September 06, 2023 | Dog

Do You Know These Royal Dogs?

For centuries, dogs have been loyal companions to humans, providing love and affection in both good times and bad. But did you know that some of the most famous dog lovers in history have been members of the royal family? From Queen Victoria's beloved collies to Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgis, the royals have had a long-standing love affair with their furry friends. In this article, we will take a closer look at the royal family's love of dogs, exploring which royals have had dogs, what were the names of some royal dogs, and how your own dog can celebrate the coronation.

Are The Royal Family Dog Lovers?

Yes, the royal family is known for their love of dogs. Throughout history, many members of the royal family have had dogs as their loyal companions. The royals have been known to treat their dogs like members of their family, with many accompanying them on royal engagements and even being included in family portraits.

What role do royal dogs have in the Royal Family?

Royal dogs play an important role in the royal family as beloved companions and members of the family. They provide love and affection to the royals and are often treated like royalty themselves. In addition to being beloved pets, royal dogs have also played ceremonial roles throughout history. 

For example, corgis have been a longtime fixture of the Queen's public appearances and have even appeared with her in official portraits. They have also been known to participate in royal events, such as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 2012. Additionally, royal dogs have been used for hunting and as guard dogs, reflecting their historical role in society as working animals.

A corgi sat on a royal chair

Were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dog lovers?

Queen Victoria was queen from 1837 to 1901. Both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were known to be dog lovers. Queen Victoria is known to have had a lifelong love for animals, and dogs played a particularly important role in her life. She owned many dogs over the course of her reign, including Pomeranians, greyhounds, and her beloved collies. She was particularly fond of collies, and it is said that she even bred her own line of the breed, known as the Balmoral Collies. Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, was also a dog lover and is said to have owned a dog named Eos, who was frequently depicted in portraits of the royal family. The two royals were instrumental in the establishment of the RSPCA in 1824.

Who was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's dog Dash?

Dash was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The dog was given to the queen as a gift by one of her ladies-in-waiting in 1833 and quickly became a favourite of the royal couple. When Dash passed away in 1840, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal, “Very sorry to part with him, poor little fellow, who was always affectionate and very good." Dash was immortalised in a painting by artist Sir Edwin Landseer, which depicted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their beloved pet.

Who was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's dog Deckel?

In 1845, a dachshund named Deckel joined the Royal Family. Not much is known about Deckel, other than that he was the “first dachshund to hold a strong place in Queen Victoria’s affections.” 

Who was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's dog Waldman VI?

Waldman VI was brought over from Baden, Germany in 1872 and was known to be the Queen’s favourite dachshund. 

Who was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's dog Sharp?

In the 1860s and 70s, Queen Victoria became fond of collies. During her reign, Queen Victoria owned over 80 collies. Her favourite collie is said to have been Sharp. The Queen was very fond of Sharp and he became a regular companion. He was said to have been very friendly and lively. Sharp was even mentioned in the Queen’s journal. She wrote, “I was photographed alone with my faithful Sharp.” 

Were Edward VII and Queen Alexandra dog lovers?

Edward VII was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and served as King from 1901 until 1910. Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were known to be dog lovers. They were particularly fond of terriers. Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's love of dogs was well-known and they were often depicted in portraits and photographs with their beloved pets.

Who was Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's dog Jack?

Jack was supposedly the favourite dog of Edward VII. Apparently, he was favoured for his independence and his general ‘disdain’ for everyone. Unfortunately, Jack passed away during a state visit to Ireland in 1903. It is said that the King would keep a locket of Jack’s hair on his writing desk after Jack passed away.

Who was Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's dog Caesar?

Caesar was a wire-haired fox terrier that was bred by the Duchess of Newcastle in 1895 and was given to the King after Jack passed away in 1903. Caesar became the King’s new favourite dog and accompanied him on trips around the world. Caesar passed away in 1914 and is buried in the grounds of Marlborough House. He is even depicted in stone at the feet of Edward VII in his tomb in St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Who were Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's dog's Vassilka and Alex?

