Few dog breeds are as closely tied to British royalty as the Corgi. For decades, these short-legged, fluffy-tailed pups were a staple of the royal household, accompanying Queen Elizabeth II wherever she went. But how did Corgis become the official dogs of the British monarchy, and why did the Queen adore them so much?
From their Welsh origins as herding dogs to their status as royal companions, let’s uncover the fascinating history of the royal Corgis.
The Queen’s Lifelong Love for Corgis
Queen Elizabeth II’s love affair with Corgis began in 1933, when her father, King George VI, brought home a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Dookie. The young princess instantly fell in love with the breed, and from that moment on, Corgis became her lifelong companions.
Her first personal Corgi, Susan, was given to her on her 18th birthday in 1944. Little did anyone know, Susan would become the foundation of the Queen’s famous Corgi dynasty—many of the dogs she later owned were direct descendants of Susan.
Quick Fact
The Queen adored her Corgis so much that Susan even accompanied her on her honeymoon!
How Many Corgis Did the Queen Have?
Over her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 Corgis! She loved them for their playful, loyal, and feisty nature, and they were often seen running alongside her during royal engagements.
Quick Fact
f you want a Corgi of your own, be prepared for their strong-willed, energetic personality—they may be small, but they have big attitudes!
Why Did the Queen Love Corgis So Much?
The Queen had many reasons for loving Corgis:
- They were fiercely loyal – Always by her side, forming an unbreakable bond.
- They had fun, feisty personalities – They were playful and full of character.
- They provided comfort and joy – Even in times of stress, her Corgis were a constant source of happiness.
Quick Fact
The Queen once said, “My Corgis are family,” showing just how much they meant to her.
The Corgis’ Role in Royal Life
The Queen’s Corgis weren’t just pets—they were part of the royal family. They appeared in:
- Official royal portraits – Posing alongside the Queen in photos.
- TV appearances – Featuring in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony with James Bond (Daniel Craig).
- State events – Even meeting world leaders like Nelson Mandela!
Quick Fact
The Queen’s Corgis reportedly had a habit of nipping at the heels of staff and guests at Buckingham Palace!
Are Corgis Still in the Royal Family?
The Queen stopped breeding Corgis in 2015, as she didn’t want to leave any behind after her passing. However, she was gifted two Corgis, Muick and Sandy, in 2021, and they remained with her until her final days in 2022.
After the Queen’s passing, her Corgis were taken in by trusted royal family members, ensuring that the legacy of the royal Corgis lives on.
Quick Fact
King Charles III reportedly prefers Jack Russell Terriers over Corgis, marking the end of an era for the breed in Buckingham Palace.
FAQs About Royal Corgis
Final Thoughts
The Corgi’s royal legacy is one of loyalty, companionship, and tradition. Thanks to Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong love for the breed, Corgis have become one of the most recognisable and beloved dog breeds in the world.
While their time as royal palace dogs may be over, their story continues to capture the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
What do you think about the Queen’s love for Corgis? Would you ever own one? Let us know in the comments!
