Ava SterlingPrince William and Kate's 10-Month-Old Puppy Stars in Their 15th Anniversary Photo: Your First-Year Dog Care Checklist
On April 29, 2026 — their 15th wedding anniversary — Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, shared a warm family portrait taken in the Cornish countryside. Photographer Matt Porteous captured the entire Wales family barefoot in an informal, unposed moment: all three children, the family's older spaniel Orla, and their newest addition, a 10-month-old puppy. The internet immediately fell in love with the dogs, prompting veterinarians to answer the surge of questions about puppy care at that specific age.
A 10-month-old puppy is at a critical developmental stage. They've passed the intensive early socialization window but aren't fully adult dogs yet. Here's what veterinarians want every first-year puppy owner to know.
Where a 10-Month-Old Puppy Stands Developmentally
At 10 months, most medium and large breed dogs are in their adolescent phase — which many owners find more challenging than the newborn puppy stage. Small breeds mature faster and may already be entering early adulthood.
Behaviors that are common (and often frustrating) at 10 months include:
- Testing limits and "forgetting" previously learned commands
- Increased energy and a need for structured exercise
- Continued teething and chewing (some dogs teethe until 12-18 months)
- Social drive toward other dogs, sometimes at the expense of recall
This phase typically peaks around 8-12 months and begins to stabilize by 12-18 months, depending on the breed. Understanding this as a developmental phase — not a behavioral regression — helps owners respond with consistent, positive training rather than frustration.
The 5 Veterinary Checkpoints Every Puppy Owner Should Confirm by Month 10
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the following should be completed or scheduled before your puppy's first birthday:
1. Core vaccinations: By 10 months, your puppy should have completed the distemper-parvovirus series and received a rabies vaccine (required by law in all 50 states). Some dogs need boosters depending on their first vaccine timing. If you're unsure, your vet can run a titer test to confirm immunity.
2. Spay or neuter timing: The ideal age varies significantly by breed size. For small breeds, 6-9 months is typical. For large and giant breeds (like the cocker spaniels the Wales family favors), many veterinary guidelines now recommend waiting until 12-18 months or even 24 months to allow full skeletal development. This is a conversation worth having with your vet rather than defaulting to the old standard of 6 months.
3. Heartworm test and prevention: Puppies started on heartworm prevention before 7 months generally don't need a test first, but by 10 months, confirming prevention is in place and scheduling an annual test is important. Heartworm disease is prevalent across most of the United States, and treatment is expensive and hard on dogs.
4. Intestinal parasite screening: Young dogs are at higher risk for intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giardia). A fecal exam at 9-12 months is a routine part of the annual puppy exam and catches issues before they become serious.
5. Dental check: Puppies finish teething around 6-7 months, but some teeth don't emerge or fall out properly. Retained baby teeth can cause crowding and periodontal disease. An oral exam at 10-12 months ensures the transition is complete.
The Question Nobody Asks: Are Two Dogs Better Than One?
The Wales photo shows two dogs — the older spaniel Orla and the new puppy. Many families add a second dog when their first dog is young, hoping the older dog will help socialize the puppy. Veterinarians see this frequently and have mixed views.
The advantages of a second dog include built-in companionship, especially for high-energy breeds. Dogs are social animals, and a compatible companion can reduce separation anxiety and meet social needs when humans are busy.
The challenges are real, too. Adding a puppy to a household with an established dog requires careful introductions, separate feeding areas, and a period of adjustment that can last 2-4 weeks. Older dogs sometimes resent the intrusion, especially if the puppy is relentlessly playful. Signs of stress in the resident dog — excessive hiding, food guarding, snapping — warrant a conversation with your vet or a certified dog behavior consultant.
When to Call Your Vet at 10 Months
Many first-time puppy owners are unsure what warrants a vet call versus what is normal. At 10 months, reach out to your veterinarian if:
- Your dog has lost weight, stopped eating, or has persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- You notice limping or reluctance to exercise (could indicate joint issues, especially in large breeds)
- Your dog is excessively lethargic or overly reactive/aggressive (could indicate pain or a hormonal issue)
- You're seeing behavioral changes that training isn't resolving — this sometimes signals a medical issue
On ExpertZoom, licensed veterinarians are available for online consultations to answer your pet health questions — whether you have a 10-month-old puppy like the Wales family, or a senior dog with changing needs.
