Read time: 4 mins
08 Jun 2021
Many of us like to treat our pooches like royalty: endless treats, letting them nap after long days of butt sniffing, serving them the finest dinners. No matter how much of a prince or princess your dog may be, some breeds naturally have more royal blood in them than others.
Certain breeds have earned their place not just in the hearts of dog lovers but also in the palaces of royalty worldwide. After all, whether a monarch or a dog owner, the sentiment remains the same - every dog deserves the royal treatment.
Some of these VIPs (very important pooches) include:
No discussion of royal dogs would be complete without the charming Corgi, a breed synonymous with the British Royal Family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II. These small, sturdy dogs with distinctive markings have been constant companions to the Queen for decades, trotting alongside her in countless public appearances.
The Queen's love for Corgis began with her childhood, and she has owned more than 30 of them during her reign. Through Lizzie, Corgis have become a symbol of royalty: appearing in statues, official photographs and even in the Crown Coin to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
So next time you wonder why your Corgi is walking around with their tail held high, remember their cousins have been living it up in Buckingham Palace for years.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named after King Charles II of England, is a breed steeped in history. Known for its silky coat and friendly demeanour, this regal companion has been a favourite among European royalty for centuries. Its presence in paintings and portraits alongside monarchs is a testament to its status as a cherished companion.
Beagles have an association with royalty due to their excellent hunting skills, meaning they have been kept in large packs by many royal households. It is believed that King Edward II and Henry VII kept 'glove beagles' - named such to fit into their leather gloves for hunting trips. Odd fashion choice. Queen Elizabeth I even kept a miniature beagle on her shoulder (most likely to scout out Elizabethan squirrels).
Labrador Retrievers were big favourites of King George VI who bred them as both pets and working dogs at the royal estates of Balmoral and Sandringham. This favouritism from King George spread to Queen Elizabeth II who has owned 20 of the breed. As mentioned, Liz is a big fan of the Corgi, but she is also known to have a private lifelong love for Retrievers, keeping them as gun-dogs.
Poodles, with their sophisticated haircuts and keen intelligence, have long been associated with European nobility. Queen Victoria of England had a particular affection for Poodles, helping to popularise them in European courts. Originally bred as water retrievers, Poodles' versatility and charm made them a favourite among the aristocracy, showcasing both regal poise and playful spirit.
Known as the 'royal lap warmer', these fluff-balls can be seen in hundreds of 13th-century portraits of European royalty. Not only do they photograph well, but they're apparently pawfect at keeping your neck cosy - King Henry III loved them so much he would wear several Bichon Frises around his neck in a little basket.
In the vast expanses of Russia, the Borzoi, with its grace and elegance, found favour among the country's aristocracy, including the Romanovs. These majestic hounds, with their long, slender bodies and silky coats, were often depicted in paintings and sculptures alongside Russian nobility. Used for hunting, Borzois embodied both beauty and athleticism, earning their place as esteemed companions among the elite.
Turning our attention to the Far East, we encounter the Pekingese, a breed that holds a special place in Chinese imperial history. These small dogs with a distinctive lion-like mane were considered sacred and were often kept by Chinese emperors. Their regal appearance and dignified bearing made them symbols of nobility and prestige in the imperial courts.
In the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound stands out with its flowing coat and regal appearance. Highly prized for their hunting skills, these dogs were considered a symbol of prestige among Afghan dignitaries and royalty for centuries. The Afghan Hound's aloof yet noble demeanour makes it a true aristocrat among canine companions, embodying the majestic spirit of the region.
With their sleek build and incredible speed, Greyhounds have been favoured by various royalties across the world. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs admired these dogs for their grace and utilised them for hunting. In mediaeval Europe, Greyhounds were symbols of nobility and often depicted in coats of arms. Their athleticism and poise continue to capture hearts globally, transcending borders and cultures.
