Long ago, dogs were not found in houses but were treated as royalty in the castle. King Charles II, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Emperors chose dog breeds to live with them in their palaces or temples. These dogs were considered sacred and taken as a symbol of power, luck, or beauty.
For instance, in China, Pekingese dogs were carried in the royal robes. Greyhounds and Salukis were honored in Egypt, and they were even buried with the royal owners.
In Tibet, it was believed that the Lhasa Apso protected the temples and also brought good fortune. The reason behind it is real: they have calm natures, beautiful looks, and special values in their cultures.
Today, these dog breeds carry a special history and magic inside them. When you are looking at one of these dog breeds, you see something more than a pet; it is a royal piece of history. Let’s get to know them.
Dog Breeds That Were Popular In Ancient Royalty
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the royal dogs that are named after King Charles II, who loved dogs so much. They were also allowed in the royal courts. Their big eyes, soft coat, and gentle nature made them popular companions of the British royalty in the 17th century.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they were bred to be lap dogs, earning the nickname comfort spaniels. However, they also had to be athletic enough to keep up with trotting horses while out hunting.
During Tudor times, they were popular with aristocratic ladies, who used them as flea catchers and hot water bottles, as well as companions. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the toy breed of modern times.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is often regarded as the ”Loin dog” they were only bred for the Chinese royalty. These dogs are revered and kept inside the Forbidden City, where they lived with the emperors and nobles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
In ancient Buddhist art, they were said to look like lions and meant to represent strength and protection.
Shih Tzu were not allowed to leave the Chinese imperial court for centuries and were only presented to the foreign diplomats as a prestigious gift.
3. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees are not only the guardians of the sheep in the snowy mountains of France and Spain; these dogs are also found in the royal chambers.
The French nobility prized their courage and beauty; in 1675, King Louis XIV named the dog breed “Royal Dog of France.’ The Great Pyrenees are as majestic as they were when they protected the sheep.
Great Pyrenees have a calm nature and thick white coat that represents strength and purity. They were not only pets; they were royal watchdogs.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are the treasure of the ancient royal household of China. They are bred to live with the imperial household. The legend says that they were created by the Buddha from a lion and a marmoset. These dogs are the symbols of courage and humility.
Pekingese lived in the Forbidden City, which was sacred, so robbery was considered a crime punishable by death. Small enough and easy to carry in the royal robes, these dogs are protected by the palace guard.
5. Saluki
The Saluki is an ancient breed that originated in Egypt and Mesopotamia more than 5000 years ago. These elegant dogs were so adored that they took their place alongside their king. Salukis were mummified and buried along with the Pharaoh.
Salukis were the royal dogs of Egyptian pharaohs and were employed by the king to hunt due to their unbelievable speed and stamina.
They are also depicted in ancient Persian art as a symbol of nobility and beauty. Their dignified temperament and lean physique demonstrate the royalty of the palace and courts in the Middle East.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has gained fame from Queen Elizabeth II. Their royal heritage runs deeper through the Welsh legend. These little and powerful herding dogs were beloved breeds among the British royalty in the 1930s.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are devoted and loyal companions, and they were favored by the Royals for more than seventy years. Queen Elizabeth has owned more than 30 Corgi dogs in her reign.
Corgis are usually great with children, but their natural herding instincts mean they need careful training. Without clear boundaries, they may try to nip at heels or control movement, which can be challenging around young kids who move unpredictably.
7. Greyhound
According to Royal Canin, Greyhounds are renowned for their athleticism and acute sight. The Greyhound has been a favorite in Britain since the Middle Ages. A law passed at this time stated that only royalty and nobility could hunt with the prestigious dogs. They are known for their speed and agility.
In ancient Egyptian tombs, greyhounds were also painted. They are listed among the few dogs in the Bible and presented as a gift in ancient Greece and Rome.
Greyhounds were also used as status symbols, and according to the law, only nobles could keep them. Today, Greyhound retains its elegance and swiftness and is adored by many people.
8. Chihuahua
The small dog, the chihuahua, carries a strong heritage. Bred from the Techichi, they are adored by the Mexican Toltec civilization, and they have a strong belief that they possess spiritual powers.
The Chihuahua was the holy dog that was kept by the Aztec nobility, and it was also buried with the owners. Their compact size and fierce loyalty made them the perfect pets for the royals.
These dogs gained popularity in the 19th century when tourists found them in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
9. Maltese
The Maltese are among the earliest toy breeds that carry a royal heritage that dates back more than 2000 years. They were cherished by the Roman aristocrats, Greek patricians, and the European aristocracy.
The Greeks actually constructed the tomb for the Maltese friends. These dogs wear white coats and possess affectionate behavior, which makes them ideal lapdogs.
According to WebMD, Maltese dogs are a small dog breed with a charming and playful personality. Maltese are delightful companion pets in the toy group. They were bred thousands of years ago to be beautiful and beloved companions.
10. Poodle
Poodles were considered one of the most luxurious pets in ancient times. They are associated with the French royalty. The miniature breeds are embraced due to their intelligence, charm, and loyalty.
King Louis XVI and other monarchs made the poodle a representation of French elegance. They are a trainable and highly valued dog breed.
People often think of Poodles as fancy or high-maintenance pets, but in reality, they’re smart, hardworking, and incredibly loyal companions.
Conclusion
Royal dogs of ancient times are still popular dog breeds. These cute dogs are loyal and trusted friends of the strongest people in the world. Emperors and queens loved them for their looks as well as their value in their culture. Breeds like Saluki and Lhasa Apso remind one of the oldest domesticated dogs.
Today, these dogs are calm, proud, and full of personality, just like the royal homes they once lived in. If you are living with one of the royal dogs, then you can experience the palace and guarded temples.