Vassilka and Alex were a pair of Russian wolf-hounds, also known as Borzois, that were gifted to Edward VII by Tsar Alexander III and Tsarina Marie Feodorovna. Queen Alexandra became well known for owning borzois, she even would enter them into dog shows. Vassilka won the prize for best dog at the Norwich Kennel Club Show, and also won second and third prizes at Manchester in 1903

Were George V and Queen Mary dog lovers?

George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Empire from Edward VII’s death in 1910 until his own death in 1936. George V and Queen Mary were known to be dog lovers, much like other members of the royal family before them. George V and Queen Mary's love of dogs and horses was well-known and they often attended equestrian and dog shows, as well as other events related to animal welfare.

Who was George V and Queen Mary's dog Heather?

Heather was the first dog that George V owned during his life. Not much is known about Heather, other than she was a collie.

Who was George V and Queen Mary's dog Happy?

Happy was another dog owned by George V. Happy was one of many terriers that George V owned. It is believed that Happy was even present at the unveiling of the Cenotaph in London in 1920.

Who was George V and Queen Mary's dog Jack?

Not much is known about Jack, other than that he was another terrier that was owned by George V after his first dog, Heather, passed away. 

Who was George V and Queen Mary's dog Snip?

Snip, like Jack, was another dog that was owned by George V and Queen Mary following Heather’s passing. 

Who was George V and Queen Mary's dog Bob?

George V and Queen Mary also owned another terrier called Bob after they owned their first dog named Happy. 

Were George VI and Queen Elizabeth dog lovers?

Yes, George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, who was later known as the Queen Mother, were known to be dog lovers. They owned several dogs during their reign, including Corgis, which have become a popular breed associated with the British royal family. George VI served as King following the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII in 1936. George VI would reign until his death in 1952. 

Who was George VI and Queen Elizabeth's dog Dookie?

Dookie was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which are often just known as Corgis. Dookie was given to Princess Elizabeth (who would later become Queen Elizabeth II) as a gift in 1933. He was known to be playful and mischievous and was a favourite amongst the royal family. Dookie even accompanied the family during major events and was present during the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in 1947. 

Who was George VI and Queen Elizabeth's dog Jane?

George VI also owned another corgi called Jane. Jane would then have two puppies in 1938. She was supposed to be the companion for Dookie, however, Dookie was not interested in Jane. 

Who were George VI and Queen Elizabeth's dogs Crackers and Carol?

As mentioned, Jane would have two puppies, these puppies were named Crackers and Carol. Crackers in particular was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, so much so that Crackers even retired alongside the Queen Mother to the Castle of Mey in Scotland.

Was Queen Elizabeth II a dog lover?

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Her reign began in 1952 after the death of her father George VI and lasted until her death on the 8th of September 2022. Queen Elizabeth II was well known for being a dog lover and owned and cared for many dogs throughout her life. The Queen was well-known for being a corgi enthusiast, although she owned a number of different breeds including labradors, dachshunds and spaniels. 

A happy dog

Who was Queen Elizabeth II's dog Susan?

Susan was the first dog owned by Queen Elizabeth II. She was a corgi that was given to the Queen by her father, King George VI, as an 18th birthday gift in 1944. Susan was a beloved pet of Queen Elizabeth II and accompanied her on many royal engagements. Susan was the foundation of the Queen’s breeding program and was the mother of many of the Queen’s subsequent corgis. 

What dog-friendly treats can you give to your dog to celebrate King Charles III?

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son Prince Charles was proclaimed King Charles III. On the 6th of May 2023, the coronation of Charles III took. Many people all over the world celebrated, but why should the fun only be had by humans? 

Get some treats for your furry friends to pay tribute to the royal dogs of the past and present.

Sources

Activyl Spot-On for Dogs and Cats
Activyl Spot-On for Dogs and Cats
  • Unique flea treatment
  • Works on contact
  • Easy to use
£19.57
View Product

Medically reviewed by: