A Royal Affection for Canines
You, as a caregiver, understand the unique bond that forms between humans and their pets. For Queen Elizabeth II, this bond has been a lifelong affair with a specific breed of dogs – the Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The Queen’s love for these four-legged companions began when she was a young girl and has continued throughout her reign.
The Queen’s Corgi Family
Queen Elizabeth received her first corgi, named Dookie, when she was just a child. Since then, she has owned more than 30 corgis, all of which have descended from her first dog, Susan, a gift for her 18th birthday.
Her dogs have had a significant presence in the royal family’s life:
- Sugar, Honey, and Whisky: These were Susan’s offspring who lived with the Queen during her early years as a monarch.
- Whisper and Willow: The Queen’s last corgis, who sadly passed away in 2018.
The Role of the Queen’s Dogs in Royal Life
The Queen’s dogs have not just been pets; they’ve been cherished members of the royal family. They’ve accompanied her on walks, been present at official meetings, and even appeared in portraits with the royal family.
| Dog’s Name | Role in Royal Life |
|---|---|
| Susan | Accompanied Queen Elizabeth on her honeymoon |
| Monty | Starred alongside the Queen in a James Bond sketch for the 2012 London Olympics |
Queen Elizabeth and Her Dogs Today
Sadly, the Queen decided to stop breeding dogs in 2015, concerned that she might trip over them and injure herself. Today, she has two dorgis (a dachshund and corgi mix), Candy and Vulcan.
The Legacy of the Queen’s Dogs
The Queen’s love for her dogs has left an indelible mark on the public’s perception of the monarchy. It’s a testament to the powerful bond between humans and animals, one that you as a caregiver can certainly appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What breed are the Queen’s dogs?
- The Queen has owned Pembroke Welsh Corgis and dorgis, a mix of dachshund and corgi.
- How many dogs does the Queen have now?
- The Queen currently has two dogs, Candy and Vulcan, both of which are dorgis.
- Why did the Queen stop breeding dogs?
- The Queen stopped breeding dogs in 2015 due to concerns about her personal safety.
- What were the names of Queen Elizabeth’s first dogs?
- Queen Elizabeth’s first corgis were named Dookie and Susan.
- Did the Queen’s dogs have any official duties?
- While the Queen’s dogs didn’t have any official duties, they often accompanied her on walks and appeared in official portraits.
