There are certain breeds that are synonymous with royalty – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, for instance, was well-known to be the favoured breed of the late Queen Elizabeth II, while The King and Queen own two Jack Russells.
However, there are a number of other breeds that have also been preferred by royalty over the years, hailing from both Britain as well as further afield.
11 dog breeds loved by the Royal Family
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for her love of dogs, particularly the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, having owned more than 30 during her reign. The breed was introduced to the Royal Family in 1933 by The Queen’s father, King George VI, when he bought one, named Dookie.
In 1944, the year that Susan, the late Queen’s first own Pembroke Corgi, was born, the breed jumped by 56 per cent in popularity. Similarly, following Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1952, the years following saw the breed rocket up the ranks, reaching 2nd place in 1956, the first time the breed had made the top three since it was first registered.
Over the years, that interest waned and the breed was added to The Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ list of breeds in 2009. However, once the Netflix series The Crown, featuring a young Queen and her dogs, aired, their profile started to rise once again and in 2018, the breed came off the list.
Originally bred the help farmers around livestock, the breed is intelligent and obedience, as well as friendly and outgoing.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are not only the UK’s third most popular breed, but they are also beloved by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, having previously owned Lupo, followed by Orla.
Unlike the Pembroke Corgi, the breed’s popularity has remained steadfast over the decades, having been the most popular breed in the country between the late 1930s and early 1950s, and not leaving the top ten since.
The breed is known to be happy, affectionate and versatile dogs. Although they continue to work as gundogs today, they are also very popular family dogs and used for various service and therapy roles due to their intelligence and good-nature, including work as hearing or sniffer dogs.
Jack Russell Terrier
King Charles and Queen Camilla own two Jack Russell Terriers, named Bluebell and Beth. Much like the ‘royal’ Corgi popularity, the breed has experienced a boom in popularity, linked to royal moments that have captured the public’s imagination. Jack Russell Terriers ownership increased 14% between 2021 and 2022, coinciding with HRH King Charles coming to the throne.
Jack Russell Terriers are notoriously lively, inquisitive and friendly dogs, with boundless energy. Despite their smaller size, these terriers are confident and brave, and enjoy exploring new places and meeting new dogs and people.
Labrador Retriever
While also owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Labrador Retriever – currently the UK’s most popular breed – was the favoured breed of her father, and grandfather, both of whom even exhibited at Crufts.
King George V’s Labrador, Wolferton Dan won two prizes in 1922, the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII, attended Crufts in 1928, and then, in 1938, King George VI entered with his two Labrador Retrievers.
Labradors are full of personality, intelligent and eager to please. As their name suggests, they have keen retrieving skills and were originally trained and bred for this purpose. Today, they are incredibly versatile; while still widely used for their original purpose, they are also just as suited to being a four-legged companion as they are to working as a guide or assistance dog.
Queen Victoria's dogs
Queen Victoria owned dogs of at least 28 different pedigree breeds, including the Chow Chow, Skye Terrier, Havanese and Pomeranian.
The first ever Crufts saw the Queen enter four of her dogs, a Rough Collie named Darnley II, who won 4th place in his class, and three Pomeranians named Gina, Nino and Fluffy.
Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is one of Britain’s most recognisable breeds and is perhaps best known for the iconic titular role of Lassie, which began as a novel in the 1940s, and led to a raft of eponymous films, television series, radio programs, animation and comic books. The character is also one of very few animals to have been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They are a friendly, happy and active breed which shares its origins with the Smooth Collie in the working sheepdogs of Scotland.
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Pomeranian
Despite having been in the UK since the 1870s, The Pomeranian is a breed that has surged in popularity in recent years, and in 2021 recorded its highest ever number of litter registrations, at over 2,600.
The breed is the smallest of the Spitz breeds, but makes up for its small size with its extroverted, lively and intelligent temperament.
Borzoi
Alexandra of Denmark, wife of King Edward VII and Queen between 1901 to 1910 was known for owning and breeding Borzois, the most famous of which was ‘Alex’ who was gifted to her by Tsar Alexander III.
The breed is distinctive by its elegant and luxurious coat, as well as its long, lean head. They are also said to be courageous and alert, but also sensitive.
Wire Fox terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier was historically treasured as a Royal Family favourite during the Edwardian era. After King Edward VII passed away, it was reported that his beloved Wire Fox Terrier Caesar wouldn’t leave his coffin. It was also said Queen Victoria owned one.
Furthermore, the first full decade of Kennel Club registration data meant the breed claimed the crown of ‘dog of the decade’ in the 1920s, with more than 61,000 puppies born.
Another famous Fox Terrier is Snowy, the companion of Tintin, however the breed’s numbers have sadly plummeted in recent years, and is now on The Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ list – breeds that have recorded less than 450 puppy registrations annually.
Clumber Spaniel
This breed’s origins can be traced back to circa 1770, thanks to Henry, the 2nd Duke of Newcastle who is associated with the foundation of the Clumber Spaniel. The breed takes its name from the family’s seat, Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, and has a long history of being favoured by royalty – both King Edward VII and his son George V had Clumber Spaniels at Sandringham. They are a highly intelligent breed but they do require regular grooming owing to their abundant coat.
Sealyham Terrier
This Welsh breed takes its name from the village where it originated, in Pembrokeshire, on the river Seal.
Princess Margaret owned a Sealyham called Pippin in 1954, and one called Johnny, who was looked after by the Queen Mother as Princess Margaret fell ill shortly after he arrived.
The breed is said to be alert, fearless and friendly.
Words: Ciara Farrell, The Kennel Club
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