美国各地的饮食文化赋予了热狗截然不同的定义，其烹饪方式与配料深受地域特色影响 [1]。在纽约，当地人称其为"dirty water dogs"（脏水热狗），通常搭配酸菜、辣黄芥末酱和洋葱酱食用 [1]。芝加哥风格则拥有严格的配方标准：必须包含黄芥末、霓虹色酸黄瓜、切碎的洋葱、番茄片、腌黄瓜、运动椒以及芹菜盐，且严禁添加番茄酱 [1]。而在辛辛那提和底特律地区，热狗常与无豆肉酱（Chili）及大量切达干酪一同呈现 [1]。尽管口味千差万别，Costco 推出的热狗与饮料套餐自 20 世纪 80 年代起便维持着固定的售价——每份 1.50 美元 [1]。受访者将这一长期价格不变的平价产品誉为“人民的狗”和“伟大的平等者”，视其为全美共同的国民美食 [1]。
The definition of a perfect American hot dog varies significantly by region, with cooking methods and toppings reflecting distinct local food cultures [1]. In New York, these are often boiled in water and served with sauerkraut, spicy yellow mustard, and onion sauce, earning them the nickname "dirty water dogs" [1]. Conversely, Chicago-style hot dogs feature a specific combination of yellow mustard, neon-colored pickles, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, celery salt, and dill pickle relish, while strictly prohibiting ketchup [1]. In Cincinnati and Detroit, the style is characterized by chili made without beans served over the sausage with generous amounts of cheddar cheese [1]. Despite these regional differences in preparation and flavor profiles, one product stands out as a unifying national icon: Costco's hot dog and drink combo. This specific item has maintained a fixed price of $1.50 since the 1980s [1]. Due to its long-standing affordability and widespread availability, respondents have referred to this particular offering as "the people's dog" and "the great equalizer" [1].