Queen Elizabeth II played a central and enchanting role in popularizing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, making the breed globally beloved and a symbol of British royalty.

Her personal bond with corgis began early: she received her first corgi, named Susan, as an 18th birthday present from her father, King George VI, in 1944.

Susan accompanied the young princess on her honeymoon, and all subsequent royal corgis descended from her lineage, encompassing 14 generations of royal corgis over the Queen’s lifetime.

The last descendant of Susan, Willow, died in 2015, marking the end of the direct royal line.

The Queen kept over 30 corgis during her reign, demonstrating not only her fondness but also her dedication to maintaining the breed in the royal household .

The popularity of corgis has seen notable booms linked to significant royal events, particularly following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club noted a 30-year peak in Pembroke Welsh Corgi registrations, attributing much of this sustained popularity to Her Majesty’s lifelong affection and promotion of the breed.

Corgis, originally herding dogs noted for their short legs and agility, were historically vulnerable in numbers but have since become one of the UK's most popular breeds, widely associated with British royalty due to this royal patronage .

The Queen’s relationship with her corgis was deeply personal and whimsical.

She famously said, "My corgis are family."

The royal corgis enjoyed luxurious lives within the palace, with their own rooms furnished with elevated wicker baskets and freshly laundered sheets.

Meals were tailored and prepared by chefs, featuring a varied diet of finely chopped, boneless beef, chicken, rabbit, liver, cabbage, and rice, topped with a special gravy that was reputedly the Queen’s own recipe.

Sometimes, Her Majesty prepared the dogs' meals herself.

This charming anecdote reveals both her playfulness and bond with her pets .

Queen Elizabeth II played a central and enchanting role in popularizing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, making the breed globally beloved and a symbol of British royalty.

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Content: Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Published 11:15 am Friday, June 17, 2022

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Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Which do you like better, cats or dogs? If you chose dogs, you’re in the majority: 74% of adults said they prefer dogs, while only 41% of adults said the same about cats, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press. That’s not to suggest dogs are inherently better than their feline friends. Evolutionarily speaking, cats have actually been more successful, with superior hunting skills enabling survival even when food is scarce. On the other hand, science suggests dogs are smarter than cats because their cerebral cortexes contain twice as many neurons.

There may never be a clear answer, but for the majority who prefer man’s best friend, Stacker has compiled a list of the top 35 dog breeds with the most timeless popularity. Using data from the American Kennel Club, we averaged each breed’s level of popularity in 1940 with its popularity in 2021. This analysis excluded any new breed introduced since 1940 and is based on data released on March 15, 2022, the most recent data available. Any ties were decided by the breed that ranked highest in 2021.

Different breeds have grown famous for various reasons, such as Welsh corgis, the Queen’s favorite dog breed, or Dalmatians, whose popularity skyrocketed when the 1996 film “101 Dalmatians” hit theaters.

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Click through to find out if your favorite dog was just as beloved 80 years ago.

You may also like: Things to consider when adopting a pet

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#35. Chow chows

– Average rank over time: 46.5
– 1940 rank: 13
– 2021 rank: 80

Originating in northern China, chow chows have thick double-coats and characteristic blue-black tongues. Martha Stewart is particularly fond of this breed and has owned a number of them.

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#34. Brittanys

– Average rank: 45.5
– 1940 rank: 64
– 2021 rank: 27

Due to its fondness for humans and family-friendly disposition, Brittanys have become one of the most well-known dogs in the United States. Brittanys were originally bred as hunting dogs and known as Brittany Spaniels until 1982, when the word “spaniel” was dropped.

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#33. Newfoundlands

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 44
– 2021 rank: 45

Newfoundlands are known for their large size, which is enhanced by their heavy double-coat. They are also characterized by their sweet and gentle personality. While they may seem like the perfect pet, one of the Newfoundlands’ less desirable traits is their tendency to drool.

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#32. West Highland White Terriers

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 43
– 2021 rank: 46

Called Westie for short, the West Highland White Terrier descends from a group of terriers bred to seek out vermin. As a result, they may share ancestors with cairn terriers and Scottish terriers. Though they look like soft stuffed animals, their outer coat is actually wiry and coarse.

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#31. Pugs

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 56
– 2021 rank: 33

Pugs are said to have originated in China and were once a prized possession of the Chinese royal family. Their popularity grew over the years, eventually reaching Europe and, after the Civil War, the United States. Pugs are recognized as canine clowns but don’t expect them to hunt, defend, or retrieve anything.

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#30. Siberian Huskies

– Average rank: 43
– 1940 rank: 67
– 2021 rank: 19

As their name hints, Siberian Huskies originated from Siberia. They were bred to have serious endurance and a thick coat to withstand severe winters. These wolf-like dogs have won the hearts of many pet owners with their high energy and extra friendly personality.

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#29. Irish setters

– Average rank: 42.5
– 1940 rank: 14
– 2021 rank: 71

Characterized by their silky chestnut coats, Irish setters were originally bred to hunt birds. Although they love humans, their hunting instincts can make them a threat to smaller animals. They are active and energetic, so potential owners should be prepared to take them on lots of long walks or runs.

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#28. Airedale terriers

– Average rank: 41
– 1940 rank: 20
– 2021 rank: 62

The largest of all terriers, Airedales typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. President Warren Harding’s terrier, Laddie Boy, was the first presidential pet to receive significant media attention.

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#27. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

– Average rank: 41
– 1940 rank: 34
– 2021 rank: 48

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever gets its name from the shallow estuary that’s surrounded by Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In the 19th century, Chessies were used to hunt ducks in the Bay since their coat helps them repel water and stay warm.

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#26. Saint Bernards

– Average rank: 39.5
– 1940 rank: 26
– 2021 rank: 53

Saint Bernards are extremely large dogs, typically weighing between 120 and 180 pounds. One Saint Bernard named Benedictine was said to have weighed more than 350 pounds. Though their size may be intimidating, Saint Bernards are a gentle, loving breed.

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#25. Dalmatians

– Average rank: 36.5
– 1940 rank: 24
– 2021 rank: 49

Dalmations have roots tracing back to Croatia and are named after the country’s Dalmatia region. Their original job was to guard horse-drawn carriages, including horse-drawn fire engines, which is why they’re associated with firefighters to this day.

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#24. Yorkshire terriers

– Average rank: 36.5
– 1940 rank: 60
– 2021 rank: 13

The Yorkshire terrier is a fiery yet affectionate companion despite its small size. The “Yorkie,” one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States, has gained many lovers thanks to their devotion to their owners, exquisite appearance, and adaptability to urban living.

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#23. Basset hounds

– Average rank: 35.5
– 1940 rank: 37
– 2021 rank: 34

Bred for hunting rabbits, the basset hound’s sense of smell is the second-sharpest of all breeds, bested only by the bloodhound. Basset hounds are descendants of French dogs. Their name is derived from the French word “bas,” which means low—a reference to their short stature.

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#22. Scottish terriers

– Average rank: 31
– 1940 rank: 4
– 2021 rank: 58

This breed was developed in the Scottish Highlands and brought to the U.S. in 1883. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a Scottish terrier named Fala. She was said to have received her own fan mail, and now has her own statue next to Roosevelt’s memorial in Washington D.C.

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#21. Pembroke Welsh corgis

– Average rank: 31
– 1940 rank: 51
– 2021 rank: 11

Corgis get their name from the Welsh word “cor ci,” which means “dwarf dog,” a feature evident in their short legs and long body. A large part of their popularity came from the fact that Pembroke Welsh corgis are the Queen’s favorite dog breed.

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#20. Shetland sheepdogs

– Average rank: 30.5
– 1940 rank: 33
– 2021 rank: 28

Also known as Shelties, Shetland sheepdogs were bred in the United Kingdom as herding dogs. These long-coated pups look similar to their collie relatives but are much smaller, weighing only about 20 pounds.

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#19. Chihuahuas

– Average rank: 29.5
– 1940 rank: 22
– 2021 rank: 37

One of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas typically weigh no more than 6 pounds. This breed has earned itself a lot of screen time, with roles in “Legally Blonde,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and as Taco Bell’s former mascot, Gidget.

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#18. Miniature schnauzers

– Average rank: 27
– 1940 rank: 36
– 2021 rank: 18

The most popular of the three schnauzer breeds, the miniature schnauzer was developed as a farm dog that could track down and kill vermin. The traditional appearance of these schnauzers includes “cropped” ears. This type of surgery is now illegal in some countries, and a few U.S. states have considered legislation to ban it.

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#17. French bulldogs

– Average rank: 27
– 1940 rank: 52
– 2021 rank: 2

French bulldogs resemble little bulldogs with bat ears. Interestingly, French bulldogs were first bred in England before becoming famous in France. Although “Frenchies” are not service dogs, a French bulldog became a military hero in American history.

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#16. German shorthaired pointers

– Average rank: 25
– 1940 rank: 41
– 2021 rank: 9

German shorthaired pointers were bred to be hunters and are still one of the most successful breeds in hunting competitions. Pointers often have a distinct speckled coat in white, black, or liver (a unique shade of brown).

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#15. Golden retrievers

– Average rank: 24.5
– 1940 rank: 46
– 2021 rank: 3

Golden retrievers were bred to be the perfect gundogs to help their owners, lords of the Scottish Highlands, to help them hunt geese. Their beautiful stature and coat, calm temperament, and friendly nature make golden retrievers popular as family dogs.

