The creator-driven pet brand Little Chonk has arrived care of entrepreneur Bryan Reisberg and his TikTok-famous corgi, Maxine, who counts 3.4 million followers and 850,000 Instagram fans under the moniker Mad Max Fluffy Road.
Little Chonk, a dog backpack brand, was borne of photos and videos of Maxine traveling around New York City in her own pack, in keeping with rules instituted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 2016 that dogs could only ride the subway if they could fit in a bag.
After becoming frustrated by subpar bags and amid enthusiasm from fans about procuring their own backpacks like Maxine’s, Reisberg decided to create his own.
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Little Chonk launched on Dec. 15 – Maxine’s sixth birthday – after 16 months of fundraising, during which time it raised a pre-seed round of $400,000 from 15 angel investors. These funds went toward research, design, and development, the company said. Little Chonk also recruited veterinary specialists to guide development, forming the Little Chonk Medical Board.
Only one product exists today, dubbed The Maxine One. It is priced at $120 and touts an ergonomic design, breathable interiors, auto-lock zippers, and a port at the bottom for dogs’ tails to hang out. The first drop sold out in four minutes, Little Chonk says, and currently has a waitlist 12,000 people long. A second drop is hitting today with even more units.
Other backpack variations are forthcoming. The Maxine One S, a version for smaller dogs, is expected to go on sale in coming months, with additional models to follow. The company also says it plans to raise a “substantial” seed round in early 2022.
Finally, Little Chonk is collaborating with the MTA on a monthlong campaign in honor of National Pet Travel Safety Month that aims to teach New Yorkers how to ride with their dogs in backpacks. In addition to assets on their respective social channels, videos will play on digital screens in trains and stations across the city.
A Little Chonk x MTA pop-up will be kick off later this month, including meet-and-greets with Maxine and a limited supply of backpacks for sale.
FAQs
My name is Bryan Reisberg and I'm the dog dad of Maxine the Fluffy Corgi and co-founder of Little Chonk, the first and only creator-led brand in the pet space.
How much is Maxine the corgi worth? ›
With income streams from sponsorships, merchandise sales, Little Chonk profits, and creative projects, Maxine has an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million. Her owner Bryan manages her finances wisely to fund her comfortable lifestyle and care.
Do fluffy corgis shed less? ›
So this is one advantage to a fluffy coat – less shedding!
What breed is a fluffy corgi? ›
These dogs, originating from Wales and known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi, can have either short or long hair, depending on if they have the “fluff gene.” These loyal, intelligent, and fun-loving dogs have a long-standing history and have been praised for their herding ability and charismatic ...
Do Corgis shed? ›
To answer the question, yes, Corgis do shed. It's a myth that there are genuinely hypoallergenic dog breeds, and Corgis are no exception. They also shed heavily, and every day.
Which Corgi breed is more expensive? ›
As Pembroke Corgis are the more popular of the 2 breeds, you might find they're a bit more expensive.
What is the rarest type of Corgi? ›
The Cardigan Welsh corgi, one of the oldest breeds in the British Isles, is among the least popular of the 220 breeds recognized by the KC and has been for a number of years.
Does Maxine's dog have a name? ›
It's Maxine and her faithful dog, Floyd! The creator of this hilarious cartoon figure, John Wagner, told us the story of the inception and evolution of Maxine and her longevity in the greeting card and licensing world.
Are cowboy corgis aggressive? ›
Australian cattle dogs, as well as corgis, are known as loyal companions. Cowboy corgis have the potential to receive a double dose of that instinctual trait. While intense loyalty is usually a desirable thing in a dog, it can also lead to wariness around strangers as well as owner protectiveness.
What is Max the dog real name? ›
Five Belgian Malinois dogs were required to shoot the canine adventure Max. But only one dog had the chops to take the lead role: a 3-year-old rebellious spirit named Carlos.
💁♂️ 9 yrs young w/ a BIG personality.
Who has the corgi dogs? ›
After the Queen's death in September 2022, it was announced that Andrew and Sarah would adopt the two surviving royal corgis, and they would be resettled to their residence in the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate.
Who is the famous corgi? ›
Dookie. The first corgi owned by Queen Elizabeth II, received as a gift when she was a young girl. Dookie was the start of the Queen's lifelong love for the breed.
Who is Auggie dog? ›
The Auggie Dog is a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Australian Shepherd brings its herding instincts, intelligence, and energetic nature, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi contributes its affectionate demeanor, sturdy build, and distinctive appearance.
