If you’ve ever wondered, “What kind of dogs did the Queen have?” then you’re in for a royal treat. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has been a dog lover since she was a little girl. The most famous of her pets have been her Pembroke Welsh Corgis and the lesser-known Dorgis, a crossbreed of Dachshunds and Corgis.
Table of Contents
1. The Queen’s Love for Corgis
2. The Birth of the Dorgi Breed
3. The Legacy of the Royal Dogs
4. FAQs
Key Takeaways
* Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 dogs of the Corgi and Dorgi breeds during her reign.
* The Queen’s Corgis and Dorgis have been a significant part of her life and the British Royal Family.
* Queen Elizabeth II has stopped breeding dogs to avoid leaving them behind after she passes away.
The Queen’s Love for Corgis
Queen Elizabeth II’s love for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed began when she was just a child. Her parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, brought home a Corgi named Dookie in 1933, and the young Elizabeth was smitten. She later received her own Corgi, Susan, on her 18th birthday, and this marked the start of a long line of Corgis that would accompany the Queen throughout her reign.
The Queen’s Corgis weren’t just pets; they were a part of the royal family. They traveled with her on royal tours, lived in Buckingham Palace, and even appeared in official portraits and during public appearances. According to The Telegraph, the Queen’s dogs had their own room in Buckingham Palace, complete with a footman to cater to their needs.
Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 Corgis, all of whom descended from Susan. Unfortunately, the last of her purebred Corgis, Willow, passed away in 2018, marking the end of an era.
The Birth of the Dorgi Breed
While Corgis have been the most prominent in the Queen’s life, she also owned a breed known as Dorgis. The origin of this breed is an interesting story. One of the Queen’s Corgis mated with a Dachshund named Pipkin, owned by Princess Margaret, resulting in the first Dorgi, named Vulcan.
The Dorgis, like their Corgi counterparts, have enjoyed a life of luxury in the royal household. They have shared the Queen’s attention and affection with the Corgis, creating a unique blend of royal dog breeds in Buckingham Palace.
The Queen’s last surviving Dorgi, Candy, was featured alongside the Queen and Prince Andrew on Vanity Fair’s cover in 2016, signifying the importance these pets hold in the royal family.
The Legacy of the Royal Dogs
The Queen’s Corgis and Dorgis have left a lasting legacy, not just in the UK but around the world. They’ve been portrayed in movies, TV shows, and even on the animated series about the Queen’s life.
The royal dogs have also influenced dog ownership trends in the UK. According to The Kennel Club, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the Corgi breed during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, a testament to the influence the Queen and her pets have had on dog lovers.
However, the Queen decided to stop breeding dogs around 2015, concerned about leaving them behind after her death. This decision marks the end of the royal line of Corgis and Dorgis, but their legacy lives on.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of dogs did Queen Elizabeth II have?
The Queen had Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Dorgis, a cross between a Dachshund and a Corgi. -
How many dogs did the Queen have?
Over the course of her life, Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 dogs. -
What happened to the Queen’s dogs?
The Queen’s last Corgi, Willow, passed away in 2018. She currently has one Dorgi, Candy. -
Why did the Queen stop breeding dogs?
The Queen decided to stop breeding dogs, concerned about leaving them behind after her death. -
Where can I learn more about the Queen’s dogs?
You can learn more about the Queen’s dogs on websites like OneTopDog, which offers articles and resources about different dog breeds.
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II’s love for her Corgis and Dorgis has been a defining aspect of her reign. These dogs, living a life of luxury and love, have not only offered companionship to the Queen but have also left an indelible mark on the world, influencing dog lovers and breeders alike.