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#14. Collies

– Average rank: 24
– 1940 rank: 10
– 2021 rank: 38

Collies are an athletic and loving breed. One of the most famous dogs of all time, Lassie, is a collie. She was portrayed by a dog named Pal in seven feature films, and in later iterations by Pal’s descendants.

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#13. Pomeranians

– Average rank: 18
– 1940 rank: 12
– 2021 rank: 24

This breed combines a tiny figure with a big personality. Although they weigh no more than 7 pounds, Pomeranians can be possessive and behave aggressively toward those who threaten their space. As a result, they may not be ideal for families with young children.

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#12. English Springer Spaniels

– Average rank: 17
– 1940 rank: 8
– 2021 rank: 26

English Springer Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs and are active, obedient pups. Springer spaniels have won six Best in Show awards at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the third-most of any breed.

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#11. Great Danes

– Average rank: 16.5
– 1940 rank: 16
– 2021 rank: 17

Despite what their name suggests, the Great Dane was developed by the Germans. This breed often holds the record for the tallest living dog. At 7 feet and 4 inches, a Great Dane named Zeus held this title until his death in 2014.

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#10. Doberman pinschers

– Average rank: 15.5
– 1940 rank: 15
– 2021 rank: 16

This breed gets its name from Louis Dobermann of Apolda, Germany. Dobermann bred a dog who could protect him while he worked as a tax collector. Though their history may have stereotyped them as aggressive, Dobermans can be socialized to be loving, friendly dogs.

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#9. Boxers

– Average rank: 15.5
– 1940 rank: 17
– 2021 rank: 14

The boxer’s ancestor is a German dog called the Bullenbeisser, which was used to hunt larger animals like deer and boar. Though they sprung from talented hunters, modern boxers make loving family dogs, as well as great service pets. This breed has also been very successful at the Westminster Dog Show, winning Best in Show four times.

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#8. Cocker spaniels

– Average rank: 15
– 1940 rank: 1
– 2021 rank: 29

Cocker spaniels are the smallest breed in the sporting group, typically weighing no more than 30 pounds. They were developed to hunt birds, specifically the woodcock, which is where they get their name.

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#7. Labrador Retrievers

– Average rank: 15
– 1940 rank: 29
– 2021 rank: 1

Despite their name, Labrador retrievers developed in Newfoundland, Canada, as opposed to Labrador, Canada. With coats generally in either yellow, chocolate, or black, Labs are an active breed that loves people and other animals.

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#6. Poodles

– Average rank: 14
– 1940 rank: 23
– 2021 rank: 5

Poodles originated in Germany, where they were used to hunt ducks. Their name comes from the German word “pudelin,” which means “to splash in water.” Many 1950s American celebrities owned poodles, including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball.

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#5. Boston terriers

– Average rank: 13
– 1940 rank: 3
– 2021 rank: 23

Even though terrier is in their name, Boston terriers are part of the nonsporting group. The other half of their name makes more sense: They were developed in Boston and became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979.

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#4. German shepherds

– Average rank: 11
– 1940 rank: 18
– 2021 rank: 4

These large, muscular dogs are easily trained, making them an excellent choice for police K9 units. The German shepherd was affected by the anti-German sentiment that was aroused in the early 20th century. In Britain, German shepherds were renamed Alsatians after World War I began.

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#3. Bulldogs

– Average rank: 8.5
– 1940 rank: 11
– 2021 rank: 6

The bulldog’s name references its past, when it was used during bull-baiting in England. Considered a sport, bull-baiting involved a dog attempting to bring down tied-up bull. Due to their pups’ large heads, most bulldogs give birth through C-section.

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#2. Dachshunds

– Average rank: 8
– 1940 rank: 6
– 2021 rank: 10

Known for having relatively short legs and a long body, the dachshund’s shape meant it could track scents easily, as well as fit into burrows. The first time the Olympics had a mascot was during the summer games of 1972 in Munich; the mascot selected was a dachshund named Waldi.

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#1. Beagles

– Average rank: 4.5
– 1940 rank: 2
– 2021 rank: 7

Beagles were first brought to the United States after the Civil War, when they were used for hunting rabbits. Their long ears aided them in picking up subtle sounds, and their white-tipped tails helped keep them visible. Though he may not look like one, “Peanuts” character Snoopy is in fact a beagle.

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Her personal bond with corgis began early: she received her first corgi, named Susan, as an 18th birthday present from her father, King George VI, in 1944.

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Content: King Charles Spaniel numbers are declining and the breed is on the Kennel Club's 'vulnerable list' - amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

  • Corgis have seen boom in popularity after Platinum Jubilee and death of Queen
  • Number of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with Kennel Club hit 30-year peak
  • But popularity of King Charles Spaniels is continuing to decline, hitting a low
  • Lovers of the breed are hoping sharing name with new King will boost the dogs

Interest in Corgis has boomed following the Platinum Jubilee and the death of Queen Elizabeth, according to the Kennel Club.

Numbers of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with the organisation have reached a 30-year high, the Times reports.

Conversely, King Charles Spaniels are continuing to see a decline in their popularity, with lovers of the breed reportedly hoping that sharing a moniker with the new monarch may give the dogs a boost (though the new king prefers Jack Russells).

The breed, which is on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list, hit a low in 2020, with just 56 registrations. This increased to 91 in 2021, but numbers so far this year are so low, it is likely to drop beneath 2020.

The number of Corgis registered with the Kennel Club has reached a 30-year high, with interest growing following the death of the Queen (pictured here in 1980 with three of the dogs)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (as pictured) are doing well in terms of popularity, although their close relative the King Charles Spaniel (not pictured) is seeing a decline

However, it notes that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the original breed from which King Charles diverged in the middle of the century, is doing well, with 3,772 registrations last year.

The original Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed was developed from toy spaniels. Popular as women's pets, they were also beloved of King Charles II, who was said to be so fond of his spaniels, he could not be parted from them.

Although Corgis were on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list in 2014, they are now one ofthe UK's most popular breeds, and the Queen is credited with boosting their popularity (pictured: Queen Elizabeth with one of her beloved corgis, Candy)

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become known as a symbol of British royalty thanks to its long-standing association with the Queen

Lovers of the ailing King Charles Spaniel may look to the influence the Queen had in turning around the fortune of corgis in recent decades.

The breed was listed as 'vulnerable' in 2014, and the Kennel Club credits Her Majesty's love of the dogs as the major factor in making them one of the UK's most popular breeds today.

Corgis, which have four short legs, a long snout and two huge pointed ears, are famous for being a symbol of British royalty.

HISTORY OF THE CORGI BREED

The word 'Corgi' is Welsh for 'Dwarf Dog', and there are two types; the Pembroke, which is the Queen's breed, and the Cardigan Corgi, a descendent Teckel family of dogs, which also produced the Dachshund

Pembroke Welsh Corgis originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales from the Spitz family of dogs which are characterised by long, thick fur and pointed ears and muzzle

Corgis are a cattle herding breed that can be traced back as far as 1107 AD, thought to have been brought to Wales by  Flemish weavers

They are the type of herding dog referred to as 'heelers', meaning that they would nip at the heels of cattle to keep them moving

The combination of their low height off the ground and the innate agility of Welsh Corgis would allow them to avoid the hooves of the larger animals

They were officially recognised as a native British breed by The Kennel Club in 1928, but Cardigans and Pembrokes weren't seen as separate breeds until 1934

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The Queen owned more than 30 of the sandy, short-legged dogs throughout her reign.

She was gifted her first corgi, called Susan, for her 18th birthday from her late father King George VI. Ten generations of her corgis then descended from Susan.

Her dogs were given the Royal treatment having their own rooms with elevated wicker baskets and meals of beef, chick, rabbit, liver, cabbage and rice being prepared by a chef each evening.

Sometimes the Queen herself made the dog's meals. But her late husband was said to have 'loathed' the dogs' yapping.

She left behind two dogs - Sandy and Muick - who are now cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at their Royal Lodge home.

Muick, pronounced Mick, joined the royal family at the start of 2021 along with a so-called 'dorgi', a cross between a corgi and a dachshund, called Fergus.

Fergus, who had been named after the Monarch's uncle who was killed during battle in the First World War, died after just five months.

He was later replaced with a new corgi called Sandy, as a 95th birthday present from Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Meanwhile Muick was named after Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate.

Palace sources speaking to the Daily Mail previously revealed the beloved corgis were 'with [the Queen] in the room' at her deathbed when she died on September 8 at Balmoral.

They then touched people's hearts when they made a poignant appearance at Her Majesty's funeral on September 19.

As the late monarch's coffin made its way from London to its final resting place in Windsor, Muick and Sandy waited for the processional to pass, to see the Queen for one last time.

The dogs were seen waiting in the quadrangle with two aides before the late monarch was laid to rest in St George's Chapel.

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King Charles Spaniel numbers declining amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

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Susan accompanied the young princess on her honeymoon, and all subsequent royal corgis descended from her lineage, encompassing 14 generations of royal corgis over the Queen’s lifetime.

Title:

Content: To the rest of the world, she is Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom—but to generations of corgis, she was always just Mum.

The queen’s beloved corgis have never been far from her side, ever since she fell in love with the breed as a young girl.

