The royal family certainly has an affinity for dogs. Unless they’re at a formal event that requires them to be dripping in jewels and vintage heirlooms, it’s quite common to see them interact with pups belonging to royal watchers or even bringing their own beloved pets to certain outdoor events. But if you were thinking the House of Windsor was only about corgis, you’d be wrong. It appears each royal couple has their own breed to which they’re most partial. We break it all down for you.
See also: All the dog breeds you’ve never heard of before.
Queen Elizabeth: Corgis and Dorgis
Corgis are as synonymous with Queen Elizabeth as that beloved black purse she always totes with her everywhere. Most official portraits of the queen include at least one, in not all, of her beloved pups. In the past, Liz and her Corgis have been depicted on commemorative coins together, posed for Annie Leibovitz and even co-starred in a video for the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony. Throughout her lifetime, she’s reportedly owned more than 30 Corgis, although she currently only has two dogs: a couple of Dorgis (half-Corgis, half-Dachshunds) named Candy and Vulcan. It’s safe to say Her Majesty is obsessed with the cute little ankle-biters. Over time she’s even dabbled in breeding Dorgis because why not, right? She’s the queen.
See also: 10 bizarre rules royal children have to to follow.
Princess Margaret: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
These sweet little doe-eyed doggos were quite literally bred for nobility at one point (they’ve made plenty of cameos in the annals of history, especially in royal portraits of French kings from the 1600s). So it only seems natural that the queen’s younger sister, Princess Margaret, preferred the breed in her lifetime. Although she died back in 2002, the rebellious royal was particularly affectionate toward Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, including one named Rawley that she had during her tumultuous marriage to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: Jack Russell Terriers
Known for their intuitive hunting skills, small but feisty Jack Russell Terriers have been the breed of choice for the heir to the throne who is known to have a penchant for hunting. Prince Charles has long preferred the little pups, so much so that, in the 1990s, his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Tigga, became something of a canine celebrity and often appeared in photo shoots and Christmas cards the royal released over the years. Tigga lived to be 18 years old.
Currently, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, own two Jack Russell dogs: Beth and Bluebell. Their furry companions are so much a part of their family that, in April 2020, the couple shared a celebratory snap of themselves with their pups to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary.
Related: 20 celebs who are completely obsessed with their dogs.
Princess Anne: Bull Terriers
The queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, has long held a penchant for pint-sized Bull Terriers. However, hers have the reputation for being quite naughty and undisciplined. In 2002, it was reported that her dog, Dotty, attacked two kids in Hyde Park while another pup, Florence, actually mauled one of the queen’s beloved corgis to death. (Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when that conversation went down.) It sounds to us like Anne’s doggos could use a bit of training in royal (and canine) etiquette. They’re just as rebellious as their owner.
See also: The most beautiful royal wedding gowns and what they cost.
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge: English Cocker Spaniels
It made international headlines in November 2020 when William and Kate announced the death of their beloved English Cocker Spaniel, Lupo. The couple, and future king and queen, received an outpouring of support in the form of handwritten letters and social media condolences. His most notable role was as companion to Kate in 2011, during the early days of her marriage to William when the price was away in the Royal Air Force.
A few months after Lupo’s death, the Cambridge clan introduced another puppy into their family: another English Cocker Spaniel they adopted from Kate’s brother, James.
Related: 10 dog breeds that get a bad reputation.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: Black Labs and Beagles
The duke and duchess are proud dog parents to a Black Lab named Pula and a tiny beagle named Guy. The latter was owned by Meghan prior to her marriage to Harry, while the couple got Pula together after exchanging vows. The sweet meaning behind Pula’s name? The couple, who famously vacationed in Botswana early in their relationship, got the name from the Setswana word for “blessing.” So sweet!
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