Queen Elizabeth Corgis: The Queen's Lifelong Love

The Queen's affection for corgis began at a young age, with her first corgi, Rozavel Gin, given to her on her 18th birthday in 1941.

She went on to own more than 30 corgis during her reign, with some living into their late teens.

The Queen's love for corgis was not just about companionship, but also about loyalty and hard work.

Intriguing read: What Happened to Queen Elizabeth's Corgis

The Queen's love affair with Pembroke Welsh Corgis began long before she became the monarch, with Thelma Gray bringing a litter of puppies to show the then-Duke of York and his family in 1933.

Her family's first Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Dookie, was a beloved member of the royal family, but sadly passed away at the start of World War II.

The Queen's first Pembroke Welsh Corgi to belong solely to her was Susan, who became the foundation of a royal breeding program and the common ancestor of all Queen Elizabeth's Pembrokes.

A different take: Are Corgis Good for First Time Owners

Susan's descendants, including Holly and Willow, were highly prized by the Queen, who carefully selected mates for them to ensure the continuation of her lines.

The Queen's breeding program was a closely guarded secret, with breeders who participated never discussing their experience in public, and rarely even with one another.

The Queen's head gamekeeper, Bill Fenwick, and his wife Nancy, played a crucial role in caring for the Queen's Pembrokes, training them to go up the stairs, and finding matches for them to mate with.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history, especially when it comes to the royal family. In 1933, breeder Thelma Gray brought a litter of puppies to show the then-Duke of York, the future George VI, and his family.

The royal family's first Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a dog named Dookie, chosen from the litter. A few years later, Gray gave the royal family another Pembroke Welsh Corgi called Jane.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. In 1933, breeder Thelma Gray brought a litter of puppies to show the then-Duke of York, the future George VI, and his family.

The royal family chose a dog and named him Dookie, starting a long line of Pembroke Welsh Corgis in the palace. A few years later, Gray gave the royal family another Pembroke Welsh Corgi called Jane.

Dookie passed away at the start of World War II, but Jane gave birth to a puppy called Crackers, keeping the royal Pembrokes going.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a herding breed, originating from Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales. They were bred to herd cattle and horses.

Their short stature is a result of being bred to work between the cattle's legs to herd them. They typically weigh between 25-38 pounds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly. They have a strong work ethic and were often used on farms.

Their loyalty and affection towards their family are unmatched, making them great companions. They are generally wary of strangers.

Consider reading: What Are Corgis Bred for

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their intelligence, and as such, they require consistent and engaging training from an early age.

They are highly trainable due to their strong herding instincts.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are naturally inclined to follow commands and learn quickly.

Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them a joy to train.

With positive reinforcement and regular practice, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can learn a wide range of commands and tasks.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed that requires regular care to thrive. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

In terms of their exercise needs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are built for herding and require at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. This can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they're not overeating. A balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial for their overall health.

Their short stature can make them prone to back problems, so it's essential to provide them with a comfortable place to sleep and avoid overexertion.

The Queen's Program was a breeding program for Pembroke Welsh Corgis at Windsor Castle, personally overseen by Queen Elizabeth.

She incorporated the affix "Windsor" into the monikers of purebred puppies bred by her, a tradition that was kept under wraps until recently.

Susan was the common ancestor of all Queen Elizabeth's Pembrokes, an incredible genetic legacy that spanned many generations.

The Queen called on prominent breeders to help her continue her lines, including Gray, Maureen Johnston, Ally Boughton, and others.

Bill and Nancy Fenwick were the caretakers of the Pembrokes, with Nancy training the dogs to go up the stairs and assisting with finding matches to mate with Queen Elizabeth's canines.

For your interest: The Queen's Corgis Names

The Queen's corgis are truly treated like family, and their palace life reflects this. They sleep in wicker baskets in a "corgi room" within Buckingham Palace.

Their meals are carefully tailored to their age, clinical needs, and even their unique personalities. The Queen is a great believer in homeopathy and herbal medicines, and each dog has its own special menu.

Eight exotic porcelain bowls are carried in by a butler, each one for a particular dog, and the dogs are arranged in a semi-circle to wait for their meals. It's all a very disciplined and well-organized process, thanks to the Queen's keen eye for detail.

As members of the royal family, their responsibilities are multifaceted and demanding. They are expected to carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch, which can be a heavy burden.

The Queen's role is to serve as the head of state, and she has a constitutional duty to act in the best interests of the nation. She is also the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces.

The royal family's official duties include attending state occasions, hosting foreign dignitaries, and participating in ceremonial events. These events can be formal and traditional, such as the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

The Queen's engagements are meticulously planned and organized, often taking up to a year in advance. This ensures that she is always prepared and able to carry out her duties with dignity and poise.

Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, was a constant companion throughout her life. He was a skilled sailor and engineer.

The Queen's children, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, brought her immense joy. Charles, the eldest, was groomed to one day take the throne.

Prince Philip was a devoted father to the Queen's children. He often accompanied them on royal engagements.