Introduction
Queen Elizabeth I was known for her great love of dogs throughout her life. She kept many dogs as pets and companions, favoring small breeds like lapdogs. Her most famous and beloved dog was a tiny lapdog named Looty, gifted to her by Sir Walter Raleigh after his return from a voyage. Looty became a constant companion and favorite of the Queen. Elizabeth was frequently painted and depicted with her dogs, highlighting their importance and her fondness for them. They were both symbols of her sovereignty and her femininity. The Queen’s passion for dogs impacted breeding and led to the development of new breeds associated with royalty. Her kennels were elaborate and she employed dog keepers to care for her prized canines. Dogs provided the Virgin Queen companionship, amusement and comfort throughout her life.
Early Life with Dogs
Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong affection for corgis started in her childhood. When she was just 7 years old, she brought home her first corgi named Dookie in 1933, who was a Pembroke Welsh corgi (link). Dookie became her constant companion and sparked her interest in the breed. She was gifted another corgi named Jane for her 18th birthday in 1944. Jane would later have a litter of puppies, two of which were kept by the future Queen and named Carol and Crackers (link). These first few corgis as a child marked the beginning of her lifelong affection for the breed.
Her Favorite Breeds
Queen Elizabeth I had a strong affection for dogs throughout her life. Two of her most cherished breeds were spaniels and greyhounds. The Queen was particularly fond of spaniels and kept several as companion animals. She referred to them as her “comforters” and they could often be seen accompanying her on walks around court or sitting by her side.1 The earliest references to Elizabeth owning spaniels date back to the 1530s when she was still a young princess.2
In addition to spaniels, Elizabeth loved keeping greyhounds and viewed them as prized possessions. She received several as gifts from nobles trying to gain her favor. Elizabeth’s greyhounds were known for wearing gilded collars studded with jewels and roses. She enjoyed racing them and watching them hunt. Her favorite greyhound was a female named Leprel who accompanied her on many hunting trips throughout the English countryside.1 Elizabeth’s passion for greyhounds helped popularize the breed among English nobility during her reign.
Names and Descriptions
Queen Elizabeth was known for the creative and meaningful names she gave to her dogs. Some of her most famous corgis included Susan, who was given to her on her 18th birthday in 1944 according to Marie Claire. Susan started the royal corgi line and was so loved that she accompanied the Queen and Prince Philip on their honeymoon in 1947. Another favorite was Willow, who made headlines when she appeared as a puppy in the 2012 James Bond Olympics sketch with Daniel Craig. According to Country Living, Willow had a playful spirit and passed away in 2018.
The Queen was also fond of her “dorgis” – corgi/dachshund mixes. Two of the most cherished were Candy and Vulcan. Candy kept the Queen company in her final months and Vulcan was a loyal companion who passed away in 2020. Each dog had its own personality – some excitable and energetic like Willow, others more calm and obedient. But they all enjoyed the freedom of running across the palace grounds and served as adored pets for Her Majesty.
Dogs as Symbols
Dogs often held symbolic meaning in portraits and other representations of Queen Elizabeth I and her court. Small dogs like lapdogs frequently appeared by the Queen’s side or at her feet in official portraits. These dogs represented loyalty, faithfulness, and companionship. Greyhounds in particular were associated with the Tudor dynasty and Queen Elizabeth I. The calm, elegant greyhound embodied the values of moderation and balance that defined Elizabeth’s rule.
Dogs also symbolized peace and tranquility in portraits with Queen Elizabeth I. For example, the famous “Peace Portrait” shows Elizabeth holding an olive branch with a small dog by her side, representing her role as a peaceful ruler (Source). Elizabeth strategically used canine symbolism and iconography to shape her public image as a stable, faithful leader devoted to her subjects and kingdom.
Dogs in Portraits
One of the most endearing images of Queen Elizabeth I is in the various portraits that depict her with her beloved dogs. The Queen was one of the first royals to commission portraits of herself that included her pets. This demonstrated her affection for her dogs and represented them as integral members of her royal court.