See Also: Royal Family Shares Throwback Photos of Prince Charles

The queen received her first corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday present, and her 14 generations of royal corgis since then have all descended from the same line. Sadly, Susan’s very last descendant, Willow, recently passed away, marking the end of era for the royal family. However, the queen will forever be associated with the distinctive breed.

We’re looking back at her lifelong affection for corgis. Launch the gallery to see candid photos of Queen Elizabeth and her favorite canine companions!

The last descendant of Susan, Willow, died in 2015, marking the end of the direct royal line.

The Queen kept over 30 corgis during her reign, demonstrating not only her fondness but also her dedication to maintaining the breed in the royal household .

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Content: Skip to main content
ABC Rural

Corgis bred for herding livestock long before Queen Elizabeth II made them famous

By Sophie Johnson
Posted

While corgis are synonymous with the late Queen Elizabeth II, it might be a surprise to know the tiny breed is still used as a working dog in Australia.

The Queen had 30 corgis as pets over her lifetime, giving the breed its international recognition.

But the dog has been used for centuries to herd livestock.

Jean Milnes herds south of Adelaide with her female corgi, Tirion.

"[Corgis] have been herding since the Middle Ages at least, there is documentary evidence of them herding back in about 800AD," she said.

"I just got into it because I thought this would be fun to do to see if she could remember what her ancestors used to do."

Exercising instincts

There are few corgi herders in Australia now, but Ms Milne is hoping the popularity will boom after the death of the Queen, returning the breed to its farming roots.

"I still have the conversation with people who think corgis are wonderful, associate them with being the Queen's dog, and don't realise that they actually have a job to do," Ms Milnes said.

"There is ... going to be an influx of people wanting corgis for the next year or so, and it would be nice if they did something more than just go to the dog park."

Her corgi trains for herding competitions.

"We should be doing things that … dogs enjoy as well," she said.

"They need to be given the opportunity to achieve things.

"I think it is very important in any breed to maintain what they were intended to do."

Big brain, little legs

National Welsh Corgi Council secretary Sadie Podger said the dogs were very intelligent, which was needed when herding animals.

"Years ago … the farmers found that these dogs are actually quite smart and adapt to their conditions that they're in and found that they were the better of all the cattle type dogs that they had," she said.

Ms Podger said corgis were known as herd heelers because they could nip the rear legs of livestock to guide and direct the animal.

"When they herd they can roll from one side … of the cattle to the other side with that, and then sort of directing the cattle to where they want it, because cattle can be quite stubborn."

"They're low to the ground so they can drop their head a little bit, and basically the hoof goes over the top of their head where a taller dog could get hit in the head."

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Posted

The popularity of corgis has seen notable booms linked to significant royal events, particularly following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club noted a 30-year peak in Pembroke Welsh Corgi registrations, attributing much of this sustained popularity to Her Majesty’s lifelong affection and promotion of the breed.

Corgis, originally herding dogs noted for their short legs and agility, were historically vulnerable in numbers but have since become one of the UK's most popular breeds, widely associated with British royalty due to this royal patronage .

The Queen’s relationship with her corgis was deeply personal and whimsical.

She famously said, "My corgis are family."

Title:

Content: Sunday, Sep 11, 2022

Annual ‘Tour de Corgi’ event to include new ‘Queen Elizabeth’ costume category to honour the monarch

“We all have a very strong affection for her as a fellow corgi lover," Tour de Corgi founder Tracy Stewart was quoted as saying

Queen Elizabeth II is seen walking in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, in England, on steps at the rear of the East Terrace and East Garden with four of her dogs: clockwise from top left Willow (corgi), Vulcan (dorgie), Candy (dorgie) and Holly (AP/PTI)

As a tribute to the late UK monarch Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96 at her Balmoral estate in Scotland on September 8, after reigning for 70 long years, the Tour de Corgi parade — an annual event that celebrates the dog breed corgi — will include a new element this year that is likely to make fans of the British royal family and corgi lovers happy.

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It is no secret that the queen was extremely fond of dogs, especially corgis, from a very early age, and that she had been breeding them until 2018, when she finally realised that she may have to leave some of them behind after her death.

According to Country Living, the queen had four dogs at the time of her death: two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, a Dorgi (Corgi-Dachshund mix), and a Cocker Spaniel named Lissy, who joined the family only this year, in January 2022.

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In her lifetime, she reportedly bred 14 generations of corgis, and even famously declared: “My corgis are family.”

According to an Independent report, Queen Elizabeth‘s love for her four-legged friends was well-documented during this year’s platinum jubilee celebrations in the UK, when the sky above Buckingham Palace was lit up with images of the dog breed.

The publication mentioned that the Tour de Corgi parade this year — which has been taking place in Fort Collins, Colorado since 2014 — will include a “Queen Elizabeth and her corgis” costume competition, in “memorium and to honour her”, quoting the event’s organisers who shared this with a local newspaper ‘The Coloradoan‘.

This is a May 12, 1973 file photo of Queen Elizabeth II sitting with her corgis, at Virginia Water to watch competitors, including Prince Philip in the Marathon of the European Driving Championship, part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Tour de Corgi founder Tracy Stewart was quoted as saying, “We all have a very strong affection for her as a fellow corgi lover. I think it is just, you know, our dogs are such a big part of our hearts that it creates a very heartfelt connection.”

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The aforementioned event will take place on October 1, 2022, and will conclude with a corgi parade through the town.

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According to a Reader’s Digest report, the queen was fond of corgis because of their “energy and untamed spirit”, and the fact that her parents welcomed the family’s first corgi, Dookie, in 1933. Eleven years later, in 1944, the queen’s father gifted her a corgi named Susan for her 18th birthday. The pupper even accompanied her on her honeymoon, and gave birth to a pair of puppies in 1949, which reportedly marked the beginning of the royal line of corgis.

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First published on: 11-09-2022 at 07:10:45 pm
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The royal corgis enjoyed luxurious lives within the palace, with their own rooms furnished with elevated wicker baskets and freshly laundered sheets.

Title:

Content: It's no secret that Queen Elizabeth is a huge dog lover, so it comes as no surprise that her pet pooches live very lavish lifestyles.

Her Majesty, 95, has taken care of numerous dogs throughout her 70-year reign, and she is currently the owner of two corgis, a dorgi called Candy, and a cocker spaniel named Lissy.

The Queen's pet corgis have been a constant throughout her time on the throne, and it's believed that she's had around 30 dogs throughout her lifetime.

Like any other dog owner, the Queen wants the very best for her pet pooches and that includes a tailored menu, special travel arrangements, and a specific feeding ritual.

Here we take a peek into the lives of Her Majesty's pampered pooches...

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Tailored menu

It's no secret that members of the royal household have their own weekly menus and that also includes the Queen's pet dogs, too.

Her Majesty is very particular about what her pet dogs eat and she reportedly insists that they have their own personal menus.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed what the pooches' diet entails, saying: "The corgis have their own menu. One day they'll have lamb, one day beef and then another, chicken."

He also added: "We had to make sure that all the meat was cut very finely and diced so there were no bones because we couldn't have them choking."

The Queen has also created her own special gravy recipe, specifically for her beloved pups.

In the book All The Queen's Corgis, author Penny Junor explained the dogs' diets consists of a "variety of fresh, cooked meat, vegetables and rice, prepared specially for them in the royal kitchens, topped with a little biscuit, homoeopathic and herbal remedies when required, and a special gravy that, legend has it, is the Queen's own recipe".

Feeding routine

It's not just their meals which are specially prepared, as the dogs also have a strict feeding ritual.

Animal psychologist Dr Roger Mugford previously worked for Her Majesty, and has opened up about the pooches meal times at Buckingham Palace.

Speaking to Town and Country magazine, he said: "Their food was served by a butler in an eclectic collection of battered silver and porcelain dishes.

"As I watched, the Queen got the corgis to sit in a semi-circle around her, and then fed them one by one, in order of seniority. The others just sat and patiently waited their turn."

Author Penny Junor also wrote in her book, All The Queen's Corgis: "Whenever possible, she [the Queen] feeds them herself and it is an afternoon ritual; but not an unruly frantic free-for-all.

"A footman brings the food and bowls on a silver tray and lays out a plastic sheet to protect the carpet.

"The Queen then sits them in a semi-circle around her and does the rest."

Travelling

The Queen regularly has to travel, but her beloved pooches are never left behind.

She ensures they also travel in style, with previous photographs showing her pets sitting on her lap while travelling in the car.

Her dogs have also been spotted at airports with her, and were once seen at Aberdeen Airport preparing to head off to the Balmoral estate, located in the Scottish Highlands.

Sleeping arrangements

As well as tailored menus and lavish travel arrangements, the Queen's pet dogs also have their very own quarters at the palace.

The dogs reportedly have their own spacious room where they sleep in luxurious raised wicker beds.

And that's not all, as their beds also have fresh sheets put on them daily – a tradition which was first started by the Queen Mother.

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Meals were tailored and prepared by chefs, featuring a varied diet of finely chopped, boneless beef, chicken, rabbit, liver, cabbage, and rice, topped with a special gravy that was reputedly the Queen’s own recipe.

Sometimes, Her Majesty prepared the dogs' meals herself.

This charming anecdote reveals both her playfulness and bond with her pets .

