With royal walk, silken coat and ultimate elegance, some breeds carry grace in their genes. Such dogs are not just companions but the true personification of class and aura. Interestingly, throughout history, royalty and aristocracy carried such dog breeds with them, which have a majestic appearance.
Their overall personality and traits make them irresistibly graceful. Moreover, their posture, movement and behavior convey a calm self-assurance, as if they are fully aware of their nobility. Many of them were bred to be carried by kings and queens.
They are blessed with beautiful body features, such as expressive eyes. They also form deep bonds with the owners. They are more into a quiet and peaceful environment. In this article, we will explore such dog breeds which are known for their innate elegance and charm.
Various breeds of dogs resonate with beauty and glamour. Let’s dive into the details of such breeds one by one.
Dog Breeds Reflecting Aristocratic Style & Grace
1. Afghan Hound
It is one of the oldest dog breeds with a striking appearance. It is a long, slender companion with a breathtaking, flowing mane and a long muzzle. It is the regal and elegant dog with beautiful floppy ears. The Afghan Hound was bred in Afghanistan for hunting large game. It was historically used by royalty and the elite circle. This hound is quite affectionate with families but aloof with strangers.
When it comes to beauty, the Afghan Hound is ahead of other breeds without any exaggeration. It has soulful eyes and always demonstrates a calm demeanor. Being a hunter, it is independent as well as intelligent. Moreover, it only responds to gentle training.
Due to its independent nature, training is challenging for the owners. Its long coat requires regular grooming to prevent hair matting. It also has a strong prey drive, so it is not reliable off-leash.
2. Saluki
Saluki is a beautiful, slim and tall breed with floppy, feathered ears. Its history dates back to ancient civilisations of the Middle East, where it was esteemed by kings and pharaohs. It was bred for preying and has incredible hunting skills.
It forms an emotional bond with the owners. Its smooth steps give a royal look. Although it has a delicate structure but has a lot of strength and endurance. Furthermore, due to its hunting nature, it has an independent mindset.
Salukis prefer a calm environment that truly resonates with their aura. Interestingly, according to Britannica, it likes to sleep for a good part of the day.
It should not be treated harshly as it is emotionally sensitive. It is not the right dog for homes with small pets due to its predatory nature. Besides, they require daily physical and mental stimulation.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Its name is enough to indicate that it has a link with English royalty. Cavalier is a small, well-balanced royal dog with a silky coat, sweet expressions and large eyes. Its origin is the United Kingdom, where it was used as a companion dog and cherished by King Charles I and II.
It has a quite gentle nature and an affectionate disposition towards the family members. It is amiable with the owners and keeps them happy just by existing. It has an unmatchable royal aura and likes to be in palaces and aesthetic households.
But it can develop separation anxiety if left alone for an uncertain period of time. It also suffers from heart health conditions. Further, this dog also requires regular brushing to maintain the coat’s health.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese is one of the oldest, small, sturdy Chinese breeds with a flat face and a long, flowing coat. It was specifically owned by Chinese royalty. It served as a companion dog for Chinese emperors and nobles.
According to the American Kennel Club, it was also known as “sleeve size”, due to its ability to hide in traditional Chinese sleeves and served a guard dog purpose.
It is deeply faithful to the family but quite wary of strangers. Pekingese is also known for independent and confident demenaor. It prefers calm companionship, which resonates with its royal grace. Additionally, its composed expressions and refined movements mirror the ancient royal connection of China.
Since it has a long coat, it demands regular grooming. Its flat face makes it vulnerable to breathing problems. Due to its independent nature, it is intolerant of rough handling.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgi is a small, sturdy, athletic dog with short legs and fox-like expressions. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from the United Kingdom and was the long-time favourite breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Corgi was bred for herding cattle and sheep.
It is affectionate and loyal towards its owners and has a playful nature. But due to its alert appearance and a loud bark, it is an excellent watchdog. It has a regal, confident, and fearless personality. Because of its connection with British royalty, it still has that aristocratic composure and expressions.
Due to short legs and a long back, it is susceptible to spinal and joint issues. It also requires daily physical and mentally stimulating activities. Its loud bark sometimes makes it unsuitable for quiet homes.
6. Greyhound
Greyhound is one of the ancient breeds known to mankind. It is a sleek, long-legged dog with a narrow waist designed for speed. Its history traces back to ancient Egypt, where it was worshipped and was used only by the royalty. It was bred for hunting deer and hare. Although it is a hunting dog, but one of the calmest dog breeds as well.
Despite being a hunting dog, it is calm and gentle and often referred to as a couch potato. It is affectionate with the family and non-aggressive with unknown people. Its overall appearance is a testament to its regal history.
It is prone to cold due to thin skin and less body fat. Due to strong prey drive, caution is needed around small animals. It sometimes is quite shy and reserved, so socialization is necessary.
7. Poodle
Poodle is a medium to large-sized dog with curly hypoallergenic coat, an athletic frame, and cute expressions. It has its roots in Germany and France, where it was liked by the French nobility and Kings. Interestingly, Queen Victoria also had an affection for Poodles. It was specifically bred as a water retriever.
It is gentle, affectionate and dedicated to the family and always maintains a composed demeanor. It is an exceptionally intelligent dog which is highly trainable. Poodle is the true personification of aristocratic style and grace because of both appearance and behaviour.
Being an intelligent dog, it becomes anxious without mental stimulation. A Poodle also demands regular coat maintenance. Moreover, socialization is important to prevent shyness.
8. Labrador Retriever
Lab is a medium to large-sized canine companion with sweet expressions, muscular build and expressive eyes. It was originally bred in Newfoundland, but later on brought to the United Kingdom by royalty. It was bred as a working retriever. Amazingly, it was the favourite of King George and Queen Elizabeth II.
It is famous for its amiable behaviour and affectionate nature. It is an outgoing dog who forms strong bonds with everyone, especially children. Being highly obedient, it is one of the great companions. Its calm temperament and noble demeanor are the reflection of its royal history.
It demands daily exercise as it is highly energetic. Sadly, it is prone to obesity, so one has to manage its eating and exercise routine. The Lab is also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
9. Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hound is also a quite ancient breed which traces back to Malta and Egypt. It is a medium-sized dog with long legs, an athletic body and the distinctive large upright ears. It was bred for hunting rabbits and small game. It was also depicted in the historical art of ancient Egyptian tombs.
As stated by Royal Canin, although it is a hunting g dog but quite intelligent, gentle and loving with the family. While being playful with the family, it is reserved with the strangers. It is an independent thinker with an alert nature. Pharaoh Hound embodies aristocratic style through its refined physique and overall temperament.
Due to its prey drive habit, it is not suitable for homes with other small pets. It also requires physical and mental exercise to prevent it from boredom.
Conclusion
To cut a long story short, throughout history, certain dog breeds were not just pets but the true epitome of elegance, refinement and a royal heritage. Their presence in royal courts, palaces and elite households highlights their importance and beauty.
Furthermore, every breed discussed above has a unique history and legacy. Some breeds have a Chinese regal history, while some have a European royal connection. These dogs have such expressions and personality that no one can deny their aristocratic lineage.
Such dogs are beautiful to look at, and their calm temperament are the testament to their ancient legacy. They can only thrive in a household which is quiet and calm. Their elegance is enough to make the home or a palace more beautiful.