In several famous portraits, Queen Elizabeth I can be seen holding her tiny lapdogs or sitting among a swarm of puppies. Some of the most notable include the Armada Portrait, where she sits with three dogs, one in her lap. There is also the stunning Ditchley Portrait, where she stands proudly with delicate dogs playing at her feet. The Darnley Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery shows her tenderly holding a small dog to her chest.
These portraits reveal the Virgin Queen’s warm and maternal side. The dogs soften her image and reflect her love of animals. They provide a sense of close companionship and domesticity that balances the viewer’s perception of her as a powerful, regal monarch. The inclusion of dogs also associates Queen Elizabeth with loyalty and faithfulness. Overall, these iconic images forever linked the Queen’s identity and reputation to her cherished canine friends.
Legends and Stories
The Queen’s corgis were featured in many popular tales and legends over the years. According to one famous story, a young Elizabeth was introduced to her first corgi in 1933 when her father, King George VI, brought home a Pembroke Welsh Corgi they named Dookie. Dookie charmed the future Queen and started her lifelong affection for the breed.
Another charming legend involves a time when one of the Queen’s corgis got too frisky and nipped at the trouser leg of a visiting dignitary. The Queen simply said, “No bad corgis, only bad dogs.” This tale highlighted her fondness and protectiveness over her beloved pets.
The corgis also enjoyed luxury treatments fit for royalty. According to some reports, the dogs ate fresh rabbit and beef prepared daily by a chef, while someone was on hand to record the names of the dogs who preferred which foods. The corgis slept in elevated wicker baskets in a special boot room near the royal apartments to be close to the Queen.
Over the years, the Queen’s bond with her corgis became legendary. Whether they were nipping at dignitaries or sleeping in luxury, the stories helped cement the corgi’s image as the official royal dog breed in the hearts and minds of people worldwide.
Impact on Breeds
Queen Elizabeth’s fondness for canine companions, especially spaniels and corgis, helped increase the popularity of those breeds. Ever since she was first photographed as a young girl with her pet spaniel named Dookie in 1933, the Queen fueled public interest in cocker spaniels and other types of spaniels throughout her long reign.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, one of the Queen’s favorite breeds, saw a huge surge in popularity because of her passion for the short-legged, long-bodied herding dogs. She owned more than 30 corgis during her life. Her devotion to corgis sparked international fascination with the breed, making it one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. According to the American Kennel Club, Pembroke Welsh Corgi registrations rose sharply in the 1950s when the Queen’s corgis were regularly photographed alongside her.
While the Queen bred and owned other dogs like Labradors, her well-known affection for spaniels and corgis turned them into beloved household pets for dog lovers around the globe who wanted to own the same breeds as royalty.
Kennels
Queen Elizabeth kept her dogs in multiple kennels located on the grounds of her various royal residences. Her most favored canine companions stayed in kennels near her private apartments at Buckingham Palace in London, Windsor Castle in Berkshire, and the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk (Wikipedia, 2022). The dogs had round-the-clock care from two full-time footmen called “Corgi Walkers” who fed them, groomed them, took them on walks, and cleaned up after them.
The palace kennels were custom-designed for the queen’s dogs and featured heated floors, elevated wicker baskets for bedding, and outside runs for exercise. The dogs were fed gourmet meals made by the palace kitchen staff. Veterinary care was provided on-site at the palaces by the Royal Household vet. Some sources report that the queen personally took a very hands-on role in caring for her dogs, despite their luxurious accommodations (AKC, 2017).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth’s dogs, especially her beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis, played an important role throughout her life and reign. She was gifted her first Corgi named Susan as an 18th birthday present in 1944. This began a lifelong love of the breed. Over the decades, she owned over 30 Corgis who provided companionship as well as being part of her public image. Famous Corgis she owned included Monty, Willow, Holly, and Candy. The Queen was also credited with creating the “dorgi” crossbreed between Corgis and Dachshunds. Her dogs lived a pampered life with their own room in Buckingham Palace. Though she loved all dogs, Corgis held a special place for Queen Elizabeth. They brought her joy and comfort through major life events and challenging times. She will be forever linked to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed. The Queen leaves behind a legacy as one of the most prominent and influential Corgi enthusiasts in history.