Live Like a Royal: Dogs
In so many ways, Royals are “Just Like Us” and their pet preferences are no different, except that they have more staff to help take care of them! The most public pets are all dogs, with the most famous being the Queen’s corgis. The royal family has supported dog and animal welfare since Queen Victoria banned the common practices of tail docking and ear cropping of dogs from her kennels. She was patron of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which is why it has the word “Royal” in it’s name.
So how can you be a royal dog lover? Well most royals tend to pick a breed and stick with it, sometimes for generations. Also, having a dedicated team of butlers will help! Some of our favorite living and recent royal dogs are below.
Corgis and Dorgis
Her Majesty The Queen with her Corgis
Royal Owners: Her Majesty The Queen
Royal History: The most famous modern-day royal pets are probably Queen Elizabeth’s corgis. She has had a pet corgi since 1933, when her father adopted a puppy named Dookie. In 1944, she received Susan as a gift for her 18th birthday and has since had around 30 corgis descended from Susan, rumored to span 14 generations. While Willow, the last in that line passed away in 2018, The Queen still has two “dorgis” - a Corgi Dachsund mix - named Vulcan and Candy. It’s been said that The Queen hasn’t gotten any new dogs recently because she hates the idea of leaving them behind when she passes away.
Fun Facts: There are individual menus created specifically for each dog, which are hand-delivered to them in porcelain bowls by their own individual butlers. The dogs also sleep in wicker baskets, elevated off of the floor. Both Prince William and Prince Harry have openly joked about the constant barking of the dogs and marveled at how The Queen gets anything done with them always around!
Lupo, English Cocker Spaniel
James Matthews and Pippa Middleton
Royal Owners: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Royal History: Bred from one of Michael and Carole Middleton’s dogs, Lupo was born in 2011. William and Kate adopted Lupo when William was leaving for the Falkland Islands with the Royal Air Force, to keep Kate company and was first spotted with them during a beach walk in January 2012. It was one of William and Kate’s first photos together post-wedding and since then Lupo has made an appearance in several other family photos. We haven’t seen Lupo in a few years, but I’m sure it’s because wrangling all three kids, plus the dog is too much even for the most capable royal parents!
Fun Facts: Lupo’s name was inspired by the Duchess’ paternal great grandmother, Olive Christiana Lupton Middleton and the Lupton family crest which has wolves on it. Lupo also helped to pick Prince George’s name - they apparently scattered pieces of paper on the floor with names written on them and he picked George.
Bluebell and Beth, Jack Russell Terriers
The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales
Royal Owners: The Duchess of Cornwall
Royal History: I have a soft spot for Beth and Bluebell since so many of our family members also have Jack Russell terriers. Camilla first adopted Beth from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011 and took Bluebell home around a year later. In 1885 Queen Victoria became the first royal patron of Battersea Dogs Home, and her son Prince Leopold was the first member of the royal family to adopt a dog from the home. Both dogs accompanied the Duchess to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor in 2017, when she became the charity's patron, taking over from the Queen.