Behind the Scenes with Peggy: From Ugliest Dog to Dogpool Star

The Unlikely Rise of Peggy: From Overlooked Puppy to Hollywood Star

In the world of entertainment, it’s rare to find a story as heartwarming and inspiring as that of Peggy, a small dog with an unconventional appearance who has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. What makes Peggy’s story truly remarkable is not just her unexpected rise to stardom, but how her journey challenges conventional beauty standards and demonstrates the profound impact that unconditional love and acceptance can have. From being the last puppy in her litter to landing a major role in Marvel’s blockbuster film Deadpool & Wolverine, Peggy’s trajectory is a testament to the power of embracing individuality and the transformative nature of animal rescue and adoption.

The Last Puppy in Her Litter

Peggy’s story begins not with fanfare or recognition, but with quiet rejection. Born as the runt of an accidental litter in 2018, Peggy found herself in a difficult position typical of many unwanted animals in rescue situations. While her siblings were quickly adopted by eager families, Peggy—with her mostly bald coat, distinctive pug nose, and tongue that refused to stay inside her mouth—languished in adoption listings, overlooked by potential adopters seeking more conventionally beautiful pets.

Holly Middleton, a resident of the United Kingdom, discovered baby Peggy when the puppy was six months old through online adoption platforms. What might have been a daunting appearance to many was instantly endearing to Holly and her family. “We all instantly fell in love with her,” Holly recalls. “She fits into our family perfectly like she’s always been there. My youngest son especially has a very close bond with her. He was 3 when we brought her home, so they’ve grown up together.”

For the Middleton family, Peggy was never an awkward-looking pet or a charity case—she was simply and completely loved. Holly notes that because Peggy became such an integral part of their family unit, she sometimes forgets that her beloved companion is “not your standard-looking dog.” While people in their village had grown accustomed to seeing Peggy, reactions from strangers were often one of surprise. Holly explains, “But when we go further afield, I still find it surprising when I catch people pointing, staring, whispering, or coming over to ask for photos.”

Britain’s Ugliest Dog: A Life-Changing Contest

On a whim, and encouraged by family and friends, Holly decided to enter Peggy in Britain’s Ugliest Dog contest in 2023. The decision would prove transformative. Peggy not only competed but emerged victorious, earning the tongue-in-cheek honor of being crowned Britain’s ugliest dog. What had been a lighthearted family decision suddenly thrust Peggy into the national spotlight.

The victory was more than just a funny title—it represented a significant cultural moment. In an age often obsessed with conventional aesthetics and perfection, Peggy’s win celebrated uniqueness, individuality, and the kind of unconventional beauty that exists beyond traditional standards. Her appearance in national media, in all her “mostly bald and beautiful glory,” resonated with audiences who saw in her a reflection of their own perceived imperfections and the importance of self-acceptance.

From Contest Winner to Film Star

The Middleton family never imagined that Peggy’s contest victory would lead to opportunities in the entertainment industry. However, following her win at Britain’s Ugliest Dog contest, Holly was approached with an unexpected proposition: would the family be interested in having Peggy appear in a major motion picture? At that time, the specifics of which film remained unknown, and the family had no way of knowing whether Peggy possessed the temperament or capability for such work.

The film in question was Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine, and Peggy was being considered for the role of Dogpool, a character requiring specific skills and behaviors. To determine whether Peggy was suitable for the role, filmmakers conducted a trial run. “She was given a little trial to see if she could do what was needed and if, more importantly, she was comfortable and enjoyed it,” Holly explains. Peggy passed the audition with flying colors, and the family agreed to let their beloved pet pursue this extraordinary opportunity.

Training with a Professional

To prepare Peggy for her film debut, Marvel Studios enlisted Jules Tottman, the head animal trainer for the production. Tottman’s credentials were impressive—she had worked with countless animals across major film and television productions, including the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones franchises, as well as films like 101 Dalmatians, Casino Royale, and The Dark Knight. Her experience was crucial in ensuring that Peggy would not only perform but enjoy the process.

Peggy stayed with Jules full-time for several months before filming commenced. Initially uncertain about the new environment and unfamiliar faces, Peggy exhibited typical rescue dog behaviors—barking at strangers and displaying guardedness. However, as Jules worked with her, a transformation occurred. “She lapped up the training,” Jules observed. “She absolutely loved it and grew every day with confidence.”

The training process focused on making work enjoyable for Peggy rather than forcing compliance. Jules discovered that Peggy’s favorite tricks involved physical affection and playful interaction. Jumping into people’s arms and licking their faces became signature moves—aided by a secret weapon: squeeze cheese. “She would try to lick everyone’s faces, thinking there would be cheese somewhere around,” Jules explains with fondness. For Peggy, the training sessions transformed into pure fun and positive reinforcement.

The Hollywood Experience

When filming began, Peggy stepped onto Hollywood sets alongside major stars including Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The experience was undoubtedly overwhelming for a dog who had only recently discovered the joy of learning and performing. However, Peggy’s extensive training and positive relationship with her handlers ensured that she remained comfortable and confident throughout the production process.

Working directly with Ryan Reynolds proved to be a memorable experience for everyone involved. Reynolds, known for his playful personality and love of animals, connected genuinely with Peggy. According to Holly, during one memorable encounter after filming a scene, Reynolds approached the family and remarked on Peggy’s performance, commenting that she had “learned a few new words.” The lighthearted moment underscored the affection that developed between the actor and the canine performer.

Rescued Animals in Film: A Broader Context

Peggy’s journey to Hollywood is part of a larger movement within the entertainment industry—one that prioritizes working with rescue animals rather than only sourcing animals from breeders or specialized animal suppliers. Jules Tottman’s approach to finding animals for film productions demonstrates this commitment. “We do actually rescue most of our animals,” she explains. Her company actively coordinates with rescue organizations and shelters to identify suitable animals for specific production needs.

The impact of this approach has been substantial. When filming the Harry Potter series, Tottman specifically approached Neapolitan mastiff rescue organizations to identify dogs for the productions. Over the ten-year filming period, this collaborative effort resulted in the rescue and placement of ten Neapolitan mastiffs. Beyond their film careers, many of these rescued animals found permanent homes through Tottman’s placement network. “My village is full of my rescued dogs,” she notes with evident pride.

This model demonstrates how entertainment can serve a secondary but equally important function: promoting animal welfare and supporting rescue efforts. By casting rescue animals in major productions, the industry not only provides these animals with second chances but also raises awareness about the capabilities and value of rescue pets.

Peggy’s Impact Beyond the Screen

Since her debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, Peggy has become an unexpected ambassador for pet adoption and animal rescue. Her visibility in a major blockbuster film has provided her with a platform to challenge preconceived notions about what makes an animal “adoptable” or valuable. In a world where social media and entertainment often celebrate conventional beauty, Peggy stands as a powerful counternarrative—a reminder that true value lies not in appearance but in personality, love, and the bonds we form with animals.

The recognition Peggy has received extends beyond casual audience appreciation. In 2025, she was honored with prestigious industry recognition, winning both the Comedy Canine Award and the BFI Best in World Award at the Fidos Awards. These accolades represent not just her performance in the film, but also her broader impact on the conversation surrounding animal rescue and adoption.

The Larger Mission: Supporting No-Kill Shelters

Peggy’s story serves as an illustration of a broader mission championed by animal welfare organizations like Best Friends Animal Society. The organization has set an ambitious goal: supporting all animal shelters in the United States in reaching no-kill status by 2025. No-kill facilities are those that save every dog and cat who can be saved, accounting for community safety and appropriate quality of life for animals.

Achieving this goal requires more than just the efforts of shelter staff and professionals. It demands community participation and support. Statistics demonstrate the feasibility of this vision—if just six percent more people chose to adopt rather than purchase their pets from breeders, the systematic killing in shelters nationwide could be eliminated. Peggy’s prominence in a major film provides visibility to this cause and demonstrates the potential of rescue animals when given proper support and opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peggy

Q: What breed is Peggy?

A: Peggy is a Pugese, a cross between a Pug and a Chinese Crested Dog. This mixed breed heritage contributed to her distinctive appearance.

Q: How old is Peggy?

A: Peggy was born in early 2018, making her around six years old as of 2024. She was six months old when Holly Middleton adopted her.

Q: Was Peggy’s role in Deadpool & Wolverine her first acting experience?

A: Yes, her appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine marked her acting debut. She underwent several months of professional training before filming began.

Q: How long did Peggy train for her film role?

A: Peggy stayed with professional animal trainer Jules Tottman full-time for a few months before filming commenced on Deadpool & Wolverine.

Q: Did Peggy win any awards for her performance in Deadpool & Wolverine?

A: Yes, Peggy won two awards at the 2025 Fidos Awards: the Comedy Canine Award and the BFI Best in World Award for her work in the film.

Q: What was Peggy’s biggest challenge during training?

A: Initially, Peggy displayed typical rescue dog behaviors such as barking at strangers and displaying wariness. However, with patient, positive reinforcement training, she overcame these challenges and developed confidence.

The Broader Message: Embracing Differences

Peggy’s extraordinary journey from unwanted rescue puppy to Hollywood film star carries a profound message that extends far beyond entertainment. In a society often obsessed with perfection and conventional standards, Peggy’s story celebrates the beauty of imperfection and individuality. She demonstrates that perceived flaws—whether physical appearance, behavioral challenges, or unconventional characteristics—do not diminish an animal’s value or capacity for joy, love, and success.

For families considering pet adoption, Peggy serves as an inspiring example of why rescue animals, particularly those with special needs or unconventional appearances, deserve consideration. Her story illustrates that adoption is not a compromise but rather an opportunity to bring immeasurable love and joy into one’s life while simultaneously saving a life.

As Peggy continues her journey—whether through additional film appearances, public appearances, or simply as a beloved family pet—her impact on the discourse surrounding animal welfare, rescue, and adoption remains significant. She stands as a testament to the transformative power of love, the importance of second chances, and the endless potential that exists within rescue animals when given proper support, training, and opportunity.