Meet Britain’s cutest pub dog: Cocker Spaniel puppy Rudi

Cocker Spaniel puppy Rudi, aged 18 months, has been named Britain’s cutest pub dog

He’s known as the ‘welcome committee’ at his local pub, because his tail never stops wagging and he gets along with everyone who comes in for a pint.

Now, the much-loved 18-month-old Cocker Spaniel puppy named Rudi has been named Britain’s cutest pub dog.

He lives with owners Chris and Gillian French and their ten-year-old daughter Mia at The Mitre pub in Richmond-upon-Thames, South West London.

The show-type Spaniel was handed the accolade in a new book called Great British Pub Dogs after being an ‘instant hit’ with locals in the gastropub.

Mr French said: ‘He’s a great pub dog, he’s got bags of personality and gets along with everyone from children who love playing with him to our regulars.

‘His tail never stops wagging – he’s the welcome committee. He’s also really great with other dogs, which is good because a lot come into the pub.’

Rudi lives with Chris French and his family in Richmond-upon-Thames, South West London

Rudi lives with Chris French and his family in Richmond-upon-Thames, South West London

The 18-month-old show-type Spaniel became an 'instant hit' with locals in the gastropub

The 18-month-old show-type Spaniel became an ‘instant hit’ with locals in the gastropub

Rudi is said to get along with everyone who comes into the pub where he resides

Rudi is said to get along with everyone who comes into the pub where he resides

The pooch will be appearing on ITV News tonight, but Mr French said he is ‘trying to keep him grounded so he doesn’t become a total diva’.

Rudi enjoys frolicking around the pub with best friend Owain, a four-year-old black Labrador.

But Mr French, 40, has been forced to ban Rudi from nearby Richmond Park after he caused two deer stampedes.

The couple bought the dog as a surprise for daughter Mia. Mr French added: ‘We told Mia we were going to the supermarket and came back with a puppy.

Rudi has been banned from nearby Richmond Park after he caused two deer stampedes

The couple bought the dog as a surprise for daughter Mia

Rudi has been banned from nearby Richmond Park after he caused two deer stampedes

The dog, who regularly cheers up his owner, resides at The Mitre in Richmond-upon-Thames

The dog, who regularly cheers up his owner, resides at The Mitre in Richmond-upon-Thames

Rudi is 'as much a part of the family and the pub as any human', according to his owner

The show-type Spaniel has been named Britain's cutest pub dog

Rudi is ‘as much a part of the family and the pub as any human’, according to his owner

‘She couldn’t believe it. It’s been great for her. She’s not afraid of other dogs anymore, she’s very confident and goes straight up to them in the street.

‘For me he’s a companion. We started the pub two years ago and built it up from scratch.

‘I spent a lot of time by myself for a long time before we hired anyone else, and during the times when you can get a bit down, you just look at his face and can’t help but cheer up.

‘Every time I look at him it melts my heart, and he is as much a part of the family and the pub as any human.’ 

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