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Content: Loyal to the last minute: Sandy and Mick, the Queen's beloved Corky dogs, are buried for the Queen
Two Corgi and a pony make a touching scene during Queen Elizabeth's final farewell ceremony.
The Queen ’ s dogs and horses to their owners Source: Getty / (Photo by Justin Setterfield / Getty Images)
The Queen's beloved Corgi and one of her favourite ponies staged a touching farewell to their owners in a final, loyal farewell.
Two well-groomed puppies, Muick and Sandy, were led by red and blue towing ropes to the grounds of Windsor Castle, waiting for the Queen ’ s casket to be delivered to St George ’ s Church for a final farewell ceremony.
Emma, who has been with the Queen for 26 years, stands quietly on the grass on the promenade leading to the castle.
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It was a moving scene as the lone pony stood among hundreds of bouquets of flowers in mourning for the Queen, cared for by Terry Pendry, the Queen's trusted horseman and administrator of Windsor Castle.
Dressed in a bowler hat, black jacket and horse boots, Pendry bowed his head as the Queen passed by.
Behind Pendry and Emma were horsemen from the Royal Stables in Windsor, wearing black armbands as a sign of mourning.
Emma, the monarch's fell pony, stands as the Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel on 19 September, 2022 in Windsor, England.
Source: Getty / (Photo by Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool / Getty Images)
As the owner's coffin and funeral procession passed before her, the black pony, with its ears twitched and its tail wagging, stomped twice on the ground with a front hoof.
Pendry once described Emma as "an excellent servant of Her Majesty" and one of her favourite horses.
Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of puppies and horses as well as her passion for horse racing and breeding thoroughbreds.
The dogs, Mick and Sandy, were being watched by two royal guards in red uniforms on Monday, and they stroked the dog as one of them lay face down on the ground.
The Queen has owned more than 30 Corgi in her lifetime.
Many of her Corgi are direct descendants of Susan, an 18th birthday present given to her by her parents in 1944.
At the time, the Queen was very fond of her father George VI ’ s dog, Dookie, a Pembrokeshire Corgi, and wanted to have a dog of her own.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York pets the royal corgis as they await the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it travels on its way to Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel on 19 September, 2022 in Windsor, England.
Source: Getty / (Photo by Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool / Getty Images)
Susan is a very pleasant puppy, she has been with Princess Elizabeth during her honeymoon.
In 2021, during the Queen ’ s isolation at Windsor, Prince Andrew gave her two new puppies (a doggy and a corgi) as gifts.
The puppies brought joy to the Queen during the Duke of Edinburgh's hospital stay, as well as Buckingham Palace and members of the royal family dealing with the painful aftermath of Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah.
The Queen named Fergus after her uncle who died during World War I, and Mick the Corgi after Muick, pronounced Mick at Balmoral Estate.
But the death of five-month-old Fergus shortly after Prince Philip's death left the Queen in mourning.
Fergus was then replaced by a new Corgi, a gift from Andrew and Princess Beatrice and Eugenie for the Queen's official 95th birthday, which the Queen named Sandy.
Angela Kelly, the Queen's grooming guru, said the two puppies had been a source of joy for the Queen during the lockdown.
Mick and Sandy are now in the care of Prince Andrew.
SBS is committed to covering the latest COVID-19 news and information in 60 languages at: sbs.com.au / coronavirus.
Please follow SBS Chinese for more Australian news.
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Published 20 September 2022 at 10: 21am
Source: AAP


Queen Elizabeth II played a central and enchanting role in popularizing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, making the breed globally beloved and a symbol of British royalty.

Her personal bond with corgis began early: she received her first corgi, named Susan, as an 18th birthday present from her father, King George VI, in 1944.

Susan accompanied the young princess on her honeymoon, and all subsequent royal corgis descended from her lineage, encompassing 14 generations of royal corgis over the Queen’s lifetime.

The last descendant of Susan, Willow, died in 2015, marking the end of the direct royal line.

The Queen kept over 30 corgis during her reign, demonstrating not only her fondness but also her dedication to maintaining the breed in the royal household .

The popularity of corgis has seen notable booms linked to significant royal events, particularly following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club noted a 30-year peak in Pembroke Welsh Corgi registrations, attributing much of this sustained popularity to Her Majesty’s lifelong affection and promotion of the breed.

Corgis, originally herding dogs noted for their short legs and agility, were historically vulnerable in numbers but have since become one of the UK's most popular breeds, widely associated with British royalty due to this royal patronage .

The Queen’s relationship with her corgis was deeply personal and whimsical.

She famously said, "My corgis are family."

The royal corgis enjoyed luxurious lives within the palace, with their own rooms furnished with elevated wicker baskets and freshly laundered sheets.

Meals were tailored and prepared by chefs, featuring a varied diet of finely chopped, boneless beef, chicken, rabbit, liver, cabbage, and rice, topped with a special gravy that was reputedly the Queen’s own recipe.

Sometimes, Her Majesty prepared the dogs' meals herself.

A distinct feeding ritual was observed, where she would feed the corgis herself, seating them in a semi-circle and handing out food individually, a tender and orderly routine.

The Queen’s dedication extended to ensuring the comfort, health, and happiness of her beloved pets, including traveling with them, where the dogs would sit on her lap during car journeys .

The Queen was known for being firm yet affectionate with her corgis; an animal psychologist recounted witnessing the Queen performing a "circus trick" where she drew circles over her corgis' heads with an unwrapped dog biscuit from her handbag, prompting them to roll over.

This charming anecdote reveals both her playfulness and bond with her pets .

Her late husband, Prince Philip, reportedly disliked the dogs’ yapping, which contrasted with the Queen’s deep attachment.

Despite her intent to stop breeding corgis in her later years to avoid leaving them orphaned, the Queen's love for the breed remained evident until her death, when two corgis, Sandy and Muick, along with a dorgi (a corgi-dachshund mix named Candy) and a cocker spaniel named Lissy, were at her side.

After her death, Sandy and Muick were cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at Royal Lodge in Windsor .

The royal association significantly influenced corgis' presence in media and culture.

Their appearance in high-profile events like the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony and portrayal in films such as "Royal Corgi" animated features have reinforced their iconic status.

Additionally, annual events like the "Tour de Corgi" parade honor both the breed and the Queen’s legacy, featuring costume competitions themed around Queen Elizabeth and her corgis, illustrating the breed’s continuing cultural impact and affection among the public worldwide .

Historically, corgis are herding dogs dating back to around 1107 AD, originally from Pembrokeshire, Wales.

They are “heelers,” known for nipping at cattle heels to herd them and their low stature allows them to avoid kicks from larger animals, showcasing natural agility—a trait likely appealing to the Queen’s appreciation for both tradition and function .

In summary, Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring affection and patronage elevated the Pembroke Welsh Corgi from a working herding dog to an internationally recognized and cherished symbol of British royalty.

Her personal involvement in raising, caring, and promoting corgis, along with their portrayal in media and sustained public admiration, has ensured the breed’s whimsical, beloved status worldwide—an inspiring foundation for any narrative featuring a corgi aspiring to join a royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II played a central and enchanting role in popularizing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, making the breed globally beloved and a symbol of British royalty.

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Content: Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Published 11:15 am Friday, June 17, 2022

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Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Which do you like better, cats or dogs? If you chose dogs, you’re in the majority: 74% of adults said they prefer dogs, while only 41% of adults said the same about cats, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press. That’s not to suggest dogs are inherently better than their feline friends. Evolutionarily speaking, cats have actually been more successful, with superior hunting skills enabling survival even when food is scarce. On the other hand, science suggests dogs are smarter than cats because their cerebral cortexes contain twice as many neurons.

There may never be a clear answer, but for the majority who prefer man’s best friend, Stacker has compiled a list of the top 35 dog breeds with the most timeless popularity. Using data from the American Kennel Club, we averaged each breed’s level of popularity in 1940 with its popularity in 2021. This analysis excluded any new breed introduced since 1940 and is based on data released on March 15, 2022, the most recent data available. Any ties were decided by the breed that ranked highest in 2021.

Different breeds have grown famous for various reasons, such as Welsh corgis, the Queen’s favorite dog breed, or Dalmatians, whose popularity skyrocketed when the 1996 film “101 Dalmatians” hit theaters.

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Click through to find out if your favorite dog was just as beloved 80 years ago.

You may also like: Things to consider when adopting a pet

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#35. Chow chows

– Average rank over time: 46.5
– 1940 rank: 13
– 2021 rank: 80

Originating in northern China, chow chows have thick double-coats and characteristic blue-black tongues. Martha Stewart is particularly fond of this breed and has owned a number of them.

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#34. Brittanys

– Average rank: 45.5
– 1940 rank: 64
– 2021 rank: 27

Due to its fondness for humans and family-friendly disposition, Brittanys have become one of the most well-known dogs in the United States. Brittanys were originally bred as hunting dogs and known as Brittany Spaniels until 1982, when the word “spaniel” was dropped.

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#33. Newfoundlands

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 44
– 2021 rank: 45

Newfoundlands are known for their large size, which is enhanced by their heavy double-coat. They are also characterized by their sweet and gentle personality. While they may seem like the perfect pet, one of the Newfoundlands’ less desirable traits is their tendency to drool.

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#32. West Highland White Terriers

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 43
– 2021 rank: 46

Called Westie for short, the West Highland White Terrier descends from a group of terriers bred to seek out vermin. As a result, they may share ancestors with cairn terriers and Scottish terriers. Though they look like soft stuffed animals, their outer coat is actually wiry and coarse.

