Why Is Sydney Sweeney’s Dog Being Called a Nazi Pet? Here’s All About It

Sydney Sweeney has been caught in a storm of online criticism ever since the release of her American Eagle ad, and the backlash shows no signs of slowing. What began as outrage over the campaign’s tagline, drawing an analogy between great jeans and great genes for their new apparel rollout in collaboration with the Euphoria star, has now taken an unexpected turn, targeting her pet dog. And the breed of the canine could have something to do with people calling it a Nazi pet.

Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad takes a new absurd turn as the Nazi propaganda outrage around the campaign refuses to fade.

Sydney Sweeney’s pet branded Nazi dog — It has a backstory

Sydney Sweeney’s German Shepherd, Sully Bear, has become the latest target in the backlash surrounding her American Eagle ad. Critics online have focused on the breed’s historical ties to Nazi Germany, with some calling the dog a symbol of white supremacy. One user, per the Daily Mail, dubbed Sully a “Nazi pet,” while others used names like “Swastika Sweeney,” pointing to the species’ association with Adolf Hitler, who reportedly owned several German Shepherds during World War II.

Sydney Sweeney first introduced Sully Bear to the world in April 2024. The red-and-black-furred animal has since joined her at several high-profile events, including a Met Gala afterparty, and even appeared on the cover of The Sunday Times’ Style magazine. As a saving grace, some netizens spoke in the dog’s favor online, with one commenting, per the aforementioned outlet: “Your dog has great jeans as well.” Another jumped on the discourse too, dropping a heart first and writing, “Any dog is the best dog, but German Shepherds were born with something special.” Amid continued Nazi propaganda accusations, meanwhile, it is worth knowing what American Eagle has said so far on the matter.

American Eagle broke its silence on Sydney Sweeney’s denim ad last week.

American Eagle responds as great jeans/great genes slogan draws Nazi claim

On Friday, August 1, American Eagle defended Sydney Sweeney amid the ongoing backlash surrounding their latest campaign. In a statement shared on Instagram, the brand stood by the actress, saying, “’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.” The company pressed on its inclusive messaging, adding that they will continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence. The statement officially put to rest all claims of hidden political insinuations.

Despite the brand’s clarifications, the controversy has continued to spiral in bizarre directions. What began as a chatter about a denim slogan has now evolved into a cultural flashpoint, with anyone with a digital device drawing increasingly far-fetched connections. From unfounded claims to dragging aspects of Sweeney’s personal life into the spotlight, including her alleged registered Trump supporter identity, and commentary on her dog, the fiasco highlights how effortlessly the smallest of conversations can snowball into something bigger in today’s day and age.

What are your thoughts on people dragging Sydney Sweeney’s dog into the American Eagle controversy? Let us know in the comments below!