If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surge to record levels in the last couple of years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Throughout history, dogs have built up royal connections – with certain breeds favoured by the ruling families of numerous countries.
Perhaps most famously, the late Queen Elizabeth II loved her corgis – and is even credited with stopping the breed from dying out. The roayl dogs enjoyed a privileged life in Buckingham Palace with their owne bespoke room dedicated to them.
Here are the 10 dogs most connected with royalty, according to Bethany Morgan, dog expert at Doodlebone.
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5. Pekingese
This breed was another favourite of Chinese emperors, with their history being traced back to 200 BC. Smaller dogs could be hidden up sleeves and used as surprise guard dogs, and anyone attempting to steal one from the palace was punished with death. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Labrador Retriever
King George IV was known to be a fan of these dogs and actually bred them himself. They are still present in royal families today, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle owning a Black Labrador. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog
Louis XIV loved this breed so much that he declared them the Royal Dog of France. They were used as the guard dogs of French nobility due to their protective instincts and considered equivalent to two men guarding the chateau. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Bichon Frise
Often seen in Renaissance paintings, these dogs were associated with European royalty in the 13th century. They were most beloved by the royal courts of Italy, France and Spain. Photo: Canva/Getty Images