Prince William and Princess Kate’s Cocker Spaniel Is Adorable, But Fans Should Think Twice Before Adopting One of Their Own, Expert Says
Prince William and Princess Kate have been showing off the youngest member of their family.
Earlier this month, the royal couple took to Instagram to celebrate Otto, their cocker spaniel pup. The adorable pooch – who just turned 1 – joined the family last year but is just now making his public debut.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s new dog drives interest in cocker spaniels
Otto’s mom is Orla, another dog owned by William and Kate. With his chocolate brown fur and serious gaze, Otto quickly gained quite a following. He also prompted plenty of people to start thinking about adding their own Otto to their family. Searches for “cocker spaniel” reached 1.1 million in the past month, rising 5% year-on-year, according to search trend data analyzed by fresh dog food brand, Years.
It’s no wonder that Kate and William have embraced cocker spaniels as the perfect pet for themselves and their three kids: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The breed is known for being affectionate and playful. But as with any dog, it’s important to look beyond the picture-perfect Instagram photo and understand what you’re truly getting into before you adopt.
“Cocker spaniels are wonderful dogs, but they are not low-effort dogs,” said Darren Beale, CEO of Years. “They are affectionate, clever, and full of personality, which is exactly why people love them. But that also means they need time, routine, training, mental stimulation, grooming, and consistency.”
While cocker spaniels are relatively small, they are high-energy. That’s because they were originally bred as working dogs to hunt game. While they’re less likely to serve that purpose today, they still need to keep busy.
“If that energy has nowhere to go, owners may start seeing chewing, barking, restlessness or attention-seeking behaviour,” Beale warned.
Another challenge? People often love cocker spaniels because they bond closely with their families. But that can mean they react poorly when left alone. Boredom can be a problem as well, as they might turn to chewing furniture or digging to keep themselves entertained.
Even the future king and queen of England aren’t immune from a misbehaving pup. At a recent Buckingham Palace garden party, Kate admitted that Otto could be a handful.
“[Otto] chewed quite a lot the other day,” she told a guest, according to Hello!
“You have to keep them busy,” she added. “The first thing we do in the morning is check, ‘Has anyone taken Otto out?'”
Is a cocker spaniel right for your family?
All that doesn’t mean that people should pass on adopting a cocker spaniel. These dogs can still be the perfect family pet. Beale recommends looking into a dog’s background before you adopt. Working cocker spaniels typically require more energy and training than show cocker spaniels. Owners should also be prepared to properly care for their ears and coat.
“Cocker spaniels can be incredible family dogs, but they need owners who understand them,” Beale stressed. “They are not the kind of dog to choose because they are cute, popular, or having a moment. They need attention, structure, and patience.”
“If the breed fits your lifestyle, a cocker spaniel can be a brilliant companion,” he added. “But if you want a dog that needs very little input, this probably is not the right breed.”
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