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#31. Pugs

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 56
– 2021 rank: 33

Pugs are said to have originated in China and were once a prized possession of the Chinese royal family. Their popularity grew over the years, eventually reaching Europe and, after the Civil War, the United States. Pugs are recognized as canine clowns but don’t expect them to hunt, defend, or retrieve anything.

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#30. Siberian Huskies

– Average rank: 43
– 1940 rank: 67
– 2021 rank: 19

As their name hints, Siberian Huskies originated from Siberia. They were bred to have serious endurance and a thick coat to withstand severe winters. These wolf-like dogs have won the hearts of many pet owners with their high energy and extra friendly personality.

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#29. Irish setters

– Average rank: 42.5
– 1940 rank: 14
– 2021 rank: 71

Characterized by their silky chestnut coats, Irish setters were originally bred to hunt birds. Although they love humans, their hunting instincts can make them a threat to smaller animals. They are active and energetic, so potential owners should be prepared to take them on lots of long walks or runs.

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#28. Airedale terriers

– Average rank: 41
– 1940 rank: 20
– 2021 rank: 62

The largest of all terriers, Airedales typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. President Warren Harding’s terrier, Laddie Boy, was the first presidential pet to receive significant media attention.

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#27. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

– Average rank: 41
– 1940 rank: 34
– 2021 rank: 48

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever gets its name from the shallow estuary that’s surrounded by Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In the 19th century, Chessies were used to hunt ducks in the Bay since their coat helps them repel water and stay warm.

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#26. Saint Bernards

– Average rank: 39.5
– 1940 rank: 26
– 2021 rank: 53

Saint Bernards are extremely large dogs, typically weighing between 120 and 180 pounds. One Saint Bernard named Benedictine was said to have weighed more than 350 pounds. Though their size may be intimidating, Saint Bernards are a gentle, loving breed.

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#25. Dalmatians

– Average rank: 36.5
– 1940 rank: 24
– 2021 rank: 49

Dalmations have roots tracing back to Croatia and are named after the country’s Dalmatia region. Their original job was to guard horse-drawn carriages, including horse-drawn fire engines, which is why they’re associated with firefighters to this day.

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#24. Yorkshire terriers

– Average rank: 36.5
– 1940 rank: 60
– 2021 rank: 13

The Yorkshire terrier is a fiery yet affectionate companion despite its small size. The “Yorkie,” one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States, has gained many lovers thanks to their devotion to their owners, exquisite appearance, and adaptability to urban living.

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#23. Basset hounds

– Average rank: 35.5
– 1940 rank: 37
– 2021 rank: 34

Bred for hunting rabbits, the basset hound’s sense of smell is the second-sharpest of all breeds, bested only by the bloodhound. Basset hounds are descendants of French dogs. Their name is derived from the French word “bas,” which means low—a reference to their short stature.

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#22. Scottish terriers

– Average rank: 31
– 1940 rank: 4
– 2021 rank: 58

This breed was developed in the Scottish Highlands and brought to the U.S. in 1883. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a Scottish terrier named Fala. She was said to have received her own fan mail, and now has her own statue next to Roosevelt’s memorial in Washington D.C.

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#21. Pembroke Welsh corgis

– Average rank: 31
– 1940 rank: 51
– 2021 rank: 11

Corgis get their name from the Welsh word “cor ci,” which means “dwarf dog,” a feature evident in their short legs and long body. A large part of their popularity came from the fact that Pembroke Welsh corgis are the Queen’s favorite dog breed.

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#20. Shetland sheepdogs

– Average rank: 30.5
– 1940 rank: 33
– 2021 rank: 28

Also known as Shelties, Shetland sheepdogs were bred in the United Kingdom as herding dogs. These long-coated pups look similar to their collie relatives but are much smaller, weighing only about 20 pounds.

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#19. Chihuahuas

– Average rank: 29.5
– 1940 rank: 22
– 2021 rank: 37

One of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas typically weigh no more than 6 pounds. This breed has earned itself a lot of screen time, with roles in “Legally Blonde,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and as Taco Bell’s former mascot, Gidget.

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#18. Miniature schnauzers

– Average rank: 27
– 1940 rank: 36
– 2021 rank: 18

The most popular of the three schnauzer breeds, the miniature schnauzer was developed as a farm dog that could track down and kill vermin. The traditional appearance of these schnauzers includes “cropped” ears. This type of surgery is now illegal in some countries, and a few U.S. states have considered legislation to ban it.

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#17. French bulldogs

– Average rank: 27
– 1940 rank: 52
– 2021 rank: 2

French bulldogs resemble little bulldogs with bat ears. Interestingly, French bulldogs were first bred in England before becoming famous in France. Although “Frenchies” are not service dogs, a French bulldog became a military hero in American history.

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#16. German shorthaired pointers

– Average rank: 25
– 1940 rank: 41
– 2021 rank: 9

German shorthaired pointers were bred to be hunters and are still one of the most successful breeds in hunting competitions. Pointers often have a distinct speckled coat in white, black, or liver (a unique shade of brown).

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#15. Golden retrievers

– Average rank: 24.5
– 1940 rank: 46
– 2021 rank: 3

Golden retrievers were bred to be the perfect gundogs to help their owners, lords of the Scottish Highlands, to help them hunt geese. Their beautiful stature and coat, calm temperament, and friendly nature make golden retrievers popular as family dogs.

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#14. Collies

– Average rank: 24
– 1940 rank: 10
– 2021 rank: 38

Collies are an athletic and loving breed. One of the most famous dogs of all time, Lassie, is a collie. She was portrayed by a dog named Pal in seven feature films, and in later iterations by Pal’s descendants.

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#13. Pomeranians

– Average rank: 18
– 1940 rank: 12
– 2021 rank: 24

This breed combines a tiny figure with a big personality. Although they weigh no more than 7 pounds, Pomeranians can be possessive and behave aggressively toward those who threaten their space. As a result, they may not be ideal for families with young children.

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#12. English Springer Spaniels

– Average rank: 17
– 1940 rank: 8
– 2021 rank: 26

English Springer Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs and are active, obedient pups. Springer spaniels have won six Best in Show awards at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the third-most of any breed.

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#11. Great Danes

– Average rank: 16.5
– 1940 rank: 16
– 2021 rank: 17

Despite what their name suggests, the Great Dane was developed by the Germans. This breed often holds the record for the tallest living dog. At 7 feet and 4 inches, a Great Dane named Zeus held this title until his death in 2014.

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#10. Doberman pinschers

– Average rank: 15.5
– 1940 rank: 15
– 2021 rank: 16

This breed gets its name from Louis Dobermann of Apolda, Germany. Dobermann bred a dog who could protect him while he worked as a tax collector. Though their history may have stereotyped them as aggressive, Dobermans can be socialized to be loving, friendly dogs.

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#9. Boxers

– Average rank: 15.5
– 1940 rank: 17
– 2021 rank: 14

The boxer’s ancestor is a German dog called the Bullenbeisser, which was used to hunt larger animals like deer and boar. Though they sprung from talented hunters, modern boxers make loving family dogs, as well as great service pets. This breed has also been very successful at the Westminster Dog Show, winning Best in Show four times.

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#8. Cocker spaniels

– Average rank: 15
– 1940 rank: 1
– 2021 rank: 29

Cocker spaniels are the smallest breed in the sporting group, typically weighing no more than 30 pounds. They were developed to hunt birds, specifically the woodcock, which is where they get their name.

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#7. Labrador Retrievers

– Average rank: 15
– 1940 rank: 29
– 2021 rank: 1

Despite their name, Labrador retrievers developed in Newfoundland, Canada, as opposed to Labrador, Canada. With coats generally in either yellow, chocolate, or black, Labs are an active breed that loves people and other animals.

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#6. Poodles

– Average rank: 14
– 1940 rank: 23
– 2021 rank: 5

Poodles originated in Germany, where they were used to hunt ducks. Their name comes from the German word “pudelin,” which means “to splash in water.” Many 1950s American celebrities owned poodles, including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball.

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#5. Boston terriers

– Average rank: 13
– 1940 rank: 3
– 2021 rank: 23

Even though terrier is in their name, Boston terriers are part of the nonsporting group. The other half of their name makes more sense: They were developed in Boston and became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979.

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#4. German shepherds

– Average rank: 11
– 1940 rank: 18
– 2021 rank: 4

These large, muscular dogs are easily trained, making them an excellent choice for police K9 units. The German shepherd was affected by the anti-German sentiment that was aroused in the early 20th century. In Britain, German shepherds were renamed Alsatians after World War I began.

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#3. Bulldogs

– Average rank: 8.5
– 1940 rank: 11
– 2021 rank: 6

The bulldog’s name references its past, when it was used during bull-baiting in England. Considered a sport, bull-baiting involved a dog attempting to bring down tied-up bull. Due to their pups’ large heads, most bulldogs give birth through C-section.

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#2. Dachshunds

– Average rank: 8
– 1940 rank: 6
– 2021 rank: 10

Known for having relatively short legs and a long body, the dachshund’s shape meant it could track scents easily, as well as fit into burrows. The first time the Olympics had a mascot was during the summer games of 1972 in Munich; the mascot selected was a dachshund named Waldi.

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#1. Beagles

– Average rank: 4.5
– 1940 rank: 2
– 2021 rank: 7

Beagles were first brought to the United States after the Civil War, when they were used for hunting rabbits. Their long ears aided them in picking up subtle sounds, and their white-tipped tails helped keep them visible. Though he may not look like one, “Peanuts” character Snoopy is in fact a beagle.

