Royal Breeds of Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

The British Royal Family has long been associated with a variety of impressive dog breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and histories. The Poodle, for instance, was a favorite of Queen Victoria's, who was particularly fond of the breed's intelligence and trainability.

The Poodle's origins date back to Germany, where it was bred as a water retriever and hunting dog. Its distinctive curly coat was well-suited for swimming and retrieving game in wet conditions.

Some of the most popular royal breeds of dogs include the Poodle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Corgi.

Royal Breeds of Dogs have been a staple in European royalty for centuries. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, in particular, has been a favorite among European monarchs since at least Tudor times.

King Charles II loved these dogs so much that they appear in many royal paintings. Queen Victoria's beloved pet, Dash, was a spaniel given to her at the age of 17, and his epitaph is a heartfelt tribute to his loyalty and affection.

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Toy Spaniels and Small Breeds have a long history of being favored by European royalty. They've been popular since at least Tudor times.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a well-known example of a toy spaniel breed that was loved by the Stuart kings. King Charles II was particularly fond of them, and they often appeared in royal paintings.

King Charles II's love for toy spaniels was so great that he issued a decree allowing them everywhere in the kingdom, even in Parliament. This shows just how much they were valued by the royal family.

Queen Victoria's favorite pet was a spaniel named Dash, who was given to her at the age of 17.

Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed of dog that originated in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

They are a medium to large-sized breed, with males weighing between 65-80 pounds and standing between 22.5-24.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their friendly temperament and high intelligence make them a favorite among families and hunters alike.

In fact, they are one of the most popular breeds in the world, and have been a favorite of the British royal family for many years.

As a result, they are often referred to as a "royal breed" due to their long history of being kept as companions by European royalty.

Labrador Retrievers are also prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and obesity, which can be a concern for owners.

However, with proper care and exercise, they can live a long and healthy life, often up to 10-12 years or more.

Their large size requires regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being.

As a breed, they are also known for their high energy levels and love of physical activity, which makes them a great fit for active families.

The royal family's love for dogs is well-documented, and it's clear that their furry friends are more than just pets - they're family members.

Princess Elizabeth received her first corgi, Susan, as a birthday gift in 1944. Susan was a Pembroke Corgi and remained Elizabeth's constant companion for many years.

The Queen's love of corgis started with a British nobleman named Thomas Henry Thynne, who had a pair of corgis as pets. The princesses fell in love with the dogs during a visit to his home.

Dookie, a corgi, was the first Welsh Corgi owned by the royal family, brought home in 1933. The Queen Mother chose Dookie because of his slightly longer tail, which she thought made him more expressive.

The royal family's dogs were well-cared for, with a special "corgi room" in Buckingham Palace where they slept in wicker baskets. They even had their own exotic porcelain bowls and a butler to serve their meals.

Jane, another corgi, joined the family and had a puppy named Crackers, who was still a puppy when Jane died in 1944 after being accidentally run over by a car.

The Pomeranian and the Pug are two royal breeds with interesting histories. The Pomeranian was originally bred to be a companion dog for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in the 18th century.

The Pug's ancestors date back to ancient China, where they were bred as companions for royalty. They were known as the "lo-sze" and were highly valued for their loyalty and affectionate nature.

The Pomeranian's small size made them a favorite of Queen Victoria, who bred them in a variety of colors and patterns. She was particularly fond of the orange and red varieties.

In addition to their royal connections, both breeds have been popular pets throughout history. They are known for their playful, outgoing personalities and make great companions for families and individuals alike.

The Pug's flat face and wrinkled skin require regular grooming to prevent skin problems. This breed is also prone to obesity, so regular exercise is essential.

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The Pomeranian's thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They are also prone to tooth decay, so regular dental care is important.

Both breeds are relatively small in size, with the Pomeranian weighing between 3-7 pounds and the Pug weighing between 10-17 pounds. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and compact dogs with a big personality.

For more insights, see: Small Dogs Breeds

Princess Elizabeth received her first corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday gift in 1944.

Susan was a Pembroke Corgi and a constant companion to Elizabeth for many years. She even accompanied Elizabeth and Philip on their honeymoon.

Susan had a pair of puppies, Sugar and Honey, one year after Elizabeth gave birth to Prince Charles. Sugar became the nursery pet of Prince Charles and Princess Anne, while Honey belonged to the Queen's mother.

Susan lived a long and happy life, but sadly passed away at Sandringham in January 1959. She was buried on the property in Queen Victoria's pet cemetery.

The initial gravestone inscription for Susan read "Susan / died 26 Jan 1959 / for 15 years the faithful companion of the Queen." However, the Queen later corrected the inscription to read "for almost 15 years" due to Susan's incorrect birthdate.

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