Let’s be real for a second. We all tuned into Will Trent for the sharp suits, the gritty Atlanta crime scenes, and maybe a little bit of that unresolved tension between Will and Angie. But then a tiny, eight-pound Chihuahua waddled onto the screen in the pilot episode, and suddenly, the GBI’s top detective wasn’t the biggest star in the room.
Betty the dog on Will Trent is more than just a cute accessory. She’s the emotional glue of the show.
Honestly, it’s kinda funny how a show about brutal murders and deep-seated trauma became the "Betty Show" for half the fanbase. But there is a lot of misinformation floating around about this little dog. People think she’s just a random pet found by a talent scout, or they get her real-life history mixed up with her on-screen persona.
If you’ve ever wondered why she looks so familiar or how a tiny Chihuahua manages to out-act most humans, you’re in the right place.
The Secret Life of Bluebell
First thing you’ve gotta know: Betty isn’t her real name. Off-camera, she’s Bluebell. And here’s the kicker—she’s a seasoned Hollywood pro with a resume that would make most actors jealous.
Remember the Disney movie Cruella with Emma Stone?
Bluebell was one of the dogs who played Wink, the eye-patch-wearing, pickpocketing sidekick. She’s literally a movie star. When she’s not filming in Atlanta, she’s living her best life, often flying private because, as Ramón Rodríguez (who plays Will) puts it, that’s just how she rolls.
She’s a purebred Chihuahua, about 10 years old now as we head into 2026. Her trainer, April Macklin, has been working with her since around 2018. Macklin has mentioned in interviews that Bluebell is actually British. Yeah, you read that right. A British Chihuahua playing an abandoned dog in Georgia.
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Talk about range.
Why Will Trent Needs Betty (And Why We Do Too)
In the books by Karin Slaughter, Betty was always a staple. She was introduced in the 2006 novel Triptych. Slaughter has been vocal about the fact that Betty wasn't named after Betty White (a common misconception), but rather she was just the "kind of dog a young pop star would carry in a leather satchel."
On the show, the relationship is deeper.
Will Trent is a guy who spent his life in the foster care system. He’s guarded. He’s meticulous. He wears three-piece suits like armor so nobody can see the scars underneath. When he finds Betty abandoned in the pilot, he tries to do the "right" thing by taking her to a shelter.
But he can’t do it.
He sees himself in her—something small, discarded, and alone. Keeping her is the first time we see Will's armor crack. Throughout the seasons, we’ve seen him cook special meals for her, sing to her, and even bring her to the GBI.
Behind the Scenes: The "Diva" Behavior
On set, Bluebell is a bit of a legend. Ramón Rodríguez calls her a "bona fide pro" because she usually knocks out her scenes in an hour, gets her treats, and heads back to her trailer.
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But she has her quirks.
In Season 3, Gina Rodriguez joined the cast and actually shared a trailer with Bluebell. Gina mentioned in an AP interview that she was sometimes told not to look at the dog during filming. Why? Because Bluebell liked her too much. If they made eye contact, the dog would abandon the scene and scamper over to Gina for pets, ruining the shot.
She also has a massive wardrobe. From little sweaters to the infamous "cone of shame" incident where she gave Will the silent treatment, her "fashions" are a recurring highlight for fans.
The Chihuahua That Saved Season 2 (Literally)
If you haven't caught up through the end of Season 2, look away.
Betty isn't just there for the vibes. In the Season 2 finale, she actually stepped up into "hero" territory. She attacked a serial killer to protect Angie and then guided Will to the basement where Angie was being held.
It was a total reversal of her Cruella role. Instead of being a little thief, she became a tiny, ferocious guardian.
Season 4 and Beyond: What's Next?
As we move into January 2026, ABC has confirmed Will Trent Season 4 premieres on January 6, 2026.
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There was some chatter on Reddit and fan forums a few months ago about Bluebell possibly being "too old" or not returning, but the latest promos have put that to rest. She is front and center. In fact, following the massive Season 2 cliffhanger—where Will basically went on a self-imposed exile after arresting Angie—Betty was the only one he took with him.
He shut out his partner Faith. He shut out Amanda. But he didn't shut out the dog.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Pet Owners
Watching Betty on screen usually makes people want to run out and adopt a Chihuahua. Before you do, there are a few things to keep in mind about the breed and why Bluebell is so special:
- Training is everything: Chihuahuas are notoriously "feisty" and can be "one-person dogs." Bluebell is a "rescue" success story, but her calm demeanor comes from years of professional training by April Macklin.
- The Apple Head Factor: Fans often ask if Betty is an "apple head" Chihuahua. The answer is yes. This refers to the rounded shape of her skull, which is a hallmark of the breed but can sometimes come with respiratory or dental sensitivities.
- Longevity: Chihuahuas can live up to 15-20 years. Since Bluebell is around 10, we likely have many more seasons of her side-eyeing Will Trent's life choices.
If you’re looking to support the real-world versions of Betty, the Will Trent production has actually partnered with organizations like Best Friends Animal Society in the past to promote pet adoption. It’s a nice way to see the show's impact move beyond just Tuesday night ratings.
Keep an eye on the new episodes starting this January. Based on the Season 4 teasers, Betty might be getting even more "fashions" as Will tries to rebuild his life in Atlanta.
To stay updated on Bluebell's latest antics, you can follow the fan-run Instagram accounts or check the official ABC press site for behind-the-scenes featurettes, which usually drop right before the premiere.