Royal Dogs

A cute Jack Russell Terrier enjoying a sunset walk

Royal Dogs

18 July 2023

Royals across the globe have loved dogs for centuries. We’re looking back on some of the famous dogs owned by Kings and Queens.

King Charles III

Doggy member Hooper, the Jack Russell Terrier sitting happy on a walkies — Doggy member Hooper, the Jack Russell Terrier

Kind Charles and Queen Camilla have two rescue Jack Russell Terriers named Beth and Bluebell. Camilla adopted them from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Beth even helped unveil a plaque for their new kennels!

Queen Elizabeth II

Doggy member Socrates, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sitting happy in the long grass smiling with his eyes closed! — Doggy member Socrates, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

This list wouldn’t be complete without Queen Elizabeth II and her famous love of Corgis. The Queen had an estimated 30 Corgis spanning from the age of 7 when her father owned a Corgi called Dookie. She also had a number of Cocker Spaniels and ‘Dorgis’ (Daschund x Corgi) which she had bred. Two of her first Corgis even joined her and Prince Phillip on their honeymoon!

Marie Antoinette

Doggy member Milo, the Pug turning back and looking at the camera happily — Doggy member Milo, the Pug

Marie Antoinette had a Pug named Mops. Mops was a childhood pet and they were sadly separated when she was handed over to France as she had to give up all her Austrian possessions. Thankfully, they were later reunited and Mops lived out the rest of his life in luxury at Versailles.

King Edward VII

Doggy member Mabel, the Wire Fox Terrier sitting on a pebbled bay on a quiet day — Doggy member Mabel, the Wire Fox Terrier

King Edward VII was rarely seen away from Caesar of Notts, his favourite Wire Fox Terrier. Despite King Edward’s love of Caesar, the dog was often described as “stinky” by other people.

Kamehameha III Of Hawaii

Doggy member Monty, the Mastiff standing in the garden enjoying the gentle breeze — Doggy member Monty, the Mastiff

After the death of Kamehameha III Of Hawaii, his English Mastiff Evelaina guarded his tomb day and night. Eventually, after her own death, she was buried in a small coffin next to Kamehameha’s grave so she can continue to protect him for eternity.

King Charles II

Doggy member Stanley, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sitting in front of a red telephone box — Doggy member Stanley, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

It is no surprise that King Charles II was a fan of Spaniels. Of course, he had the breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named after him! But did you know that he issued a decree to allow his dogs everywhere in the kingdom, including Parliament? The original dog-friendly office!

Queen Victoria

Doggy member Bella, the Pomeranian playing with a plush pink bone in the garden — Doggy member Bella, the Pomeranian

Queen Victoria had a favourite Pomeranian called Turi. She is also classed as the breeder of the Pomeranians we know today. Previously they were larger but she bred them down to a smaller size. On her deathbed, she asked for Turi, who stayed by her until the end. Queen Victoria was said to have had approximately 35 dogs and they were all buried in the pet cemetery at Sandringham Palace.