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Her personal bond with corgis began early: she received her first corgi, named Susan, as an 18th birthday present from her father, King George VI, in 1944.

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Content: King Charles Spaniel numbers are declining and the breed is on the Kennel Club's 'vulnerable list' - amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

  • Corgis have seen boom in popularity after Platinum Jubilee and death of Queen
  • Number of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with Kennel Club hit 30-year peak
  • But popularity of King Charles Spaniels is continuing to decline, hitting a low
  • Lovers of the breed are hoping sharing name with new King will boost the dogs

Interest in Corgis has boomed following the Platinum Jubilee and the death of Queen Elizabeth, according to the Kennel Club.

Numbers of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with the organisation have reached a 30-year high, the Times reports.

Conversely, King Charles Spaniels are continuing to see a decline in their popularity, with lovers of the breed reportedly hoping that sharing a moniker with the new monarch may give the dogs a boost (though the new king prefers Jack Russells).

The breed, which is on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list, hit a low in 2020, with just 56 registrations. This increased to 91 in 2021, but numbers so far this year are so low, it is likely to drop beneath 2020.

The number of Corgis registered with the Kennel Club has reached a 30-year high, with interest growing following the death of the Queen (pictured here in 1980 with three of the dogs)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (as pictured) are doing well in terms of popularity, although their close relative the King Charles Spaniel (not pictured) is seeing a decline

However, it notes that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the original breed from which King Charles diverged in the middle of the century, is doing well, with 3,772 registrations last year.

The original Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed was developed from toy spaniels. Popular as women's pets, they were also beloved of King Charles II, who was said to be so fond of his spaniels, he could not be parted from them.

Although Corgis were on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list in 2014, they are now one ofthe UK's most popular breeds, and the Queen is credited with boosting their popularity (pictured: Queen Elizabeth with one of her beloved corgis, Candy)

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become known as a symbol of British royalty thanks to its long-standing association with the Queen

Lovers of the ailing King Charles Spaniel may look to the influence the Queen had in turning around the fortune of corgis in recent decades.

The breed was listed as 'vulnerable' in 2014, and the Kennel Club credits Her Majesty's love of the dogs as the major factor in making them one of the UK's most popular breeds today.

Corgis, which have four short legs, a long snout and two huge pointed ears, are famous for being a symbol of British royalty.

HISTORY OF THE CORGI BREED

The word 'Corgi' is Welsh for 'Dwarf Dog', and there are two types; the Pembroke, which is the Queen's breed, and the Cardigan Corgi, a descendent Teckel family of dogs, which also produced the Dachshund

Pembroke Welsh Corgis originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales from the Spitz family of dogs which are characterised by long, thick fur and pointed ears and muzzle

Corgis are a cattle herding breed that can be traced back as far as 1107 AD, thought to have been brought to Wales by  Flemish weavers

They are the type of herding dog referred to as 'heelers', meaning that they would nip at the heels of cattle to keep them moving

The combination of their low height off the ground and the innate agility of Welsh Corgis would allow them to avoid the hooves of the larger animals

They were officially recognised as a native British breed by The Kennel Club in 1928, but Cardigans and Pembrokes weren't seen as separate breeds until 1934

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The Queen owned more than 30 of the sandy, short-legged dogs throughout her reign.

She was gifted her first corgi, called Susan, for her 18th birthday from her late father King George VI. Ten generations of her corgis then descended from Susan.

Her dogs were given the Royal treatment having their own rooms with elevated wicker baskets and meals of beef, chick, rabbit, liver, cabbage and rice being prepared by a chef each evening.

Sometimes the Queen herself made the dog's meals. But her late husband was said to have 'loathed' the dogs' yapping.

She left behind two dogs - Sandy and Muick - who are now cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at their Royal Lodge home.

Muick, pronounced Mick, joined the royal family at the start of 2021 along with a so-called 'dorgi', a cross between a corgi and a dachshund, called Fergus.

Fergus, who had been named after the Monarch's uncle who was killed during battle in the First World War, died after just five months.

He was later replaced with a new corgi called Sandy, as a 95th birthday present from Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Meanwhile Muick was named after Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate.

Palace sources speaking to the Daily Mail previously revealed the beloved corgis were 'with [the Queen] in the room' at her deathbed when she died on September 8 at Balmoral.

They then touched people's hearts when they made a poignant appearance at Her Majesty's funeral on September 19.

As the late monarch's coffin made its way from London to its final resting place in Windsor, Muick and Sandy waited for the processional to pass, to see the Queen for one last time.

The dogs were seen waiting in the quadrangle with two aides before the late monarch was laid to rest in St George's Chapel.

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King Charles Spaniel numbers declining amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

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Susan accompanied the young princess on her honeymoon, and all subsequent royal corgis descended from her lineage, encompassing 14 generations of royal corgis over the Queen’s lifetime.

Title:

Content: To the rest of the world, she is Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom—but to generations of corgis, she was always just Mum.

The queen’s beloved corgis have never been far from her side, ever since she fell in love with the breed as a young girl.

See Also: Royal Family Shares Throwback Photos of Prince Charles

The queen received her first corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday present, and her 14 generations of royal corgis since then have all descended from the same line. Sadly, Susan’s very last descendant, Willow, recently passed away, marking the end of era for the royal family. However, the queen will forever be associated with the distinctive breed.

We’re looking back at her lifelong affection for corgis. Launch the gallery to see candid photos of Queen Elizabeth and her favorite canine companions!

The last descendant of Susan, Willow, died in 2015, marking the end of the direct royal line.

The Queen kept over 30 corgis during her reign, demonstrating not only her fondness but also her dedication to maintaining the breed in the royal household .

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Corgis bred for herding livestock long before Queen Elizabeth II made them famous

By Sophie Johnson
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While corgis are synonymous with the late Queen Elizabeth II, it might be a surprise to know the tiny breed is still used as a working dog in Australia.

The Queen had 30 corgis as pets over her lifetime, giving the breed its international recognition.

But the dog has been used for centuries to herd livestock.

Jean Milnes herds south of Adelaide with her female corgi, Tirion.

"[Corgis] have been herding since the Middle Ages at least, there is documentary evidence of them herding back in about 800AD," she said.

"I just got into it because I thought this would be fun to do to see if she could remember what her ancestors used to do."

Exercising instincts

There are few corgi herders in Australia now, but Ms Milne is hoping the popularity will boom after the death of the Queen, returning the breed to its farming roots.

"I still have the conversation with people who think corgis are wonderful, associate them with being the Queen's dog, and don't realise that they actually have a job to do," Ms Milnes said.

"There is ... going to be an influx of people wanting corgis for the next year or so, and it would be nice if they did something more than just go to the dog park."

Her corgi trains for herding competitions.

"We should be doing things that … dogs enjoy as well," she said.

"They need to be given the opportunity to achieve things.

"I think it is very important in any breed to maintain what they were intended to do."

Big brain, little legs

National Welsh Corgi Council secretary Sadie Podger said the dogs were very intelligent, which was needed when herding animals.

"Years ago … the farmers found that these dogs are actually quite smart and adapt to their conditions that they're in and found that they were the better of all the cattle type dogs that they had," she said.

Ms Podger said corgis were known as herd heelers because they could nip the rear legs of livestock to guide and direct the animal.

"When they herd they can roll from one side … of the cattle to the other side with that, and then sort of directing the cattle to where they want it, because cattle can be quite stubborn."

"They're low to the ground so they can drop their head a little bit, and basically the hoof goes over the top of their head where a taller dog could get hit in the head."

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The popularity of corgis has seen notable booms linked to significant royal events, particularly following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club noted a 30-year peak in Pembroke Welsh Corgi registrations, attributing much of this sustained popularity to Her Majesty’s lifelong affection and promotion of the breed.

Corgis, originally herding dogs noted for their short legs and agility, were historically vulnerable in numbers but have since become one of the UK's most popular breeds, widely associated with British royalty due to this royal patronage .

The Queen’s relationship with her corgis was deeply personal and whimsical.

She famously said, "My corgis are family."

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Content: Sunday, Sep 11, 2022

Annual ‘Tour de Corgi’ event to include new ‘Queen Elizabeth’ costume category to honour the monarch

“We all have a very strong affection for her as a fellow corgi lover," Tour de Corgi founder Tracy Stewart was quoted as saying

Queen Elizabeth II is seen walking in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, in England, on steps at the rear of the East Terrace and East Garden with four of her dogs: clockwise from top left Willow (corgi), Vulcan (dorgie), Candy (dorgie) and Holly (AP/PTI)

As a tribute to the late UK monarch Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96 at her Balmoral estate in Scotland on September 8, after reigning for 70 long years, the Tour de Corgi parade — an annual event that celebrates the dog breed corgi — will include a new element this year that is likely to make fans of the British royal family and corgi lovers happy.

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It is no secret that the queen was extremely fond of dogs, especially corgis, from a very early age, and that she had been breeding them until 2018, when she finally realised that she may have to leave some of them behind after her death.

According to Country Living, the queen had four dogs at the time of her death: two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, a Dorgi (Corgi-Dachshund mix), and a Cocker Spaniel named Lissy, who joined the family only this year, in January 2022.

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In her lifetime, she reportedly bred 14 generations of corgis, and even famously declared: “My corgis are family.”

