Pictured: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge carries his dog Lupo at the The Golden Metropolitan Polo Club Charity Cup polo match.
A Dorgi — a cross between a Dachshund and Welsh Corgi – started when one of the Queens Corgis mated with a Dachshund. Loyal, friendly and intelligent, these pups are incredibly sweet.
Pictured: Princess Anne walks her Bull Terrier dogs as she attends the Gatcombe Horse Trials at Gatcombe Park
King George VI owned a number of Labradors as gun dogs and pets. According to Royal.uk, he was particularly fond of yellow Labradors, which were still relatively uncommon in the early twentieth century.
Lupo was an English Cocker Spaniel owned by Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. He sadly passed away in November 2020 after many happy years with the family.
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Every dog likes to be king of the castle, but some breeds have been favorites of royalty for hundreds of years with a rich tradition of sitting beside the throne. Here are six breeds known for their association with kings, queens, emperors, and pharaohs.
With a name like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it’s no surprise that this breed has a royal history. They were part of European court life as early as the fifteenth century and were bred to be lap dogs, earning the nickname comforter spaniels. However, they also had to be athletic enough to keep up with trotting horses while out hunting. During Tudor times, they were popular with aristocratic ladies, who used them as flea catchers and hot water bottles, as well as companions. As their name implies, the Cavalier was championed by King Charles I as well as Charles II and Mary Queen of Scots.
Today’s regal Cavalier is an adaptable little dog from the Toy Group, ready to cuddle on the couch or jump into an agility competition. Their popularity is no doubt due to their happy, even temper and sweet expression. They have a gentle nature and get along well with children and other dogs.
The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed-zoo) has a fuzzy early history, but they are probably of Tibetan origin. Lion-like dogs were sent to the Chinese imperial court from Tibet centuries ago, and in turn, imperial breeders likely used these dogs to develop the Shih Tzu. In fact, Shih Tzu means “lion dog.” These little pups were pampered by emperors and their families for hundreds of years and were prized as lap warmers. They were held in such high esteem that emperors would present expensive gifts to breeders who produced the most loving and attractive dogs.
Modern Shih Tzus are small yet solid members of the Toy Group. Their beautiful and impressive coat requires extra grooming time, but they are so adorable that it’s worth it. Because they were bred to spend their days inside the royal palace, they consider it their job to sit in your lap and look cute.
With their majestic appearance, it’s easy to believe the incredibly strong Great Pyrenees has a royal past. However, for centuries they were working dogs for peasant shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern Europe. It wasn’t until the seventeenth century that French nobility discovered this impressive dog, and they were adopted as guardians for the Chateau of Lourdes. They were considered equal to two men for guarding the chateaux.
Great Pyrenees, members of the Working Group, are incredibly calm guardians with imposing size. Although they are patient and kind with both the flock and their family, they will instinctively protect their home, making them outstanding watchdogs. Due to their heritage, these gorgeous white dogs have an independent spirit.
The Pekingese is another breed associated with the emperors of ancient China, and their history dates back to 200 BC. The distinctive size of the dogs and special markings on their fur were their most valued characteristics. Some dogs were bred as small as four to five pounds, and were known as “sleeve size” because they could be hidden in the large sleeves of traditional clothing, serving as surprise guard dogs. The emperors closely protected their best specimens of the breed. Anyone caught smuggling one out of a palace was punished with death.
These members of the Toy Group are renowned for their regal dignity, intelligence, and distinctive rolling gait. They are good-natured and affectionate, but think for themselves, although they are easy to train. They don’t tolerate heat well and have modest exercise requirements.
One of the oldest breeds in the world, the Saluki was a hunting hound to royalty for thousands of years. A visual record of the breed in tomb paintings and sculptures dates back to 2100 BC. They served as honored companions to Egyptian nobility and were even mummified like the pharaohs.
Salukis are slender and graceful with an independent yet loyal spirit. These sighthounds are speedy sprinters that love nothing more than giving chase, so a sport like lure coursing suits them perfectly. But after a vigorous run, these intelligent dogs are content to curl up on the couch for a nap.
You can’t think of modern royalty without thinking of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Queen Elizabeth II of England’s favorite breed. The queen received her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi in 1933 when she was a young girl. His name was Dookie, and he was a gift to both Elizabeth and her sister from their father, soon to become King George VI. Ever since Dookie, there have been Corgis living in Buckingham Palace, and over the years, the queen has owned more than 30 of them.
The short and lively Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a robust, athletic herding dog. They make for affectionate companions, and despite their size are fearless and independent. After all, they were developed to move cattle. With their big dog bark, they make excellent watchdogs, and their smart, playful nature makes them a pleasure to own. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
One of the most ancient breeds known to man, Smith explained that the history of the Greyhound can be traced to nearly every country around the globe. While aristocracy has always surrounded the breed (in its early development, only royalty bred them), England played an important role in the development of the breed, with first illustrations of the Greyhound there dating back to the 9th century. A sight hound used to hunt a variety of game including deer, stags, foxes and hares, Greyhounds also have been used as racing dogs since the 18th century. A lively, gentle breed, the breed’s most valued trait today is its companionship.
A breed well know and much loved by the Queen of England (who has maintained a breeding program for many years), the Pembroke Welsh Corgi traces its origin back to the 1100s, according to Stephanie Smith, communications manager for the American Kennel Club. A friendly and active dog, the Pembroke was brought to England by Flemish and kept in the home of Henry I. Though the breed shares its background—and many of its traits—with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Pembroke is actually a much younger breed than the Cardigan.
