A Brief History of the Queen’s Love for Dogs
You might know Queen Elizabeth II as the longest reigning monarch in British history, but did you know she also holds a record for dog ownership? Throughout her reign, the Queen has owned more than 30 dogs, all of them being of a particular breed – the Welsh Corgi. This love for dogs doesn’t just stem from adulthood, it was part of her childhood.
Growing up, the Queen was surrounded by dogs. Her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, were dog lovers too. They owned a variety of breeds, from terriers to retrievers. But it was a specific encounter with a corgi named Dookie that made a young Princess Elizabeth fall in love with the breed.
The Queen’s First Corgi – Susan
On her 18th birthday, the future Queen received a corgi puppy of her own, whom she named Susan. You might think it’s strange to gift a dog to a future monarch, but for you, a caregiver, it makes perfect sense. A dog is more than just a pet; it’s a companion, a confidante, and a source of unconditional love. Susan became just that for the young Queen.
During her reign, Susan’s descendants accompanied the Queen on royal tours, appeared in portraits, and even played integral parts in royal ceremonies. They were not just pets, but members of the royal family.
The Descendants of Susan
The Queen was so fond of Susan that she wanted to keep her lineage alive. Over the years, the Queen has owned more than 30 of Susan’s descendants. Here are some notable ones:
- Sugar and Honey – Born in 1965, they were among the first of Susan’s line.
- Willow and Holly – They starred with the Queen in the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.
- Whisper – The Queen adopted him after his owner, a former gamekeeper at Sandringham, passed away.
The Queen’s Dogs Today
As of 2021, the Queen has two dogs, a dorgi (a dachshund-corgi mix) named Candy, and a new corgi puppy received during the pandemic. This table summarizes the current royal dogs:
| Name | Breed | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Candy | Dorgi | 13 |
| Unnamed | Corgi | <1 |
FAQs
Q: How many dogs has the Queen owned in total?
A: The Queen has owned over 30 dogs, all descendants of her first corgi, Susan.
Q: What is the Queen’s current dog’s name?
A: The Queen currently owns a dorgi named Candy and a new corgi puppy whose name hasn’t been publicly disclosed.
Q: Where do the Queen’s dogs live?
A: The Queen’s dogs live with her in Buckingham Palace and also accompany her to Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, and Balmoral Castle.
Q: Why does the Queen like corgis so much?
A: The Queen fell in love with corgis as a child after meeting a corgi named Dookie. Her love for the breed continued into adulthood.
Q: Did the Queen breed her corgis?
A: Yes, the Queen bred her corgis for many years, but stopped in 2015 to prevent any from being left behind when she passes.
