Clydesdale horse — captured the emotional core that Super Bowl audiences crave.
According to USA Today’s annual Super Bowl Ad Meter, “Puppy Love” claimed the top spot among viewers. Thousands of voters ranked it the most impactful commercial of the night, proving once again that heart wins over hype.
The premise was simple but powerful: a newly adopted puppy keeps finding its way back to the Clydesdale it loves. No flashy gimmicks. No shock factor. Just loyalty, connection, and that unmistakable Budweiser warmth.
And it worked.
Why “Puppy Love” Still Resonates
Budweiser has long mastered the formula of pairing adorable dogs with its iconic Clydesdales. But this year’s return felt especially timely. In contrast to edgier or over-the-top ads of previous Super Bowls, many brands leaned into nostalgia and emotional storytelling.
The New York Times noted that this year’s commercials focused more on uplifting, feel-good themes rather than controversy or shock value. Budweiser’s entry fit perfectly within that trend — offering viewers a brief emotional escape.
Even though the ad aired late in the broadcast, it left a lasting impression. Social media quickly filled with viewers calling it “the best part of the night” and “the only thing worth rewatching.”
A Bond Bigger Than Football
At its core, “Puppy Love” isn’t about beer. It’s about connection.
It’s about the idea that some bonds are stronger than distance, stronger than change — even stronger than the biggest sporting event in the world.
In a Super Bowl filled with noise, Budweiser proved that sometimes the quietest story makes the loudest impact.
And once again, a little puppy stole the show.