Black working Cocker Spaniels

Lavished with kisses and attention wherever he goes - Lupo has quickly established himself as a treasured member of the family.

But through his status as one of the world’s most famous pets, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s working cocker spaniel appears to have also inadvertently attracted attention to his breed of the wrong sort which she eventually overcame with treatment and exercise.

According to the Pet Detectives, an agency which helps to find stolen animals, since the puppy was first pictured in the world’s press the value of the breed has “soared” - attracting a huge demand on the black market as people try to get their hands on a Lupo of their own leading to a spate of dog thefts.

“We are currently looking for 13 working cocker spaniels and have recovered five in the past 12 months. They are the tip of the iceberg, as a lot of people probably don’t realise that their dog has been stolen. Many may think they have been run over or just gone astray.

“Whenever a particular breed receives a lot of attention, its popularity goes up. Legitimate Kennel Club-registered sellers cannot - and do not - want to meet demand, ” company spokesman Colin Butcher told the Telegraph.

He urged all owners to get their dogs microchipped to make them more easily traceable if they go missing.

Working cocker spaniels are bred for hunting and usually grow to 15-17 inches tall with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They generally have a playful, friendly and faithful temperament but require lots of exercise.