---
title: "The ‘Barkleys’ Deem Subaru Vehicles ‘Dog Tested, Dog Approved.’"
description: "The purrfect family of Labrador and Golden Retrievers is in the spotlight once again, but this time it's to launch Subaru's new “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” ad campaign."
date: "2018-01-24"
modified: "2018-01-24"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/17913/the-barkleys-deem-subaru-vehicles-dog-tested-dog-approved"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Subaru News"
tags:
  - "Ascent"
  - "Car Commercials"
  - "Crosstrek"
  - "puppies"
  - "Subaru"
  - "Subaru Impreza"
---

# The ‘Barkleys’ Deem Subaru Vehicles ‘Dog Tested, Dog Approved.’

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/01/car_wash.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The 2019 [Subaru Ascent](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/16504/the-2019-subaru-ascent-is-the-family-subie>) made its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show accompanied by adorable four-legged friends dubbed the "Barkleys." The purrfect family of Labrador and Golden Retrievers is in the spotlight once again, but this time it's to launch Subaru's new “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” ad campaign.

Four 30-second [videos](<https://www.youtube.com/Subaru>) will run on national TV as well as digital platforms, continuing Subaru's tradition of producing lifestyle ads that best relate to their customer base. Whether it's due to family, safety, or pet-focused commercials, the Japanese automaker is known for having a cult-like following. But while the Ascent, Impreza, and [Crosstrek](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/8167/2018-subaru-crosstrek-impresses-at-geneva>) are popular and all, these hilarious ads are all about the doggies.

https://youtube.com/embed/is5QIzicOhY

“Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” is designed to show the Barkleys performing tasks most Subaru owners would recreate with their own families. If you've ever wondered what a doggy-run car wash would like, you'll get a kick out of seeing puppies "wash" a Subaru Ascent. In addition, the Barkleys attempt to learn how to parallel park while at the wheel of an [Impreza,](<https://thestore.thedrive.com/>) drop off the little one at school, and even play pranks on each other with the Crosstrek.

https://youtube.com/embed/Jl-CzC2HLKo

"With more than half of Subaru drivers having pets, we believe it is important to celebrate the love of pets shared by our owners,” said Alan Bethke, senior vice president, marketing at Subaru of America.

In addition to the pawtastic commercials, Subaru will also sponsor this year’s Puppy Bowl XIV on Animal Planet which airs on Sunday, Feb. 4, otherwise known as Super Bowl Sunday.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)