From Queen Elizabeth to Prince Harry-Meghan Markle: The UK royal family’s beloved pet dogs over the years

Dogs have been an important part of the British royal family for centuries. From faithful hunting partners to lapdogs, the dogs of the royal family have not only been adored members of the family but have also helped shape the public's views of royalty. This article examines the rich history of royal family dogs, their noted favorites, and how their presence continues to reinforce the royal tradition.

In early British history, dogs were frequently symbols of nobility, strength, and loyalty. Kings like King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I kept dogs at court. These dogs, frequently employed for hunting, were greatly valued for their ability and loyalty. Greyhounds, spaniels, and mastiffs were particularly favored breeds among the early royals. They were not just working animals but also symbols of status and wealth. Tudor and Stuart paintings often included dogs accompanying their royal masters, reinforcing their significant position in royal life.

Queen Victoria was a dog enthusiast who made the concept of dogs as pets more popular in the home rather than merely working animals. Her beloved dog, Dash, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was a constant companion during her childhood. She was later very close to her Collie, Noble, and also owned a number of Pomeranians. Queen Victoria's passion for dogs had an impact on pet ownership patterns throughout Britain and the globe, and dogs became integral family members for many families. Her devotion to her animals served as a good role model for the upcoming generations of royal pet owners

No discussion of Queen Elizabeth's dogs would be complete without a mention of her much-loved Corgis. Queen Elizabeth II had over 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis throughout her life. Her first Corgi, Susan, was a birthday present when she was 18 years old. Susan was such a vital person to the Queen that she even went on honeymoon with her. The Queen's Corgis were famous for their cheeky nature and always appeared in formal portraits, public gatherings, and even in the London 2012 Olympics drawing with James Bond. The Corgis are as much an identity of the Queen herself and therefore some of the most visible dogs of the royal family.

The younger generation of the royal family has followed in the footsteps of their predecessors by owning pets. Prince William and Princess of Wales (Kate) have had several dogs, one of them being a black Cocker Spaniel called Lupo, who was an integral part of their family. Lupo even assisted in the naming of their first child, Prince George, by selecting a name slip from a pile. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are also dog owners. They had a Beagle named Guy (who sadly passed away recently) and an adopted dog, a black Labrador called Pula. All these contemporary royal pets illustrate that the affection for dogs is very much intact among contemporary members of the royal family.

Looking back, the history of royal dogs throughout the years is that of companionship, loyalty, and love. As hunting companions, lap pets, or public figures, dogs have held a special place in royal life for centuries. Their lives remind us that beyond the gaudy titles and formal rituals, the royal family is just like everyone else and loves pets as much as other families do throughout the world. The royal pet-owning tradition lives on to humanize the monarchy and unify them with the people, forming a bond that endures beyond generations.