The Royal Dogs: A History of Canine Companionship in the British Monarchy

INTRO:

         We all know that the  British royal family has always had a particular place in their hearts for dogs since they offer comfort and companionship in both public and private settings. Their presence is a sign of tradition and loyalty in addition to being an expression of personal affection(i always look out for the dogs when they make an appearance). From my research, I found out that the royal family's passion for dogs has impacted dog culture and advanced animal welfare, let me draw your minds to one obvious  evidenced by Queen Elizabeth; we all also know how she loves Corgis and Queen Victoria's cherished spaniel Dash. Art, historical tales, and the royal family's humanitarian activities all powerfully depict this enduring relationship between royalty and their canines.The history of royal dogs will be examined in this blog, along with their functions during British monarchs' reigns and the reasons behind the popularity of particular breeds among kings and queens.

Outlines:

• The Royal Collection: Dogs in Art and History
• Queen Victoria and Prince Albert: A Lifelong Love of Dogs
• Edward VII and Queen Alexandra: A Regal Pack
• George V and Queen Mary: Terriers and Collies
• George VI and Queen Elizabeth: The First Royal Corgis
• Queen Elizabeth II: The Reign of the Corgis
• Charitable Efforts and Animal Welfare
• Conclusion

The Royal Collection: Dogs in Art and History:

The significance of dogs to the British monarchy is well-documented in the Royal Collection, a treasure trove of artwork and historical artifacts. From Van Dyck’s portraits of Charles I with King Charles Spaniels to Edwin Landseer’s paintings of Queen Victoria’s dogs, these depictions immortalize the royal connection to their canine companions. The book Noble Hounds and Dear Companions, based on the Royal Photograph Collection, further highlights the role of dogs in the royal household, from their impact on canine fashion to their influence on animal welfare initiatives.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert: A Lifelong Love of Dogs:

Queen Victoria’s love of dogs began in her childhood. One of her earliest and most cherished companions was Dash, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, gifted to her by her mother, the Duchess of Kent, for her 17th birthday. Dash’s loyalty and playful nature won the Queen’s heart, and when he passed away in 1840, he was buried at Windsor Castle, with a touching epitaph that reflected his steadfastness.Victoria’s love for dogs continued throughout her life. When she married Prince Albert, a fellow dog lover, they brought their respective dogs into their household. Albert’s greyhound, Eos, even accompanied them on their honeymoon. The Queen also popularized the dachshund in Britain after receiving one from Germany, and her favorite, Waldman VI, became a well-known figure.Over time, Queen Victoria developed a fondness for smooth-haired collies, owning as many as 88 dogs during her reign. One of her favorite collies, Sharp, was so beloved that she had photographs taken with him, which became widely popular with the public.As a testament to her devotion to animal welfare, Queen Victoria became a patron of the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and supported Battersea Dogs Home, with her son Prince Leopold adopting a dog from the shelter.

Edward VII and Queen Alexandra: A Regal Pack:

Edward VII, while Prince of Wales, showed a preference for terriers but had a varied pack of dogs throughout his life. His bond with his dogs was so strong that he was gifted a Samoyed by the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, in 1886. However, it was his Irish Terrier, Jack, who held a special place in his heart, and his sudden death in 1903, just 12 hours after arriving in Ireland, deeply affected the King.Edward VII’s most famous canine companion was Caesar, a wire fox terrier who accompanied him everywhere, even to political meetings. Caesar’s loyalty was such that after the King’s death in 1910, he walked behind his master’s coffin in a poignant display of devotion.Queen Alexandra, Edward VII’s wife, was equally fond of dogs, particularly small breeds and Borzois, a breed gifted to her by Tsar Alexander III of Russia. Following the King's death, Alexandra took over the care of the royal kennels at Sandringham, where she continued to nurture her love for dogs.

George V and Queen Mary: Terriers and Collies:

King George V had a strong affinity for dogs, with collies and terriers being his preferred breeds. His first notable dog was a collie named Heather, whom he and Queen Mary were photographed with at St. James’s Palace. George V also kept several terriers throughout his reign, including Happy, Jack, Snip, and Bob, each of whom became loyal companions during his time as monarch.

George VI and Queen Elizabeth: The First Royal Corgis:

It was during the reign of King George VI that the royal family's famed corgi legacy began. In 1933, George VI, then Duke of York, acquired Dookie, the first royal corgi, followed by Jane, who would later give birth to two puppies, Crackers and Carol. The King’s fondness for Labradors, particularly yellow ones, was also well-known, with these dogs serving as both pets and gun dogs.George VI’s love for corgis continued into the reign of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, who inherited his passion for the breed.

Queen Elizabeth II: The Reign of the Corgis:

Queen Elizabeth II is perhaps the most well-known lover of corgis, a passion that began when she was given her first corgi, Susan, as a gift for her 18th birthday in 1944. Since then, all of her corgis have descended from Susan, making her legacy one of the most enduring in the royal family’s history with dogs.The Queen also introduced a new breed, the “dorgi,” a cross between a corgi and a dachshund, further cementing her unique contribution to canine culture. Her love for her corgis was captured in a famous 2016 photograph by Annie Leibovitz, which featured her alongside her beloved dogs in celebration of her 90th birthday.

Charitable Efforts and Animal Welfare:

The royal family's love for dogs has not only been personal but also philanthropic. Many members of the royal family, past and present, have supported or served as patrons of animal charities, including the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs Home. Queen Victoria’s early support for these organizations laid the foundation for future monarchs to advocate for animal welfare, a legacy that continues to this day.

Conclusion:

Throughout British royal history, dogs have been more than just pets—they have been symbols of loyalty, companionship, and love. From Queen Victoria’s dachshunds and collies to Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic corgis, these royal dogs have left an indelible mark on history. Their presence in royal life has shaped public affection for certain breeds, influenced canine fashions, and advanced animal welfare causes, leaving a lasting legacy of royal dedication to man’s best friend.