Royal Dogs in History
Queen Elizabeth is perhaps the most well known dog lover of the Royal
Family. According to the K9 Magazine, she currently has ten dogs. Name
Emma, Linnet, Holly and Willow, which are Corgis. She also has three
Dorgis (Daschund x Corgi) by the names of Brandy, Cider and Berry.
It is said that the Queen also looks after the Corgis of the late Queen Mother, name Rush, Minnie and Monty. Queen Elizabeth has owned over 30 Corgis and the first being Susan, who was given as a present on her 18th birthday by her father, King George IV.
Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
Queen Victoria is responsible for one of the most popular toy breeds that we know today. After inheriting some of the Royal dogs that were doted on by the wife of her predecessor to the throne, Queen Charlotte, Victoria kept. Upon the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861, she turned much of her attention to tending to these dogs.
Unhappy with their size, the Queen bred the dogs with smaller breeds to begin the breed we know today as the Pomeranian.
T
he Saluki
T
hey were the favorite hounds of the Egyptians, and were known as the Royal Dogs of Egypt. Only nobility were allowed to have them. Many have been found mummified in tombs with their masters, a sign of great favor! There are several good depictions of King Tutenkamen with his favorite salukis.
Pekingese
These Royal Dogs of China were considered sacred animals and, as such, were bred and carefully guarded in the Imperial Palace where only those within the royal circle were permitted to own one. Theft of a Pekingese was punishable by death.
Known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar," the Coton de Tulearis a rare breed once owned exclusively by royalty. Named for its cotton-like hair and in recognition of Madagascar's port city of Tulear, the breed's origin dates back to the 14th century.
The Scottish Deerhound
The Royal Dog of Scotland----is certainly a picture of grace and strength all wrapped up in a most loving package. These wonderful dogs are worthy of their description that Sir Walter Scott gave them long ago......" a Most Perfect Creature of Heaven"......yet are certainly not for everyone.