Monaco Dog Names

Given the unique tax laws of Monaco, it’s only a matter of time before the country, filled with millionaires, becomes a haven for pop stars who create films in the area. Until then, there are few dogs in pop culture that relate directly to Monaco.

In saying that, there is one dog that connects perfectly with Port Hercules, Monaco’s deepwater port, and his name was also Hercules. The port in Monaco has been used since ancient times and now covers over 40 acres. It can provide anchorage for around 700 vessels and even includes space for boats up to 40 meters long. However, on the outer piers, it’s capable of holding cruise ships too.

In 2010, Port Hercules underwent a renovation and that finished up in 2011. Jean Michel Jarre also performed a free concert there for over 85,000 spectators in celebration of Charlene Wittstock marrying Prince Albert II.

However, that’s enough about the Port, Hercules the dog is the start of the show. Hercules was a Huntaway cross dog from Tuakau, New Zealand that became the heart and soul of Toyota “Bugger” ads in the country of four million people.

The Saatchi & Saatchi-produced ads continued to be New Zealand’s favorite and earned the dog 17 awards as a result. However, because of the use of the word “bugger” Toyota received 120 complaints upon its first airing in 1999. They even received one from as far away as Australia.

The bugger advertisement went off the air, but when the complaint did not get upheld, it returned - much to the delight of many. That ad paved the way for a life of filming and TV ads for Hercules. He ended up with roles in Lord of the Rings, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, 80 TV commercials, and The Chosen.

Hercules was also a brilliant dog who understood over 130 commands and could pick up almost anything new quite quickly. His owner, Mark Vette, paid tribute to Hercules who died of a heart attack at age 12 in 2004 while filming training videos to educate children on avoiding being bitten by dogs.

Even in death, Hercules memory lived on, especially for his only speaking role when he said “bugger” in the Toyota ad. It was seen again in Beagle 2 during a failed Mars landing. The speaker asked if the lander had any final words, and the leader said: “oh bugger.”

It's clear to see people will always remember Hercules and the first role that allowed him to shoot to fame.