When Disney announced it was doing a live-action—well, "photo-realistic"—remake of Lady and the Tramp for the launch of Disney+, people were mostly worried about how the spaghetti scene would look. Would it be cute? Or would it be deeply unsettling to watch two CGI-assisted dogs slurp noodles? But once the movie actually dropped in November 2019, the conversation shifted. People weren't just talking about the leads. They were talking about the Pound Dogs. Specifically, everyone wanted to know about Lady and the Tramp Pedro, the tiny, scrappy Chihuahua with a voice that sounded remarkably familiar.
Pedro isn't just a background character. He's the heartbeat of the pound sequence. While the original 1955 animated classic relied on a somewhat dated, stereotypical portrayal of a Mexican hairless dog named Pedro, the 2019 version took a different route. They brought in Adrian Martinez. If you’ve seen The Secret Life of Walter Mitty or Focus, you know Martinez has this incredible ability to be the funniest person in the room without even trying. He brought that same energy to a rescue dog.
The Voice Behind the Scruff: Adrian Martinez as Pedro
Most people recognize the voice immediately but can't quite place it. Martinez plays Pedro with this frantic, loyal, and slightly overwhelmed energy that perfectly mirrors the dog's physical stature. In the 2019 film, Pedro is part of the eclectic "Pound Dogs" crew, alongside Bull (voiced by Benedict Wong) and Peg (voiced by Janelle Monáe).
It’s a tough gig. You’re playing a dog. You can't use your hands, your facial expressions are limited by the VFX team’s interpretation of a real canine’s muscles, and you have to convey a lifetime of "living on the streets" through nothing but tone. Martinez nails it. He makes Pedro feel like the guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. He’s the street-smart connection Lady never knew she needed.
Interestingly, the chemistry between the pound dogs feels more authentic in this version because Disney made a very specific choice: they used real rescue dogs. This wasn't a bunch of high-priced purebreds from a Hollywood trainer. They scoured shelters. Every time you see Lady and the Tramp Pedro on screen, you’re looking at a dog that actually needed a home before Disney stepped in.
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Real Dogs, Real Stakes
The dog who played Pedro in the 2019 film wasn't a veteran actor. He was a rescue. This is probably why the movie feels a bit more "grounded" than some of the other Disney remakes like The Lion King. When you see Pedro shivering in the pound or looking up at the humans with those massive, watery Chihuahua eyes, that’s not just 1s and 0s. That’s a real dog.
The production team worked with a group called Halo Purely for Pets to ensure that after filming, all the dogs involved—including the stars—found forever homes. This adds a layer of "meta" depth to Pedro’s character. In the movie, Pedro is desperate to get out of the pound. In real life, the dog playing him was literally in that exact situation before being cast.
Why the 2019 Pedro is Different from 1955
Let’s be honest. The 1955 original has some... problematic elements. We all know the Siamese Cat song hasn't aged well. But the original Pedro was also a bit of a caricature. In the 1950s, the "humor" derived from Pedro was largely based on his accent and his diminutive size compared to the big, tough pound dogs.
In the 2019 version, directed by Charlie Bean, Pedro is a fully realized character. He’s the lookout. He’s the one who understands the dynamics of the street better than anyone. He isn't the butt of the joke; he's often the one making the joke. By casting Adrian Martinez, Disney leaned into a more "New York street" vibe for the pound crew. It made the world feel bigger. It made it feel like these dogs had lives before Lady showed up.
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The Impact of the Pound Crew
You can’t talk about Pedro without talking about the "He’s a Tramp" sequence. Janelle Monáe’s rendition of the classic song is a soulful, jazzy highlight, and Pedro is right there in the background, providing the "hype man" energy.
It’s a pivotal moment for Lady. Up until this point, she’s lived in a bubble of silk pillows and prime rib. Pedro represents the reality of the rest of the world. He’s small, he’s vulnerable, but he’s survived. There's a specific kind of resilience in a Chihuahua that the movie captures perfectly. They are 5 pounds of "don't mess with me," and Pedro embodies that perfectly.
Why We Are Still Talking About Him
Why does a secondary character in a Disney+ remake still get search traffic years later? Honestly, it’s because the 2019 Lady and the Tramp is one of the few remakes that actually has a soul. By using rescue dogs, Disney tapped into something very real.
People love an underdog story. Literally.
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Pedro is the ultimate underdog. He’s the smallest guy in the room, facing the literal "end of the line" at the dog pound, yet he maintains his spirit. There’s something deeply relatable about that. Also, the VFX work on Pedro was arguably better than the work on the leads. Chihuahuas have naturally expressive faces—those big ears and bulging eyes translate well to the screen.
Practical Insights for Fans of the Film
If you're revisiting the movie or watching it for the first time because you’re interested in the cast, here is what you should actually look for:
- Watch the Ears: The trainers worked for months with the dog playing Pedro to get specific "looks." Watch how his ears twitch when he’s nervous versus when he’s being "tough." It’s a masterclass in animal training.
- Listen to the Ad-libs: Adrian Martinez has mentioned in interviews that they were allowed some freedom with the dialogue. Some of Pedro's quickest lines feel like they were captured in the booth on the fly.
- Check the Credits: Disney included a special section for the rescue organizations involved. It’s worth a look if you’re a dog lover.
If you want to see more of the "human" Pedro, go watch Adrian Martinez in Focus (2015) alongside Will Smith. You’ll see the exact same comedic timing and "lovable sidekick" energy that he brought to Lady and the Tramp Pedro.
Ultimately, Pedro serves as a reminder that in the world of Lady and the Tramp, the "tramps" are often the ones with the most character. He isn't just a sidekick; he's proof that even if you're the smallest dog in the pound, you still have a voice.
To get the most out of the experience, watch the 1955 version and the 2019 version back-to-back. Pay attention to how the character of Pedro evolves from a punchline to a protagonist in his own right. Then, if you're feeling inspired, check out your local shelter. Most "Pedros" out there don't have Adrian Martinez's voice, but they definitely have the same heart.