Originally developed for the sole purpose of accompanying the ladies of the Imperial Palace and warming the laps of Chinese aristocracy, the Japanese Chin’s history is steeped in royalty. Bred to live in the literal lap of luxury and passed from China to Japan as part of a royal gift, the Chin’s only job during its long career has been to charm and amuse their people. Graceful, quiet and fastidious self-groomers, the Chin is also “distinctly feline,” Smith said.
Though the exact date of origin of the Shih Tzu is unknown, evidence of its existence has appeared in documents, paintings, and art from the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.). Bred in the city of Peking by Chinese court, the Shih Tzu is also said to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs. “The breed was also the preferred house pet of the Ming Dynasty and Dowager Empress Cixi,” Smith said. A small, playful dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming.
While you might let Muffin act like the Queen of the castle around your home, some dogs have truly been born in—and bred for—a life alongside the throne. With the insight of Stephanie Smith, the communications manager for the American Kennel Club, come learn about the eight breeds that were historically kept as royal dogs, from as early as the 7th century to modern times.
These Are 10 Real Royal Dog Breeds
Everyone likes to say that their family dog stands out above all others, and the Drummonds are no exception. Ree Drummond recently shared a cute Instagram video of her daily ranch walk with the dogs, which revealed a bit about one pup thats her true ride-or-die: Lucy, the Labrador retriever, stays close to Ree as she walks in the light of a beautiful Oklahoma sunset. “The other dogs are several paces ahead, flopping around and running to and fro,” Ree said on Instagram. “But Lucy never ever leaves my side.”
To put an end to the age-old debate, we spoke to the American Kennel Club to find out the most loyal dog breeds. “Dog breeds that are more loyal usually go hand-in-hand with the best dogs for families,” says Brandi Hunter Munden, the AKC vice president of communications. “Some dogs are more protective of their owners, but dogs show their devotion in different ways.” That means theyre friendly with other people, but have a soft spot for their owners. Dogs with a history of working closely with humans—either as guard dogs or working ranch dogs—have a stronger bond with them, which is passed down from generation to generation. And dont let size fool you: small dogs make loyal companions, too! So, when youre on the hunt for a new furry friend like Lucy, consider these loyal dog breeds.
Theres a reason Lucy is so loyal! “A great choice for families with young kids or other dogs, Labs get along with everyone and love their owners endlessly,” Munden says. According to the AKC, they are the number one most popular breed and are as high in happy energy as they are loyal.
Despite their sometimes gruff appearance, bulldogs are a friendly and calm breed that makes for a great companion. I mean, who doesnt love that squishy face? They make a popular lap dog, despite their 50-pound size!
Golden retrievers are probably at the top of your list when you think of friendly and devoted family dogs. Throughout history, these dogs have been known to be outgoing, powerful hunting companions with endless energy and loyalty.
You may recognize Rin Tin Tin from TV shows, but the original German shepherds were bred to be the perfect work dog for their human companions. These intelligent, well-trained, and confident pups are huge family dogs (great with kids!), and their loyalty definitely lies with their humans over other dogs.
If you think this cutie looks like some of the Drummond dogs, youre spot on—the beagle and Rees beloved basset hounds both descend from the St. Hubert hound. Used as hunting dogs throughout history, beagles are incredibly loyal, funny, and expressive little dogs!
According to the AKC, pugs “live to love and be loved in return,” making their sparkling eyes and expressive faces irresistible for pet lovers. Pugs are tiny, fantastic family dogs and very adaptable too, happy to live just about anywhere as long as its with their person.
Another dog bred to help humans hunt, Irish Setters are very lovey-dovey with their humans. Their outgoing and sweet nature makes them friendly, happy to play fetch with young children, and eager to please adults. Plus, theyre particularly famous for their soft, reddish coats.
This guy might look like a little monkey, but its actually a tiny toy-group dog! Brussels Griffons are intelligent and alert but wary of strangers, so theyll stick by you because they trust you so much. Just note that they arent the best with very young children or other dogs.
Beneath the Newfoundlands bear-like features and fluffy coat is an extremely patient and devoted pup. Friendly is an understatement—they love to cuddle with families and are super gentle. Just dont underestimate their size: They were originally bred to help fishermen pull up nets and haul wood.
Families really love their Frenchies! These are charming dogs and surprisingly also make excellent watchdogs. While they love making new human friends, their loyalty will always lie with their owners first.
The first word that the American Kennel Club uses to describe collies is “devoted.” Remember the classic novel Lassie Come-Home? In the story, Lassie the collie treks several miles to reunite with the boy she loves, making this breeds famous for being playful, protective, and affectionate with the kids in the family.
We may have found the Drummonds next dog! These beautiful pups have been called the “cowboys herding dog of choice.” They are trainable, tireless, and remarkably intelligent, and when theyve bonded with someone, their loyalty is unwavering.
Retrievers are often among the more loyal dogs, and Chesapeake Bay retrievers are no exception. Go hunting with these dogs or partake in a similar bonding activity, and they will feel very close to you and make great outdoor companions. Fittingly for their namesake, they love the water.
Majestic and vigilant guardians of families, Great Pyrenees dogs are often over 100 pounds! They are generally described as mellow but very protective despite their calm nature. Theyre dedicated to their humans and their safety and may do better with older children and adults.
Talk about a gentle giant! Saint Bernards are actually known for being nanny dogs because theyre watchful and patient with children. They are pretty open to strangers and other dogs but are mainly committed to their humans.