The Untold Story Behind Dog the Bounty Hunter's Iconic Family: Revealing the Reality Star's Children and Their Extraordinary Journeys

Duane Chapman, Beth Chapman and family. Broadimage/Shutterstock

Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman is the head of a booming brood that contains 13 children from six different relationships. Scroll down to meet his family:

Christopher Michael Hecht

Dog's life took an unexpected turn when, as a teenager, his ex-girlfriend Debbie White gave birth to their son Christopher in 1972. However, at the time of his son's arrival, Dog found himself serving an 18-month prison sentence in Texas. Following the tragic death of his birth mother by suicide, Christopher was adopted by Keith Hecht and Gloria Hecht. Throughout his life, Christopher has encountered numerous legal troubles, including reports of a third-degree assault arrest in 2008. Disturbingly, in February 2021, the Sun disclosed that he was sentenced to three years in prison after an alarming arrest for menacing in Colorado.

Duane Lee II and Leland Blane Chapman

The reality star, who married La Fonda Sue Darnell, walked down the aisle for the first time. In 1973 and 1976, they welcomed sons, Duane Lee II and Leeland, respectively. Both of his sons followed in their father's footsteps and became bail bondsmen, working alongside Dog at Da'Kine Bail Bonds in Hawaii. They also appeared on their father's show, Dog the Bounty Hunter. Leeland, on the other hand, has been married twice. His first marriage was to Maui Chapman in 1995, and together they had sons Dakota and Cobie before splitting in 2005. He also has a daughter named Leiah with ex Lynette Yi, whom he split with before marrying model Jamie Pilar Chapman in 2016.

Zebidiah, Wesley and James Robert Chapman

Following his split from Darnell, Dog started a new chapter in his life with his second wife Ann Tegnell, whom he married in August 1979. The couple celebrated the arrival of their first child, son Zebadiah, in 1980. Sadly, Zebadiah's life was cut short just one month after his birth. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Dog and Ann went on to welcome two more sons, Wesley and James Robert, in 1980 and 1982 respectively, before eventually deciding to go their separate ways.

Barbara Katie, Tucker Dee and Lyssa Rae Chapman

Wesley, who was brought up by his maternal grandparents following his parents' separation, eventually reestablished a connection with his father later in his life. He has two daughters, Chloe and Peyton, from a previous relationship. Wesley then proceeded to establish the non-profit organization known as The Human Project and presently manages the Chapman Springs Ranch alongside his wife Jodie.

Dog got married for the third time in 1982 to Lyssa Rae Brittain. They met at a bar two days before their wedding, which was officiated by a Native American chief in the Colorado mountains. They have three children together: Barbara (born in 1982), Tucker (born in 1983), and Lyssa Rae (born in 1987). Tragically, Barbara passed away in a car accident at the age of 23 in 2006. She is survived by her son Travis.

Lyssa, on the other hand, has two daughters named Abbie Mae and Madalynn from her previous marriage to Braham Galanti. Later on, she married Leiana Evensen in 2022.

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Bonnie Joanne and Garry Chapman

Dog finally found true love when he met his late wife Beth Chapman for the fifth time. They got married in 2006 after having two children together, Bonnie Joanne and Garry, in 1998 and 2001 respectively.

Unfortunately, Beth passed away in June 2019 due to complications from throat and lung cancer. Since then, Bonnie and her father have experienced both good times and bad times. Prior to his marriage to Francie Fane in 2021, Bonnie accused her father of infidelity, causing her to miss out on being invited to his wedding.

Cecily Barmore-Chapman

Dog adopted Beth’s daughter Cecily, whom she had from a previous marriage, once the couple walked down the aisle.

Jon

In June 2023, Dog announced he had just “discovered” he had fathered a son named Jon whose birthday coincidentally landed on the same day Beth had passed away.

"On the fourth anniversary of my late wife's passing, this day has always been a painful reminder of my greatest loss. However, I found solace in discovering that my recently met son, Jon, was born on this very day. With this newfound knowledge, this day has transformed into one of joy and renewed meaning for me. Allow me to introduce my son, Jon, and his wife, Jodi." Dog expressed these sentiments through an Instagram post. While he chose not to disclose any details regarding Jon's mother, he hinted at the possibility of revealing more about Jon in his upcoming memoir, Nine Lives and Counting, set to be released in 2024.