Inside the life of Britain’s ugliest dog: From the runt of an accidental litter to hitting Hollywood with Ryan Reynolds – how Peggy the Pug and Chinese Crested cross became a worldwide hit
When Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were accompanied on the red carpet in New York last night by a nearly hairless puppy with a long tongue hanging out of its mouth, a few eyebrows were probably raised.
But for four-year-old Peggy, it was the latest chapter in her so far extraordinary life.
This dog is described by many as the ugliest dog in Britain, and last year he even won the title of unluckiest dog in an official poll.
She started life as the runt of a random litter, before being adopted at six months old by Holly Middleton from Leven, East Yorkshire.
But the pug and Chinese crested dog – or pugese – is now one of the stars of Marvel’s upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film, and even wears her own costume.
Peggy, a cross between a pug and a Chinese Crested Dog – or pugese – was officially voted the most unsightly dog in the country last year
The unusual pooch looked right at home on the red carpet as she posed for the cameras with co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman who proudly smiled with Peggy
Peggy the dog attends the premiere of Deadpool and Wolverine and poses for the cameras
Ryan Reynolds loves Peggy, the ‘ugliest dog in the UK’
Cast members Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, with Britain’s ugliest dog, Peggy
Peggy the Dog attends the ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ premiere in New York
Peggy was recruited to join the cast of the upcoming Marvel film when Reynolds saw the dog. She is seen in a scene from the upcoming film
Rather than feeling insecure about her quirky appearance, Peggy – encouraged by her devoted owner – parades around with pride.
The special dog felt right at home on the red carpet as she posed for the cameras.
In honour of Peggy, HMV on Oxford Street even replaced the logo with the dog and the gramophone with one with the dog on it.
Peggy was adopted by Mrs Middleton, 36, when she was just six months old because of her ‘odd’ appearance.
Her owner admitted to the BBC that her dog looks like ‘Marmite’ and that people either love him or hate him.
She entered Peggy into the ‘Ugliest Dog in Britain’ competition and won the prize of a grooming session and a photo shoot.
The pup is no stranger to the spotlight and gets strange looks, sighs and comments when they walk together.
Mrs. Middleton even admitted that her own children were initially uncomfortable with Peggy’s appearance, with her eldest son embarrassed by the way the unique dog compared to his friends’ furry pets.
In honour of Peggy, HMV on Oxford Street even replaced the logo with the dog and the gramophone with a logo with the dog on it.
Peggy, who plays ‘Dogpool’ in Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine at the world premiere in New York
The pup is no stranger to the spotlight and has earned strange looks, gasps and comments when walked around the neighborhood
Peggy is seen in her superhero costume, being pampered by Reynolds and Jackman
Reynolds appears to be protective of little Peggy, as he can be seen jokingly shielding her from the cameras
Eventually, the children changed their minds about the dog, which had become an important part of the family.
Peggy may not be exactly attractive, but according to Mrs. Middleton, her unusual appearance doesn’t stop her from living life to the fullest.
“It’s always been that way, but it doesn’t stop her from doing anything. She can eat and drink, it goes in her mouth, but it doesn’t stay in there,” she said.
She was drawn to Peggy when she found her on a shelter website when the puppy was only six months old.
“I just love anything that’s a little bit unloved and unusual, so when I saw her on the adoption website I knew I wanted to take care of her.”
Meanwhile, she explained that it had been a challenge to name her, as there were no names that suited the pet, but she and her grandmother eventually settled on ‘Peggy’.
They chose the name as a tribute to her great-grandmother.
Peggy the little dog is pictured next to the sign for her upcoming movie
Hugh Jackman pets Peggy, aka Dogpool, during the UK press event for the Marvel film
Matthew Macfadyen, Rob Delaney, Louis D’Esposito, co-president, Marvel Studios, Ryan Reynolds, Peggy the Dog, Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios, Hugh Jackman, Shawn Levy, Emma Corrin, Leslie Uggams and Wendy Jacobson
Reynolds appears to be protective of the little dog, as he is seen kissing her on the head during an event
Despite Peggy’s crown, Mrs Middleton told the BBC she thinks the dog is “beautiful inside and out”.
When people call her beloved pet ugly, she says, she doesn’t take it badly. Neither does Peggy, because it’s always “in a humorous way.”
Peggy was recruited to join the cast of the upcoming Marvel film when Reynolds saw the dog.
Despite being a lover of big, furry dogs – as evidenced by his pets Baxter, Billie and Boots – he knew he wanted to act with this dog.
Speaking to Empire Magazine, he said she “felt like the animal manifestation” of Deadpool’s alter ego Wade Wilson.
She started out as a “minor afterthought” but quickly became a “main component” of the film.
Cast members Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Ryan Reynolds, Rob Delaney and Britain’s ugliest dog, Peggy, pose for a photo in London
She started out as a ‘minor sideshow’ but quickly became a ‘mainstay’ of the film
Reynolds said she “felt like the animal manifestation” of Deadpool’s alter ego Wade Wilson
Despite being a fan of big, furry dogs – as evidenced by the many dogs he and Blake Lively have owned – he knew he wanted to act with Peggy, the ugliest dog (not pictured)
Reynolds appears protective of the little dog, as evidenced by him kissing her on the head during an event for the film.
He said: ‘She won the ugliest dog in Britain but we won’t tell her that because she’s a 10 in our hearts. She’s really, really amazing and we love her very, very much.’
Blake Lively, whom Reynolds has been married to since 2012, was also very excited about the dog.
She jokingly posted on Instagram after the event: ‘SOS. He’s trying to get me pregnant again.
“Get rid of the dog you find so cute despite society’s expectations of the K9 and take off that damn teal suit! Rude.”
Lively also loves dogs. She has a teacup Maltipoo named Penny, who she takes with her everywhere.