
The popular British television series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes, has featured several dogs over the years, including the beloved Chicken, who first appeared in the show's final season. Chicken, played by rescue dog Taffy, quickly became a fan favourite, with viewers expressing concern for his wellbeing during a dramatic scene in which he went missing. In addition to Chicken, other dogs that have appeared on the show include Dodger, a Westie-Jack Russell Cross, and Paddy, a Jack Russell Cross. Doc Martin's series finale in 2022 marked the end of a decade-long run, with fans showing their love for the show's four-legged stars, including calls for Chicken to receive a Best Actor award.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the dog | Chicken |
| Breed | Rescue dog |
| Actor who played Chicken | Taffy |
| Other dogs in the show | Dodger (a Westie-Jack Russell Cross), Paddy (a Jack Russell Cross) |
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What You'll Learn

Chicken is a rescue dog named Taffy
Chicken, the dog that charmed the nation during the finale of Doc Martin, is a rescue dog named Taffy. Taffy plays the role of Chicken, the newest addition to the Ellingham family, with James (Elliott Blake) taking a particular liking to him. In the dramatic final episode of season 10, fans were stressed after Chicken went missing, only to be found after a frantic search.
Taffy is not the first rescue dog to star in Doc Martin. In fact, there have been multiple rescue dogs that have appeared on the show, including Dodger, a Westie-Jack Russell Cross, who plays the Doc's dogged pal, Buddy, and Paddy, a Jack Russell Cross. The dogs' trainer, Sonia Turner, has described them as "naughty kids" who get into trouble, but also as clever and attentive.
Martin Clunes, the actor who plays Doc Martin, has a soft spot for dogs, and it shows in his interactions with his four-legged co-stars. He even created a part for Paddy after spotting the dog on set with Dodger. Clunes is mindful of the dogs' welfare, opting to mime shouting and dub it in afterward to avoid stressing the dogs with his booming voice.
The love for dogs extends beyond the screen, as Clunes and his wife, producer Philippa Braithwaite, shared a beloved dog named Mary Elizabeth. Clunes even included a hidden tribute to Mary Elizabeth in season 10 of Doc Martin.
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Chicken went missing in the finale
In the finale of Doc Martin, Chicken, the dog, went missing, sparking a frantic search. Martin (Martin Clunes) put up posters and tried to find locals to help in the search. During the search, Martin got into an accident, suffering a scary encounter with a stampede of cows that left him with a severe arm injury. He had to be hospitalised as he had torn a major artery on barbed wire. Thankfully, he was expected to make a full recovery.
Chicken, played by rescue dog Taffy, was eventually found after a new tenant called in to report that they had seen the dog running across their fields. Chicken was then brought home to the Ellinghams, much to the relief of the characters and viewers. The finale ended on an emotional note, with Martin deciding to stay in Portwenn, throwing the 'For Sale' sign outside the surgery into the sea.
The dramatic disappearance of Chicken, who had become a beloved family dog, added to the tension of the finale, leaving fans stressed and concerned about the dog's wellbeing. The relief of Chicken's return was a heartwarming moment for viewers, who took to social media to express their love for the four-legged character, with some even calling for Chicken to receive a Best Actor award.
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Chicken was found after a frantic search
Chicken, the beloved dog from the show Doc Martin, certainly left a mark on the show's fans. Chicken, played by rescue dog Taffy, went missing in the final episode of season 10, leaving fans stressed and concerned about his wellbeing.
After a frantic search that saw Martin (Martin Clunes) putting up posters and trying to find locals, Chicken was found. A new tenant called and revealed that he had seen the dog running across his fields. Chicken was eventually brought home to the Ellinghams, much to the relief of the characters and viewers. Doc Martin fans took to Twitter to express their love for Chicken, with some even calling for the dog to be honoured with a Best Actor award.
Chicken's disappearance also led to a health scare for Martin, who got into an accident while searching for the dog. He was ambushed by a stampede of cows, fell, and cut his arm open on barbed wire, tearing a major artery. Thankfully, Martin was expected to make a full recovery.
The finale of Doc Martin packed an emotional punch, with fans not only worried about Chicken's disappearance but also the potential departure of the titular doctor from Portwenn. The show's ending left a lasting impression, with Chicken's story playing a pivotal role in the conclusion of the series.
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Chicken is a series regular
Chicken the dog is a series regular in Doc Martin, a British television medical comedy-drama series. The show first aired on ITV on 2 September 2004 and ended after 10 seasons on 25 December 2022. Chicken is played by rescue dog Taffy, who charmed the nation during the show's finale. In the final episode, Chicken went missing, causing fans to worry about the dog's wellbeing. Chicken was eventually found and brought home to the Ellinghams, concluding the series on a happy note.
Chicken's role in the series is significant, as he serves as a source of emotional support for the titular doctor, Martin Ellingham, portrayed by Martin Clunes. During the finale, Martin experiences a health scare and faces a difficult decision about whether to leave Portwenn, the fictional seaside village where the show is set. While searching for Chicken, Martin gets into an accident, which leads him to reevaluate his decision and choose to stay in Portwenn.
Chicken's presence in the show adds a layer of warmth and companionship to the story. The character's playful and loving nature has captured the hearts of viewers, with some fans even calling for Chicken to receive a Best Actor award. The dog's impact on the series highlights the ability of animals to bring depth and authenticity to storylines, creating a more dynamic and engaging narrative.
The inclusion of a rescue dog like Chicken in a popular television series also raises awareness about the importance of animal rescue and adoption. It showcases the potential for rescued animals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities. Chicken's role in Doc Martin may inspire viewers to consider adoption and provide loving homes for animals in need.
Overall, Chicken's regular appearances in Doc Martin have left a lasting impression on fans of the show. The dog's playful antics, emotional support, and integral role in the storyline have enriched the viewing experience, contributing to the series' success and leaving audiences with fond memories of Chicken's captivating presence on screen.
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Chicken is well-loved by fans
Chicken, the dog from the popular TV show Doc Martin, has certainly won the hearts of fans. In fact, Chicken is played by a rescue dog named Taffy, and viewers were very concerned about his wellbeing when he went missing in the final episode of season 10.
Chicken's disappearance was one of the dramatic events that derailed Martin and his family's plans to leave the fishing village of Portwenn and move to London. In the episode, Martin (played by Martin Clunes) puts up posters and tries to find locals to help in the search for Chicken. The dog is eventually found after a new tenant calls to say they saw him running across their fields.
The inclusion of Chicken in the show's finale sparked a lot of conversation among fans, with many taking to Twitter to express their love for the four-legged character. One fan even called for Chicken to be honoured with a Best Actor award!
The love for Chicken can be seen in fans' reactions to the show's ending, with some saying they couldn't cope with Chicken going missing and the show ending. Chicken's role in the finale, including his disappearance and eventual return, added to the emotional impact of the final episode, leaving fans in tears and on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Chicken the dog has clearly left a lasting impression on viewers of Doc Martin, becoming a well-loved character in his own right and contributing to the show's memorable conclusion.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken, who went missing in the finale of Doc Martin, is played by a rescue dog named Taffy.
Dodger, a Westie-Jack Russell Cross, played the Doc's dogged pal Buddy. Paddy, a Jack Russell Cross, is Dodger's best mate on the show.
Martin Clunes mimes the shouting and dubs it in afterward, as he did not want to shout at the dogs.
The dogs live with their trainer, Sonia Turner, and play together all the time. They behave like two naughty kids, getting into trouble.











































