The Fluffy Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About ‘Kevin,’ The Scene-Stealing Dog In The Proposal

The 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal is a beloved classic, but for many viewers, the true star isn't Sandra Bullock or Ryan Reynolds—it's the adorable, fluffy white dog named Kevin. This charming canine, a key member of the eccentric Paxton family, provides some of the film's most memorable and hilarious moments, from the famous eagle mishap to his cozy scenes with Betty White. As of December 12, 2025, the fascination with this particular movie dog remains incredibly high, leading many to search for the secrets behind his on-screen magic and his life off-camera.

The dog’s performance is so iconic that it has permanently boosted the popularity of his breed, causing a common case of mistaken identity among dog lovers. We’ve dug deep into the archives and behind-the-scenes reports to uncover the full story of the American Eskimo Dog who stole the show, revealing the four different dogs who played the role and the special effects secrets that made those unforgettable scenes possible.

The Complete Biography of 'Kevin' (Flurry, Sitka, Nanu, and Winter)

The dog who played Kevin, the beloved Paxton family pet, was not just one talented pooch but a team of four professional animal actors. This is a common practice in Hollywood to ensure the animals are well-rested, safe, and available to perform different types of actions required by the script. The primary breed used was the American Eskimo Dog, often mistaken for a Samoyed due to the similar white, fluffy coat.

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• Character Name: Kevin
• Breed: American Eskimo Dog (specifically, the Miniature or Standard size)
• Number of Actors: Four dogs shared the role.
• Real Names of the Dogs: Flurry, Sitka, Nanu, and Winter.
• The Star Performer: Flurry was reportedly the favorite among the cast and crew, often handling the close-up and most complex scenes.
• Notable Co-Stars: Sandra Bullock (Margaret Tate), Ryan Reynolds (Andrew Paxton), Betty White (Grandma Annie/Gammy), Mary Steenburgen (Grace Paxton), Craig T. Nelson (Joe Paxton).
• Previous Film Role: This team of dogs also appeared in the 2009 children's film Hotel for Dogs, demonstrating their versatile acting skills.
• Trainer Status: The dogs lived in Los Angeles with their professional trainers, who ensured their welfare and performance adherence to American Humane Association guidelines.

The Truth Behind the Infamous 'Eagle Scene'

One of the most memorable and talked-about moments in The Proposal is the frantic scene where Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) believes an eagle has dropped Kevin onto the roof of the house, leading to a chaotic rescue attempt. This scene is a perfect blend of physical comedy and special effects, and the truth behind how it was filmed is a fascinating Hollywood secret that ensures the safety of the animal actors.

It Was Not a Live Dog That Fell

For the shot where the dog is supposedly "dropped" by the eagle and lands in Margaret's arms, the production did not use a live animal. The dog that was dropped was actually a stuffed prop. This was necessary to maintain the safety of the animal and achieve the exact comedic timing required for the shot.

Live Eagles and Staging

While the dog was a prop for the fall, two live eagles were used for the close-up shots of the birds themselves, which were filmed in separate takes. The entire sequence was carefully overseen and approved by the American Humane Association to ensure that "No Animals Were Harmed" during the production.

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Sandra Bullock’s Careful Choreography

The subsequent moments, where Margaret runs around holding Kevin by the waist in a panic, required careful choreography. Actress Sandra Bullock was well-rehearsed on how to hold and run with the dog actors. For the scene where Kevin is placed on the floor and then quickly retrieved from the rug, trainers were hiding just off-camera (or in the bathroom) to cue the dog and ensure a smooth, safe transition.

American Eskimo Dog vs. Samoyed: The Breed Confusion

The sheer fluffiness and white coat of Kevin have led to a widespread misconception that the dog in The Proposal is a Samoyed. While they share a similar appearance, Kevin’s actors were American Eskimo Dogs, and there are distinct differences between the two breeds that are important for fans and potential pet owners to understand.

Size and Origin

The most significant difference is size. The American Eskimo Dog (often called an "Eskie") is a smaller Spitz-type dog, coming in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes. The Eskie dogs used in the film were likely Miniature or Toy size, which made them look like a very young puppy next to the adult actors. The Samoyed, by contrast, is a much larger working dog, originally bred for herding and drafting in Siberia. They are considerably heavier and taller than the Eskie.

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Temperament and Training

The choice of the American Eskimo Dog for a complex acting role like Kevin was no accident. Eskies are highly intelligent and excel at obedience training, making them popular circus and performance dogs—hence the name "Eskimo Spitz," which was used because of anti-German sentiment during WWI (they were originally called German Spitz). Their eagerness to please and quick learning curve are what allowed Flurry, Sitka, Nanu, and Winter to master the many tricks and cues required for the film.

More Behind-the-Scenes Fun Facts About Kevin

The dog's presence on set was a major morale booster, and the interaction between the cast and the canine stars led to several heartwarming and funny moments that didn't always make the final cut.

• The Bed Scene: The famous scene where Margaret wakes up to find Kevin sleeping on her chest was achieved through careful training and trust. The dog was placed gently and cued to stay by their trainer, who was positioned just out of frame.
• The Name 'Kevin': The dog's character name is an amusingly human name, which adds to the eccentricity of the Alaskan family. The name has become synonymous with the fluffy white breed in pop culture.
• A Star is Born: The exposure from The Proposal propelled the American Eskimo Dog into the spotlight, leading to increased interest in the breed from people looking for a highly intelligent, playful, and beautifully coated companion.
• Betty White's Best Friend: Flurry, the lead dog, reportedly bonded quickly with the entire cast, but his scenes with Betty White (Gammy) were particularly charming, showcasing the dog's natural comfort and calm demeanor around the legendary actress.

The legacy of Kevin, the American Eskimo Dog, proves that sometimes the most memorable part of a romantic comedy isn't the kiss, but the comedic chaos created by a fluffy, scene-stealing pet. The next time you watch The Proposal, you can appreciate the work of Flurry, Sitka, Nanu, and Winter, the true four-legged stars of the show.