Queens Corgis: Loyal Companions to the Monarch

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Photograph of an Adult Brown and White Corgi
Credit: pexels.com, Photograph of an Adult Brown and White Corgi

Queen Elizabeth II has had a lifelong love affair with Corgis, and it's no secret that these adorable dogs have been a constant companion to her throughout her reign. The Queen's first Corgi, Susan, was a gift from her sister, Princess Margaret.

The Queen's affinity for Corgis started at a young age, and she has owned more than 30 of them during her lifetime. Her love for the breed is so strong that she even has a special Corgi-shaped pillow in her palace bedroom.

Corgis are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them the perfect breed for a monarch like Queen Elizabeth II. Their short stature also makes them easy to manage in the palace, where space can be limited.

The Queen's Corgis have been a beloved fixture in the palace, and many of them have even been given their own Instagram accounts, where they've gained a massive following.

A different take: Queen Corgis Movie

The Queen's Corgis

Credit: youtube.com, Inside the royal life of the Queen's corgis

The Queen's Corgis have a rich history that dates back to 1933, when breeder Thelma Gray brought a litter of Pembroke Welsh Corgis to show the then-Duke of York, the future George VI, and his family. They chose a dog and named him Dookie.

The Queen's personal connection with Corgis began when she was young, as she loved the ones owned by the children of the Marquess of Bath. Her first Corgi, Susan, was given to her as an 18th birthday gift in 1944 and became a constant companion for many years.

The Queen's Corgis have been an integral part of her life, and she has owned over 30 of them since then, with many of them descended from Susan. The Queen's dedication to her Corgis is evident in the way she cares for them, with a rigorous training routine and a personalized menu tailored to their age, clinical needs, and so on.

For more insights, see: Queen Elizabeths Corgis

Her Majesty's Subjects

Credit: youtube.com, The Queen's Best Corgi Moments | Country Living UK

The Queen's corgis are a beloved and integral part of her life, with a history dating back to 1933 when breeder Thelma Gray brought a litter of puppies to show the then-Duke of York and his family.

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

In 1944, Princess Elizabeth received her first corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday gift, and the dog became a constant companion for many years.

Susan even accompanied Elizabeth and Philip on their honeymoon, hidden under blankets in the royal carriage.

The Queen's corgis have been bred with the affix "Windsor" in their names, and much of this information was not previously known due to strict unwritten rules among breeders.

The Queen's mother, Queen Elizabeth at the time, set a rigorous training routine for the dogs, with each assigned its own wicker basket and plate with food recommended by veterinary experts.

You might enjoy: The Queen's Corgis Names

Credit: youtube.com, Secrets from Queen Elizabeth II's Dog Trainer | Country Living UK

Each morning, the royal dogs were given a type of meat biscuit, and for their evening meal, they were served dog food with gravy, with extra biscuits given as rewards or for special occasions.

The Queen's corgis have been well-fed, with a tailored menu for each dog based on their age, clinical needs, and so on, and a great believer in homeopathy and herbal medicines.

The dogs sleep in wicker baskets in a "corgi room" in Buckingham Palace, and dine on steak and chicken, with eight exotic porcelain bowls carried in by a butler for each dog.

The Queen's control over her dogs' meals is impressive, with each dog waiting in turn for their food bowls, a disciplined and well-organized routine.

What Do They Look Like?

Corgis have short legs and long bodies, which makes them look a bit like little foxes.

Their ears are pointy, and their tails are either docked or natural, meaning they have a bobtail.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be red, sable, fawn, or black and tan in color.

They typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.

Standing about 12 inches tall at the shoulder is quite small, don't you think?

The Queen's Relationship with Her Corgis

Credit: youtube.com, Platinum Jubilee: The Queen's love affair with her Royal corgis

The Queen personally oversaw a program of Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeding at Windsor Castle, incorporating the affix, or kennel name, of Windsor into their monikers.

Susan, the Queen's first Pembroke Welsh Corgi, was a constant companion for Elizabeth for many years and even accompanied her on her honeymoon. Susan was a Pembroke Corgi, and was a constant companion for Elizabeth for many years.

The Queen called on prominent breeders, such as Thelma Gray, Maureen Johnston, Ally Boughton, and others, to help her continue her lines. Two of Susan's final pups, Holly and Willow, appear to have been the 14th generation of Susan's descendants.

Bill and Nancy Fenwick were the caretakers of the Pembrokes, with Nancy trained the dogs to go up the stairs, fed and looked after them, and assisted with finding matches to mate with Queen Elizabeth's canines. Nancy trained the dogs to go up the stairs.

The Queen wasn't always able to train her own corgis, many were housetrained by gamekeepers at Windsor Castle. Many were housetrained by gamekeepers at Windsor Castle.

Credit: youtube.com, The late Queen and her corgis: How the breed became inseparable from the crown

For her 18th birthday gift, Princess Elizabeth received her very own corgi, named Susan. Susan was a Pembroke Corgi.

The Queen thought of everything to protect her dogs, reportedly using a magnet whenever she was being fitted for a dress to pick up pins and prevent the corgis from pricking their paws.

Corgi Care and Grooming

Corgis have two layers of fur, which means they shed a lot, especially during spring and fall shedding seasons.