According to an Independent report, Queen Elizabeth‘s love for her four-legged friends was well-documented during this year’s platinum jubilee celebrations in the UK, when the sky above Buckingham Palace was lit up with images of the dog breed.

The publication mentioned that the Tour de Corgi parade this year — which has been taking place in Fort Collins, Colorado since 2014 — will include a “Queen Elizabeth and her corgis” costume competition, in “memorium and to honour her”, quoting the event’s organisers who shared this with a local newspaper ‘The Coloradoan‘.

This is a May 12, 1973 file photo of Queen Elizabeth II sitting with her corgis, at Virginia Water to watch competitors, including Prince Philip in the Marathon of the European Driving Championship, part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Tour de Corgi founder Tracy Stewart was quoted as saying, “We all have a very strong affection for her as a fellow corgi lover. I think it is just, you know, our dogs are such a big part of our hearts that it creates a very heartfelt connection.”

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The aforementioned event will take place on October 1, 2022, and will conclude with a corgi parade through the town.

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According to a Reader’s Digest report, the queen was fond of corgis because of their “energy and untamed spirit”, and the fact that her parents welcomed the family’s first corgi, Dookie, in 1933. Eleven years later, in 1944, the queen’s father gifted her a corgi named Susan for her 18th birthday. The pupper even accompanied her on her honeymoon, and gave birth to a pair of puppies in 1949, which reportedly marked the beginning of the royal line of corgis.

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First published on: 11-09-2022 at 07:10:45 pm
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The royal corgis enjoyed luxurious lives within the palace, with their own rooms furnished with elevated wicker baskets and freshly laundered sheets.

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Content: It's no secret that Queen Elizabeth is a huge dog lover, so it comes as no surprise that her pet pooches live very lavish lifestyles.

Her Majesty, 95, has taken care of numerous dogs throughout her 70-year reign, and she is currently the owner of two corgis, a dorgi called Candy, and a cocker spaniel named Lissy.

The Queen's pet corgis have been a constant throughout her time on the throne, and it's believed that she's had around 30 dogs throughout her lifetime.

Like any other dog owner, the Queen wants the very best for her pet pooches and that includes a tailored menu, special travel arrangements, and a specific feeding ritual.

Here we take a peek into the lives of Her Majesty's pampered pooches...

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Tailored menu

It's no secret that members of the royal household have their own weekly menus and that also includes the Queen's pet dogs, too.

Her Majesty is very particular about what her pet dogs eat and she reportedly insists that they have their own personal menus.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed what the pooches' diet entails, saying: "The corgis have their own menu. One day they'll have lamb, one day beef and then another, chicken."

He also added: "We had to make sure that all the meat was cut very finely and diced so there were no bones because we couldn't have them choking."

The Queen has also created her own special gravy recipe, specifically for her beloved pups.

In the book All The Queen's Corgis, author Penny Junor explained the dogs' diets consists of a "variety of fresh, cooked meat, vegetables and rice, prepared specially for them in the royal kitchens, topped with a little biscuit, homoeopathic and herbal remedies when required, and a special gravy that, legend has it, is the Queen's own recipe".

Feeding routine

It's not just their meals which are specially prepared, as the dogs also have a strict feeding ritual.

Animal psychologist Dr Roger Mugford previously worked for Her Majesty, and has opened up about the pooches meal times at Buckingham Palace.

Speaking to Town and Country magazine, he said: "Their food was served by a butler in an eclectic collection of battered silver and porcelain dishes.

"As I watched, the Queen got the corgis to sit in a semi-circle around her, and then fed them one by one, in order of seniority. The others just sat and patiently waited their turn."

Author Penny Junor also wrote in her book, All The Queen's Corgis: "Whenever possible, she [the Queen] feeds them herself and it is an afternoon ritual; but not an unruly frantic free-for-all.

"A footman brings the food and bowls on a silver tray and lays out a plastic sheet to protect the carpet.

"The Queen then sits them in a semi-circle around her and does the rest."

Travelling

The Queen regularly has to travel, but her beloved pooches are never left behind.

She ensures they also travel in style, with previous photographs showing her pets sitting on her lap while travelling in the car.

Her dogs have also been spotted at airports with her, and were once seen at Aberdeen Airport preparing to head off to the Balmoral estate, located in the Scottish Highlands.

Sleeping arrangements

As well as tailored menus and lavish travel arrangements, the Queen's pet dogs also have their very own quarters at the palace.

The dogs reportedly have their own spacious room where they sleep in luxurious raised wicker beds.

And that's not all, as their beds also have fresh sheets put on them daily – a tradition which was first started by the Queen Mother.

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Meals were tailored and prepared by chefs, featuring a varied diet of finely chopped, boneless beef, chicken, rabbit, liver, cabbage, and rice, topped with a special gravy that was reputedly the Queen’s own recipe.

Sometimes, Her Majesty prepared the dogs' meals herself.

A distinct feeding ritual was observed, where she would feed the corgis herself, seating them in a semi-circle and handing out food individually, a tender and orderly routine.

The Queen’s dedication extended to ensuring the comfort, health, and happiness of her beloved pets, including traveling with them, where the dogs would sit on her lap during car journeys .

The Queen was known for being firm yet affectionate with her corgis; an animal psychologist recounted witnessing the Queen performing a "circus trick" where she drew circles over her corgis' heads with an unwrapped dog biscuit from her handbag, prompting them to roll over.

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‘I love writing for children’: Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler on their amazing shaggy dog story

The Oscar-winning actor and the Gruffalo illustrator have teamed up to create a tale about a scruffy hound. They discuss corgis, comic books and how their friendship began

Axel Scheffler was an unknown illustrator, working largely for Good Housekeeping magazine, when he received a letter in response to a small exhibition of his work. It was from Emma Thompson, a young actor who had begun to attract attention with TV series such as Fortunes of War and Tutti Frutti. Neatly written in fountain pen, it inquired whether he would accept a commission. “Ken Branagh, my chap, runs his own theatre company,” it explained. He was playing Hamlet to her sister Sophie’s Ophelia and she wanted something to commemorate a moment in time. “I have a vague notion of what you charge for your work, which doesn’t seem to me to be enough,” it went on. “I enclose a picture of Ken and Sophie in case it’s of use.”

Scheffler still has the letter and has brought it along 34 years later to an interview to mark their first literary collaboration, on a children’s picture book, Jim’s Spectacular Christmas. “That’s amazing,” says Thompson of the letter, which predates her six-year marriage to Branagh and was written from the flat they shared in 1988. Then she trumps it, by announcing that she still has the envelope in which Scheffler sent the two pictures. It was decorated with a picture of Hamlet sitting on a skull “looking really depressed” and it sits framed above a loo in her home to this day.

So began a correspondence that continued over the years with requests to Scheffler to design letterheads for both Thompson and her actor mother, Phyllida Law. Though they never actually met in person, they exchanged gifts on the birth of their first children; hers to him was a food hamper; his to her was a picture of a pig wheeling a pram. A pig? Yes, she explains, a pig is her letterhead emblem. When she later became a dame he drew her a picture of a pig wearing a dame badge. “So, without ever meeting, Axel has been part of the illustration of my la-i-ife.” She draws the vowel out into a camp diphthong as part of a running joke with Scheffler as to which of them will seem most exciting to the children for whom their new book is intended: the actor who starred as Nanny McPhee and now as Mrs Trunchbull in the film of Matilda the Musical or the illustrator of the mega-selling Gruffalo books.

We’re sitting in a grand upstairs room at the V&A museum, having skittered along corridors, through porticos and galleries just like the protagonist of their book. He’s a small scruff of a dog named Jim, with a “gamey whiff” and a “rheumy eye”. He’s based on a terrier that was, in real life, the faithful companion of the V&A’s founder and first director, Sir Henry Cole, who left a handy sketch of him and commemorated him with a plaque in the museum. In Thompson’s telling, Jim is rescued from life as a canine chimney brush after tumbling down a flue in a cloud of soot into a gathering of museum worthies. From that inglorious beginning he goes on to become part of the 19th-century invention of Christmas, presenting Queen Victoria with the world’s first commercial Christmas card.

The card, drawn to Cole’s design by his artist friend John Horsley, still exists and copying it has given Scheffler an unprecedented opportunity to depict a child drinking wine: “That’s really not allowed in children’s books,” he points out. Other historical details include the small printing press on which the cards were produced for Cole, an innovator who was also instrumental in introducing the world’s first postage stamp, the penny black. Humorously told and drawn though it is, this is a history book as well as a shaggy dog story – a delicate balancing act that became clear when it came to the portrayal of Queen Victoria, whose chest is being dabbed by her solicitous husband, Albert, to rid it of a tea stain when Jim catches his first glimpse of the royal family. “I thought she was still very young but you describe her as round, so I made her a little bit more – well – round,” says Scheffler.

Thompson, who has always taken her historical research seriously, points out that Victoria would indeed have still been young by 21st-century standards – she was only 42 when Prince Albert died and he is still very much alive in the story – but by that time she was somewhat altered by having given birth to nine children in 17 years. Underpinning Jim’s story is the bigger history of the creation of Albertopolis, the west London museum quarter that was dreamed up by the prince as part of a vision of culture for the masses and is now the home to the Science and National History museums as well as the V&A. “When you start reading about Albert you realise what an incredible bloke he was,” says Thompson. “He was so much more cultured and sophisticated really than our lot are. It was a great tragedy that he died so young, because I think he would have made lots of changes.”

