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The Kong toy, resembling a bouncy snowman, has become a beloved accessory for dogs. Established in the 1970s in a Colorado mechanic’s shop, Kong has evolved into a staple in the pet industry, offering a wide range of toys for both dogs and cats. The original Kong, currently known as the Kong Classic, was inspired by a bump stop from a Volkswagen Bus. I found one, and yes, they do look alike. Interestingly, Bramble the dog shows a clear preference for the Kong version.
Joe Markham began selling dog toys in 1976, but prior to that, he worked as a mechanic in Denver. A few years ago, Volkswagen even located a photo of his old shop, showcasing Markham’s unique custom Beetles.
Markham’s German Shepherd, Fritz, was known for his chewing habits, often damaging his teeth on rocks. One day, while working on a Type 2 Bus, Markham tossed one of the vehicle’s bump stops to Fritz, finally giving him something he couldn’t destroy instantly.
Bump stops, also known as axle stops, are small rubber components that act as a final barrier to prevent vehicle damage when the suspension bottoms out. Ideally, drivers shouldn’t regularly hit their bump stops, even if they tend to drive aggressively.
Given that bump stops must endure significant force, they are incredibly durable. As a result, dogs typically struggle to chew or destroy them. The older versions from VW buses are notably sturdy as well.
Both Kong and Volkswagen have confirmed the origin story of the Kong toy. Perhaps you’re familiar with it already. Digging deeper, I discovered the specific part in question is P/N 211 501 191; “rubber stop rear axle.” This part is compatible with Type 2 VW Buses from 1966 to 1979 as well as Type 3s from ’62 to ’66.
I easily found one listed on eBay and had it delivered to my New York garage for about $12. Purchasing a Kong Classic was even simpler, as they are widely available online and at virtually any pet supply store, often for less than the VW part and in various sizes.
Upon comparing the dog toy with the bump stop, I found the resemblance amusing. They generally look alike, despite the different packaging. However, the modern Kong toy is much more pliable. The VW part is nearly solid and only has a slight bounce, whereas the Kong toy has a nice flexibility and rebounds energetically when dropped on a hard surface. The Kong also features two holes rather than one, with a larger internal cavity for stuffing treats or peanut butter to keep dogs entertained for extended periods.
Many dogs have a fondness for peanut butter, but it’s important to only offer them natural varieties since typical brands like Skippy and Jif may include ingredients harmful to dogs. Kong also provides its own squeeze-cheese-style snacks specifically designed for these toys.
Curious to see whether Bramble, my dog, would show interest in the VW part like Fritz did years before, I set out both the Kong and the bump stop for her. She sniffed the bump stop briefly before completely ignoring it. I strongly recommend against letting dogs play with car parts, even clean ones, due to the potential for harmful coatings or toxic materials.
Bramble is not a heavy chewer, and she frequently passes by car parts without interest. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that she disregarded the bump stop. However, once I put some peanut butter inside the Kong, she was thoroughly engaged, licking it clean and neglecting the car part entirely. She also enjoyed chasing the Kong when it bounced; moving objects are her preferred source of entertainment.
That said, I can’t say she’s as enamored with the Kong as Fritz might have been. Since our photoshoot, she hasn’t played with it much, though I know she’ll be back to it by the next time I refill it with treats. However, the Kong Squeakair tennis balls have become a different story. Bramble adores those, and I find myself purchasing a three-pack every couple of months (some go missing, while others meet their fate under the lawnmower). Not quite sure how to weave that into a car blog narrative, but I’ll certainly attempt it. Maybe I can give my Civic a Squeakair-themed design for its next hill climb race.
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