Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup is a very fun robotic dog. Unlike most dogs, this one actually listens to you when you give a command, and that's without you having to offer it treat after treat! True, there are other robotic toys on the market that are less expensive. But this is the only toy that I've seen that actually comes close to acting like a real dog. Granted, it's not going to fool anybody, because it's obviously a mechanical toy. But it's real enough that kids will be able to play with it like a real dog. And kids who can't have a real dog because of allergies will appreciate the good things about Biscuit and probably ignore his flaws. It moves and reacts to your commands smoothly and it's pretty hard not to smile when you see it in action. That alone will be reason enough for many people to buy it this year.
The holidays make us buy some strange products. I like to research every gift I give, and test them where possible. If it's not as good as advertised I can return it and save the recipient the hassle of having to exchange it. This is one gift that is bound to please, particularly during those holiday parties where groups of kids are wrecking havoc on your home or searching for something to play with.
When the package first arrived, I was surprised by how large the box is. I thought there might be a lot of empty space, but the dog is sitting there staring blankly ahead when you open up the box. Clearly, that's another difference between biscuit and other toys I've seen: this dog is much bigger than any other robotic animal I know of.
Obviously, many kids want dogs and not all of them can have one. This is clearly a lot less work than a real dog. Similarly, many will see this toy and want it, despite the fact that not all parents are going to spend this kind of money on a toy. This is clearly too much to spend on a *surprise gift* if you're not sure whether your kid wants one. But this product will end up on a lot of wish-lists.
One thing the video shows is that there are mechanical sounds to Biscuit moving. They do start to grate on you after a while. Also, there is a lag between when you speak the command and Biscuit follows. So it's not always clear whether or not he heard you. I have to review some other similar toys to know how this stacks up. You will have to see for yourself whether those things are minor to you or not.
PROS:
+ Probably the largest, most realistic robotic dog you can buy
+ Dog responds with great reactions to 7 standard commands and questions, including:
----- lie down
----- give me a paw (one of the cutest!)
----- shake
----- sit
----- do you want a treat? (guess what his answer is :-D)
----- speak
----- sit up and BEG! (I love being able to tell him that!)
+ Commands are all listed on the back of his collar, so younger kids can learn them easily
+ If you command him to do something he's already doing, he will give you that confused look real dogs do - You have to see this to appreciate it!
+ Dog also responds to touch with numerous sensors around his body, including touch sensors on his nose, head, ears, back and paw and a light sensor in his forehead
+ The different modes, including Play, Response, and Hangout Mode, provide subtle reactions that make the dog seem even more real
+ Soft plush body means that kids can play with him in comfort, worry free (no sharp edges)
+ Comes with kids accessories, like a collar, brush and a biscuit
+ The included *certificate* gives your kids a sense of ownership, like with a real pet
+ Simple, easy to follow instructions will have him barking in no time!
CONS:
- List price isn't a great value; many will have to search for this on sale this holiday
- Would have been nice if the dog followed you around a little more
- Limited varieties, and only this one in this size; When they make the Rottweiler, I'm in!
- Lag between the time you give the command and when Biscuit follows it
- Some mechanical grinding sounds when Biscuit moves
- Requires 6 D Batteries, that are not included; Seriously? D Batteries? I haven't had to break those out since I retired my boom box from the 80s. Buy some rechargeable batteries and a nice charger, because the price of batteries add up
- Would have been nice if they would have included a standard rechargeable battery pack instead
- Battery pouch is closed by Velcro, which seems like kids could open or rip too easily
THE MODES
Ok, so let's say you're done playing with him and you leave biscuit alone. Eventually he will enter "hangout mode" and seek attention by barking and whimpering. And if you turn out the lights or don't respond, he will eventually go to sleep! There are other subtleties to this you will have to see for yourself. Be advised though, it's probably a good idea not to leave him with the batteries in forever. But it's definitely a nice shock when you turn on the light and see him "wake up" at least the one time!
CONCLUSION
This is a very nice step forward in these types of robotic toys. And if you have a group of kids at your house for the holiday, this could save you some babysitting time. You just have to tune out the barking and your kids will have a ball with him.
The price is definitely a little steep. Plan ahead this holiday, because this toy is bound to be on sale at the major toy retailers and maybe here on Amazon too.
Enjoy!
