15 Breeds With Surprising Royal Connections

Dogs have always been top-tier companions for humans. Back then, some breeds were even specially bred to hang out in royal courts. These pups weren’t just loyal to their humans—they were loyal to the crown itself. Sure, you’ve probably heard of King Charles’ Spaniels and Queen Elizabeth’s Corgis, but here’s the twist: a few of these dogs were bred for an even fancier life. Here are 15 breeds with surprising royal connections.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has deep ties to English royalty, especially with King Charles I and his son, King Charles II, back in the 17th century. These dogs were pretty much always by their sides and were a big hit in the royal courts. They were even present in famous paintings by artists like Van Dyck and Gainsborough. Thanks to their super comforting nature, they became the ultimate lap dogs for
Aristocrats and royalty alike.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed loved by the Queen of England (who used to run a breeding program), goes way back to the 1100s. Friendly and full of energy, the Pembroke was brought to England by Flemish settlers and kept in Henry I’s household. Even though the Pembroke shares a lot of traits and a similar history with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, it’s actually much younger than the Cardigan.
Greyhound

One of the oldest breeds known to man, the Greyhound’s history can be traced to almost every part of the world. While the breed has always been tied to aristocracy (back in the day, only royalty bred them), England played a big role in its development, with the first images of the Greyhound there dating all the way back to the 9th century. Greyhounds have also been racing dogs since the 18th century.
Great Pyrenees

Known as the Big Dog of the Mountains, the dog of the Pyrenees, or the Pyrenean mountain pup—the Great Pyrenees became a French court dog in the 17th century. A breed that’s both royal and a hardworking companion to shepherds on the slopes of the Pyrenees, the Great Pyrenees is famous for being super loyal and gentle, with a fearless attitude when it comes to guarding its people and flock.
Pekingese

An ancient Chinese breed that was owned only by royalty (stealing this pup was punishable by death), the Pekingese has shown up in Chinese art and history for centuries, starting with the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century. Originally named after the city of Peking (now Beijing), the Pekingese made their way to Europe because of war. When the Brits took over the Chinese imperial palace in 1860, they brought several of the dogs back with them.
Shih Tzu

While the exact origin date of the Shih Tzu is unclear, there’s evidence of its presence in paintings, documents, and art from the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.). Bred in the city of Peking by the Chinese court, the Shih Tzu is also known as the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs. The breed was also a top pick as a house pet for the Ming Dynasty and Dowager Empress Cixi.
Japanese Chin

Originally bred just to accompany the ladies of the Imperial Palace and warm the laps of Chinese aristocracy, the Japanese Chin’s history is all about royalty. Made to live in luxury and given as a royal gift from China to Japan, the Chin’s main job has always been to charm and entertain its people. Graceful, quiet, and super neat about grooming, the Chin also has a very cat-like vibe.
Coton de Tulear

A small, friendly dog that loves being around people, the Coton de Tulear is also called the “Royal Dog of Madagascar.” The breed started there in the 17th century, and it was kept only by the noble Merina, the ruling monarchy of Madagascar. The Coton de Tulear is a sweet, happy companion, but it does need regular grooming to keep its super thick coat looking good.
Bichon Frise

A traveler of Europe, the Bichon Frise made its way to France during the Renaissance under Francis I and then later, Henry III. This pup became a favorite of the Italian nobility in the 14th century, and it was also famous in Spain, where it was loved by Spanish nobles and even painters. With a name that translates to “fluffy white dog” in French, the Bichon is exactly that—a small, cheerful, and charming dog with a curly white coat.
Saluki

The Saluki is often called the “Royal Dog of Egypt.” Its history is closely tied to royalty and nobles in ancient Egypt. This breed was highly prized by Egyptian pharaohs, and you can find images of Salukis in ancient tombs, showing they were companions not just in life but in death, too. Many Salukis were even mummified by their owners, showing how much they were respected as sacred animals.
Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds, with roots going all the way back to ancient Egypt, especially with the royal families. Its history stretches over 5,000 years, and the breed gets its name from its connection to the Pharaohs of Egypt. These pups show up in different forms of ancient Egyptian art, like wall paintings in tombs, showing off their high status in society.
Poodle

The Poodle has long been linked with royalty, especially in France. King Louis XIV, aka the “Sun King,” had a Poodle named Filou, which was considered quite the luxury pet back then. In the 17th century, the breed became super popular with French nobility. During the English Civil War, Prince Rupert of Rhine had a famous Poodle named Boy, who went into battle with him, helping to solidify the breed’s royal connection.
Pug

The Pug’s roots go way back to ancient China, where they were bred as partners for royalty, especially Chinese emperors. These little dogs were treated like prized possessions and lived in luxury. When Pugs made their way to Europe in the 16th century, they became a hit with European aristocracy, especially in the Netherlands, where they were even named the dog of the House of Orange.
Maltese

The Maltese breed has been known for thousands of years. Queen Elizabeth I had a Maltese as her companion dog during her reign (1558-1603), while Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed devoted to her Maltese dogs throughout her life (1542-1567), as did Queen Victoria. The Maltese’s connection to ancient times is important, as records show they were highly valued by both the Greeks and Romans, even having elaborate tombs built for them.
Chihuahua

The Chihuahua was closely tied to the ancient royals of the Aztecs, who kept these small dogs as companions and called them Techichi. They weren’t just beloved pets of the nobility; they also had a big religious importance, especially when it came to the afterlife. It was common for Chihuahuas to be sacrificed and buried with their owners when they passed (you can see how highly the dogs were regarded in ancient Mexican culture).