The late Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong affection for corgis, a passion that began in her childhood. Over the years, she owned more than 30 of these charming dogs, each with its own personality and quirks.
Her first corgi, Dookie, was a gift from her father, King George VI, after she and her sister, Princess Margaret, fell in love with the breed. Dookie was chosen from a litter in 1933, and his longer tail won the hearts of the young princesses. This playful pup was known for his unpredictable behavior, described by author Craig Brown as 'the Corleones of the dog world.'
Dookie's antics included a penchant for mischief, as he once attacked dining room chairs at the royal residence. The Queen herself experienced the sharp side of her beloved corgis, needing stitches after a bite from one of them. In fact, there was even a suggestion to post a 'Beware of the Dog' sign at Balmoral after a corgi bit a postman!
Her deep bond with corgis began with Susan, the first corgi she received for her 18th birthday. Susan accompanied the Queen on her honeymoon, and from her lineage, the Queen bred all her subsequent corgis. These dogs were more than pets; they traveled everywhere with her, from palaces to helicopters, and even had their own Christmas stockings.
Princess Diana famously referred to the corgis as 'a moving carpet' due to their playful presence around the Queen. Throughout her life, the Queen never sold any of her puppies, ensuring they remained close to her or with trusted friends and family.