Q&A with Munch the Bulldog

The star of Iams dog food commercials, Munch, is celebrating a birthday this month. In honor of the big day, the nearly 4-year-old bulldog is teaming up with Iams to help pets less fortunate than himself. Stop by his Facebook page on March 26-28, 2010 to wish him a Happy Birthday. For every fan that posts, Iams will donate a meal to an orphan pet! Petside spoke with Munch's mom, Deirdre McKell Nardelli, about Munch's name, his career in show biz, and his online birthday party. Q: Where did Munch's name come from? A: Munch's official show name is CH. Brixalot Rascal Law and Order (like the TV show "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"). His name comes from one of the lead detectives on the show - Sergeant John Munch. Q: What's his favorite toy and treat? A: Munch loves toys and treats! His favorite treats are from Iams and he'll play with any toy that makes noise. Right now Munch's favorite toy is his big Lobster that grunts when he plays with it. Q: What's his favorite game to play? A: Munch is very active and enjoys playing fetch. One of his favorite activities is to be outside on walks where he can play and meet people. Munch has a lot of friends in our neighborhood! Q: Which dog shows does Munch compete in? What titles has he won? Are there shows coming up? A: Munch competes in AKC Confirmation shows and has completed his AKC Championship Title. He has won Best of Breed, Multiple Best in Specialty Shows and also has some Group Wins. Munch is planning to compete in the Specialty Weekend Show in New Jersey in April and the Long Island Cluster Show in May. If you live in the New York or New Jersey area, please come out and cheer him on. Q: How did Munch get into show biz? A: My partner Jodi Ball, who has been breeding bulldogs since 1999, had done print work with the other dogs in the past and suggested that Munch get involved with commercials and different campaigns. Fortunately, Munch has a great personality for his work and really enjoys it. It keeps us very busy. Q: Does Munch often get recognized? A: Yes! Munch gets recognized everywhere he goes; he loves it and so do we! Munch even has a Facebook Fan page now where his fans can interact and see what he's up to on a daily basis. Q: Does Munch recognize himself on TV? A: Munch is an active dog so he doesn't spend too much time watching TV. However, it's really fun when people recognize him from his commercials. When we're walking or at dog shows, we often hear "Hey! Is that the Iams dog?" We all love Munch and it's nice to see his personality and spirit touch so many people. Q: We read that Munch can skateboard! How did he learn to do that? A: Munch is not much of a skateboarder but he does like to chase his human brother Joe on his skateboard while he rides it. Q: Does Munch snore? A: Yes, Munch does snore but not too loud. The only time Munch snores loud is when he's really tired. Q: What are you going to do to celebrate Munch's 4th birthday? A: We are planning to have Munch's friends and family over to our home to celebrate. Munch will get his annual Meat Birthday Cake (just for his birthday we'll add meatloaf to his Iams kibble as a special treat). He's always very excited when anyone sings at home so it should be fun to see his response when we sing "Happy Birthday" to him. We're also hosting an online birthday party on his Facebook page. For every fan that posts a birthday wish or picture on the page, Munch's friends at Iams are donating a meal to help an orphaned pet. Please help make a difference in these pets' lives by wishing Munch Happy Birthday March 26-28 on his page.