Royal corgis do not come out of it so well: Thompson depicts a stoutly entitled one chasing poor Jim out of the palace. “I just feel as though the corgis might be a bit spoilt,” she says. “But I think actually it’s very likely that the Queen [Elizabeth] was quite fierce with them and that they were very well trained.” This isn’t entirely a matter of conjecture. “I did actually see her do this once. She opened her handbag, in which she had an unwrapped dog biscuit, and when she drew three circles over the head of three corgis they all rolled over. It was like a circus trick, but the thing I really loved was that she had an unwrapped dog biscuit in her handbag. I thought, well, that’s got to make your hankie smell a bit.” This prompts a bit of banter between the duo as to what else she might have kept in her omnipresent bag: carrots for the royal horses, perhaps.

Thompson writes like she talks: irreverent, refreshingly un-grand and with a comic timing that is accentuated in the book by Scheffler’s deployment of mini-tableaux: Jim having a bath, reading a book or slurping up a bowl of custard. The actor was an early connoisseur of comic-book humour, who once wrote a fan letter to the creators of Asterix and received the reply that they were delighted to have made a small English girl laugh. Scheffler, growing up in Germany at around the same time, was a devotee of a comic-strip bear called Petzi, by the Danish husband and wife team Vilhelm and Carla Hansen.

It was Thompson who brought Scheffler in on Jim’s Spectacular Christmas, having already written the story, complete with character sketches, and folded them up into a little book. Though an award-winning screenwriter, she had no ambition to diversify into picture books, she says. But she agreed to this one because it was pitched to her as an invitation from Henry Cole himself, just as the three Peter Rabbit books she has previously written were pitched as invitations from Peter: “There’s still a little bit of me that thinks it was Peter Rabbit himself who asked me,” she says. “I love writing for children. I think it’s perhaps a legacy from dad.” Her sister, Sophie, also now writes books for children. Their father, Eric Thompson, presented the children’s TV programme Play School and went on to create and narrate The Magic Roundabout.

The question is not if, but when, Thompson and Scheffler will collaborate again – they circle around the idea during the interview as if neither can quite believe that the other would actually stoop to it. When time’s up we’re ushered out along the corridors to a staircase that museum staff have identified as the exact one that Scheffler has depicted, where an excited gaggle of east London schoolchildren awaits.

Settling herself on the steps in their midst, beside a large cardboard cut-out of Jim, Thompson asks who has heard of the Gruffalo and a rafter-rattling cheer goes up. Scheffler lurks in the shadows as she starts to read from the book. “Now what,” she asks, “do you think ‘a gamey whiff’ means?”

Jim’s Spectacular Christmas, written by Emma Thompson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is published by Puffin (£14.99). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

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This charming anecdote reveals both her playfulness and bond with her pets .

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Content: Loyal to the last minute: Sandy and Mick, the Queen's beloved Corky dogs, are buried for the Queen
Two Corgi and a pony make a touching scene during Queen Elizabeth's final farewell ceremony.
The Queen ’ s dogs and horses to their owners Source: Getty / (Photo by Justin Setterfield / Getty Images)
The Queen's beloved Corgi and one of her favourite ponies staged a touching farewell to their owners in a final, loyal farewell.
Two well-groomed puppies, Muick and Sandy, were led by red and blue towing ropes to the grounds of Windsor Castle, waiting for the Queen ’ s casket to be delivered to St George ’ s Church for a final farewell ceremony.
Emma, who has been with the Queen for 26 years, stands quietly on the grass on the promenade leading to the castle.
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It was a moving scene as the lone pony stood among hundreds of bouquets of flowers in mourning for the Queen, cared for by Terry Pendry, the Queen's trusted horseman and administrator of Windsor Castle.
Dressed in a bowler hat, black jacket and horse boots, Pendry bowed his head as the Queen passed by.
Behind Pendry and Emma were horsemen from the Royal Stables in Windsor, wearing black armbands as a sign of mourning.
Emma, the monarch's fell pony, stands as the Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel on 19 September, 2022 in Windsor, England.
Source: Getty / (Photo by Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool / Getty Images)
As the owner's coffin and funeral procession passed before her, the black pony, with its ears twitched and its tail wagging, stomped twice on the ground with a front hoof.
Pendry once described Emma as "an excellent servant of Her Majesty" and one of her favourite horses.
Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of puppies and horses as well as her passion for horse racing and breeding thoroughbreds.
The dogs, Mick and Sandy, were being watched by two royal guards in red uniforms on Monday, and they stroked the dog as one of them lay face down on the ground.
The Queen has owned more than 30 Corgi in her lifetime.
Many of her Corgi are direct descendants of Susan, an 18th birthday present given to her by her parents in 1944.
At the time, the Queen was very fond of her father George VI ’ s dog, Dookie, a Pembrokeshire Corgi, and wanted to have a dog of her own.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York pets the royal corgis as they await the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it travels on its way to Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel on 19 September, 2022 in Windsor, England.
Source: Getty / (Photo by Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool / Getty Images)
Susan is a very pleasant puppy, she has been with Princess Elizabeth during her honeymoon.
In 2021, during the Queen ’ s isolation at Windsor, Prince Andrew gave her two new puppies (a doggy and a corgi) as gifts.
The puppies brought joy to the Queen during the Duke of Edinburgh's hospital stay, as well as Buckingham Palace and members of the royal family dealing with the painful aftermath of Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah.
The Queen named Fergus after her uncle who died during World War I, and Mick the Corgi after Muick, pronounced Mick at Balmoral Estate.
But the death of five-month-old Fergus shortly after Prince Philip's death left the Queen in mourning.
Fergus was then replaced by a new Corgi, a gift from Andrew and Princess Beatrice and Eugenie for the Queen's official 95th birthday, which the Queen named Sandy.
Angela Kelly, the Queen's grooming guru, said the two puppies had been a source of joy for the Queen during the lockdown.
Mick and Sandy are now in the care of Prince Andrew.
SBS is committed to covering the latest COVID-19 news and information in 60 languages at: sbs.com.au / coronavirus.
Please follow SBS Chinese for more Australian news.
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Published 20 September 2022 at 10: 21am
Source: AAP

Her late husband, Prince Philip, reportedly disliked the dogs’ yapping, which contrasted with the Queen’s deep attachment.

Despite her intent to stop breeding corgis in her later years to avoid leaving them orphaned, the Queen's love for the breed remained evident until her death, when two corgis, Sandy and Muick, along with a dorgi (a corgi-dachshund mix named Candy) and a cocker spaniel named Lissy, were at her side.

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Content: Queen Elizabeth II is known to have had over 30 different dogs during her reign as the head of the monarchy until her passing last week, Thursday September 8th 2022.

The Queen who has been succeeded by her son, the now His Royal Highness King Charles III, was a big animal lover, but had a definite soft spot for dogs, and in particular, the breed Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

On the day she passed, Queen Elizabeth II had four dogs, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, one Dorgi — a cross between a Dachshund and a Corgi — and one Cocker Spaniel.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to fly children Archie and Lilibet to the UK for Queen Elizabeth's funeral

It has been confirmed that her two remaining Corgis, named Muick and Sandy, will now be looked after by her son, Prince Andrew The Duke of York.

He will look after the dogs alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York. Despite divorcing in 1997, they remain cohabiting.

The animals will live alongside The Duke and Duchess at their Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The change of ownership was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Duke of York.

Both dogs were gifted to the late monarch by the prince, and so will be returned to his ownership.

During lockdown, Prince Andrew gave Queen Elizabeth two dogs, Muick and Fergus. Sadly, Fergus died last May, and he was replaced with Sandy.

Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, posted an emotional statement following the loss of her former mother-in-law.

"I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years," she penned.

"To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce. I will miss her more than words can express."

Queen Elizabeth II was renowned for her love of dogs, and other animals including horses.

She began her love of Pembroke Welsh Corgis back in 1933, when she was first given a little corgi named Susan as a gift for her 18th birthday.

All of the subsequent royal corgis bred by the monarch descended from Susan, the original.

It is not known or publicised who will care for Candy and Lissy, the previously mentioned Dorgi and Cocker Spaniel.

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After her death, Sandy and Muick were cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at Royal Lodge in Windsor .

The royal association significantly influenced corgis' presence in media and culture.

Their appearance in high-profile events like the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony and portrayal in films such as "Royal Corgi" animated features have reinforced their iconic status.

Additionally, annual events like the "Tour de Corgi" parade honor both the breed and the Queen’s legacy, featuring costume competitions themed around Queen Elizabeth and her corgis, illustrating the breed’s continuing cultural impact and affection among the public worldwide .

Historically, corgis are herding dogs dating back to around 1107 AD, originally from Pembrokeshire, Wales.

They are “heelers,” known for nipping at cattle heels to herd them and their low stature allows them to avoid kicks from larger animals, showcasing natural agility—a trait likely appealing to the Queen’s appreciation for both tradition and function .

In summary, Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring affection and patronage elevated the Pembroke Welsh Corgi from a working herding dog to an internationally recognized and cherished symbol of British royalty.

Her personal involvement in raising, caring, and promoting corgis, along with their portrayal in media and sustained public admiration, has ensured the breed’s whimsical, beloved status worldwide—an inspiring foundation for any narrative featuring a corgi aspiring to join a royal family.