Brushing your Corgi at least a few times a week is crucial during these seasons to help manage loose hair. You can do this with a regular brush or a slicker brush, depending on your Corgi's coat type.

Bathing your Corgi once every few weeks is usually sufficient unless they get particularly dirty. This will help keep their coat clean and healthy.

Trimming your Corgi's nails on a regular basis is essential to prevent overgrowth. You can do this yourself at home with a dog nail trimmer or take them to a groomer or vet to have it done.

Owning a Corgi: What You Need to Know

Credit: youtube.com, I wish I knew these BEFORE owning a Corgi

Owning a Corgi requires a significant amount of time and attention, especially if you're interested in a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

They need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, ideally at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

These dogs are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough physical activity.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.

They thrive on structure and routine, so establishing a regular daily schedule can help them feel secure and happy.

These dogs are generally good with children, but as with any breed, it's crucial to socialize them properly to ensure a smooth and harmonious household.

Expand your knowledge: Why Are Corgis so Popular

The Queen's Life and Security

The Queen's Life and Security is a top priority, and it's interesting to note that the Palace has a dedicated team of staff who work around the clock to ensure her safety.

Credit: youtube.com, The Royal Life Of The Queen's Corgis

The Queen's security detail is led by the Met Police, who have a special unit dedicated to protecting her.

With so many people involved in her security, it's no wonder that the Palace has strict protocols in place to keep her safe.

The Queen's love of corgis is well-known, but few people realize that her beloved pets are also part of her security detail - they're known to chase off anyone who gets too close to the Palace.

The Queen Protected Her Dogs

The Queen thought of everything to protect her dogs. She carried a magnet with her whenever she was being fitted for a dress to pick up pins and prevent her corgis from pricking their paws.

The Queen's attention to detail extended to her breeding program as well. She personally oversaw the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeding program at Windsor Castle, incorporating the affix "Windsor" into the monikers of her purebred puppies.

Bill and Nancy Fenwick were the Queen's trusted caretakers of the Pembrokes, with Nancy training the dogs to go up the stairs and feeding and looking after them.

Has the Queen Been Attacked?

Close-Up Shot of a Corgi
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Corgi

Yes, the Queen has been bitten by corgis on several occasions. The first recorded incident took place in 1954 when Susan, the Queen's Pembroke corgi, chomped down on Royal clock winder Leonard Hubbard at Windsor's Royal Lodge.

The Queen's corgis have been known to be feisty, and their bites can be quite painful.

The Queen has had to deal with her corgis' aggressive behavior, but fortunately, no one has been seriously injured.

How the Queen Cared for Herself

The Queen's personal care was likely a top priority, given her busy schedule and royal responsibilities. She had a staff of at least two people to take care of her dogs, showing how much attention was given to their well-being.

Nancy Fenwick, one of the Queen's dog carers, trained the corgis to walk upstairs and fed them personally. Her dedication to the Queen's pets was truly remarkable.

The Queen's dogs had a special room at Buckingham Palace, complete with little wicker baskets for them to sleep in. It's clear that the Queen spared no expense when it came to her beloved pets' comfort.

The Queen's willingness to attend Nancy Fenwick's memorial service, despite royal tradition, speaks to the strong bond she had with her staff and their families.

Take a look at this: Corgis as Pets

Horses Owned by the Queen

Credit: youtube.com, Queen Elizabeth II and Her Passions for Horses - BBC Royal Documentary

The Queen's love for horses is well-documented, with a history of owning many over the years.

The Queen's stables at Windsor Castle are home to a large collection of horses, but unfortunately, no specific numbers are mentioned in the provided article section.

The Queen has been involved in horse breeding and racing for many years, with her horses competing in various events around the world.

One notable example is the Queen's involvement with the Badminton Horse Trials, where she was seen walking with her pet corgis in April 1976.

The Queen's horses are well-trained and highly skilled, with some competing at the highest levels of equestrian sport.

The Queen's love for horses is a testament to her passion and dedication to the sport, and her horses continue to be a source of pride for her and the royal family.

Burials at Royal Residences

The Queen's corgis have a special place in their hearts - literally. Many of Her Majesty's corgis, starting with Susan, are buried at the pet cemetery at Sandringham.

Credit: youtube.com, Former royal guard explains security mission protecting the Queen's Funeral | A Current Affair

The Queen has a long history of owning corgis, and it's not uncommon to see them by her side. Her pet cemetery at Sandringham is home to many of her beloved corgis.

The Queen's corgis have even been featured in the media, like Monty, who appeared in the James Bond-themed opening to the 2012 Olympics, and was buried at Balmoral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the Queen's corgis now?

After Queen Elizabeth's passing, her two corgis are being cared for by Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

How many corgis survive the Queen?

The Queen was survived by two corgis. However, one of her surviving dogs was a dorgi, a unique breed resulting from a corgi and dachshund mix.

How many corgis survived the Queen?

Queen Elizabeth II was survived by two corgis.

Kelvin Gutkowski

Lead Assigning Editor

Kelvin Gutkowski is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, Kelvin has honed his skills in identifying and assigning compelling stories that captivate readers. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, from social justice to environmental issues.

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