Skip to content 
Royal Dogs Around the World
- by Admin R&C
Does your furry friend get treated like royalty?
Be it that they're King or Queen of the household, most pet parents find their dogs end up ruling the roost - demanding an abundance of attention, love, kisses, and most importantly, treats.
In honor of the Queen’s Birthday, (June 8th) and for just a bit of fun today, we take a look at a variety of dog breeds which, historically, have been associated with royalty around the world.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The most popular, well known, and favourite breed of the British Royal Family is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis since 1945. It all began back in 1933 when King George IV, her father, adopted a corgi named Dookie.
Labrador Retrievers
King George IV was also particularly fond of Labrador Retrievers, so much so that he bred them. Even today, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle own a black Labrador.
Greyhound
The first evidence of Greyhounds in England dates all the way back to the 9th century. As one of the oldest breeds known to man, it’s no surprise royalty in England and around Europe love them.
Beagles
Due to their reputation as excellent hunting dogs, Beagles have often found themselves in the homes of royals throughout history. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also happen to own a rescued Beagle named Guy.
Toy Spaniels
Toy Spaniels, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, were similarly popular throughout Europe and England. Queen Victoria loved her spaniel Dash so much that the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography considered him “the first in a long line of beloved little dogs.” As the Queens closest companion, he received a marble effigy over his grave that reads: “Here lies DASH the favourite spaniel of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. In his 10th year his attachment was without selfishness, his playfulness without malice, his fidelity without deceit. READER if you would be beloved and die regretted, profit by the example of DASH”
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise was adopted by European royalty in the 13th century and was beloved by royals in France, Italy, and Spain. They were also often the subjects of renaissance paintings.
Great Pyrenees
Another dog commonly adopted by the French was the Great Pyrenees, despite its status as a working dog. As guard dogs of French nobility, this breed is incredibly loyal. Louis XIV loved them so much that in 1675 he declared them the “royal dog.”
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was a breed beloved by Chinese royalty. The Shih Tzu’s long, luxurious coat somewhat resembles that of a lion, which historically greatly appealed to the leaders of China. The breed was especially popular among the Dowager Empress Cixi of the Ming Dynasty and the Dowager Empress Tzu His of the Qing Dynasty.
However, regardless of royal ties - purebred or mongrel - their adorable faces tend to have a knack of worming their way into even the most stubborn and coldest of hearts... ensuring they get treated to the best toys, the best treats, and sometimes, even the best spot on the couch!
