Betty on Will Trent: All you need to know about the adorable dog who accompanies the special agent

Betty - A Chihuahua named Bluebell. (Image Via. @willtrentabc, Instagram)
Betty - A Chihuahua named Bluebell. (Image Via Instagram/ @willtrentabc)

Will Trent doesn't just have gripping cases and complex characters but it also has Betty, the tiny Chihuahua who quietly steals the show. Do you want to know who this scene stealing Chihuahua is?

Well, you're not alone. Betty on Will Trent may not say a word, but she's a fan favorite for a reason. From her adorable bond with Will to her own actual stardom, Betty has made out a permanent space in the hearts of a lot of fans.

If you're curious to know which dog plays her, what her story is, and how she became such a well known character of the show, we've got everything you need to know right here.


Who is Betty on Will Trent and why is she so special?

It all starts in the first episode of Will Trent, when Special Agent Will sees a lonely Chihuahua all tied up in his neighborhood. What starts off as just a rescue soon turns into a lasting companionship and friendship.

Betty, as she's later named, quickly becomes more than just a pet and she's a quiet emotional anchor in Will's world. Her full name? Betty Maria White Trent.

Actor Ramón Rodríguez, who plays Will Trent, shared just how central Betty is to the character's emotional journey. In his words,

"He wasn't just going to let this dog stay out there... that simple act shows you how much heart he has."

Betty may not bark often on screen, but her presence tells us everything about Will's inner world, his past, his tenderness, and his guarded compassion.

Interestingly, Betty isn't just for the show. She was first introduced in Karin Slaughter's original 2006 novel Will Trent: Triptych. According to Slaughter,

"Will certainly had no intention of getting a dog... but now she whiles away the hours until Will comes home."

Betty represents another strong female in Will's life, quiet but unwavering.


Meet Bluebell the real dog behind Betty on Will Trent

Behind every iconic TV dog is a real pup with some serious acting chops. In Will Trent, Betty is portrayed by an eight year old Chihuahua named Bluebell. Despite her petite frame, Bluebell has a résumé that would impress any dog lover.

Remember Wink, Emma Stone's tiny sidekick in Cruella? That was Bluebell too. She's got range and plenty of experience on demanding sets.

Her trainer, April Macklin, has worked with her since 2018 and calls her "a bit of a rescue." Macklin revealed that Bluebell is "pretty chill" at home but lights up the moment she steps onto the Atlanta set. Macklin said,

"She starts bouncing around and barks at me because she's so excited..."

It's not all treats and cuddles, though. Bluebell has put in thousands of hours of training to become camera ready. She's been taught to handle loud noises, unfamiliar faces, and all the chaos that comes with a TV production.

Even the adorable glances Betty gives onscreen are the result of clever off camera cues like a telescopic pointer with a ball on the end to draw her attention.

Rodríguez calls her a "bona fide pro," explaining;

"She comes in, knocks out her scenes, gets treats, and goes home in, like, an hour. She's amazing."

In fact, when producers needed a small dog who could slide across a table in one scene, Bluebell outshined all the contenders in her physical audition.


Betty on Will Trent isn't just a cute addition to the series but she's a silent thread tying the emotional story together. And Bluebell, the real life star behind her, proves that talent comes in all sizes.

With charm, discipline, and a lot of heart, this tiny Chihuahua has earned her place as one of television's most lovable companions. Watching the TV show wouldn't be the same without Betty waiting at the door.

Edited by Ayesha Mendonca