Close your eyes and picture a grand palace, glittering chandeliers, and the quiet paw steps of a dog who knows it rules the room—not just any dog, but a breed historically cherished by kings and queens.
Throughout history, certain dog breeds have been symbols of prestige, loyalty, and elegance, earning their place beside royalty and in the hearts of the elite. These breeds weren’t just companions—they were status symbols, guardians, and sometimes even ambassadors of royal taste.
Whether it’s a regal dog with a long, silky coat or a dainty companion once adored by French nobles, each carries a rich history shaped by tradition. Even today, their noble lineage is visible in their demeanor, grace, and unmatched loyalty.
For dog lovers, exploring these royal breeds is like peeking into history while finding a perfect companion for the modern world.
They combine sophistication with personality, ensuring that owning one is more than having a pet—it’s welcoming a piece of history into your life, filled with stories, charm, and devotion.
Interesting tidbit: Several modern breeds were historically kept by royal families and nobility as status symbols and companions. Beyond their beauty, these dogs were prized for loyalty, intelligence, and temperament—traits that remain in the breeds today.
Impressive Dog Breeds That Once Belonged to Kings
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you ever wondered what it’s like to be a lapdog of literal royalty, look no further than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This charming little breed was the ultimate companion for English monarchs, especially King Charles I and his son King Charles II in the 17th century.
Imagine strolling through Parliament with a tiny, silky-haired pup by your side—because yes, King Charles II did exactly that! He even made a royal decree allowing his beloved spaniels in public places. Talk about having pull!
These pint-sized charmers were more than just cute faces; they were the ultimate comfort companions, adored not only by kings but by the entire aristocratic court.
Their gentle nature, affectionate nature, and glossy coats made them the perfect “lap accessory” for anyone with a throne—or just a very fancy chair.
So, if you’re looking for a dog that’s basically royalty in disguise—with a dash of cheeky charm—this breed is your perfect match. Just be prepared for long hours of snuggles, nose kisses, and perhaps the occasional regal snore.
Fun Fact: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a heart of gold… literally! They are prone to a condition called mitral valve disease, which means their hearts sometimes work overtime showing love.
2. Pekingese
Step aside, courtiers—there’s a new ruler in town, and it’s small, furry, and utterly regal. Meet the Pekingese, the pint-sized lion of the Chinese imperial courts. This breed dates back over 2,000 years, carefully bred to be the ultimate royal companion.
In ancient China, these fluffballs were considered sacred, and only members of the imperial family were allowed to own them. Anyone caught stealing or harming a Pekingese faced severe punishment—at one point, even death!
Yes, these dogs weren’t just pets—they were tiny, four-legged deities with a serious attitude. Their journey to the West began in the 19th century after the Second Opium War, when British soldiers “acquired” a few of these imperial pooches.
One of the most famous arrivals was Looty, who became a cherished companion of Queen Victoria. With her royal approval, the Pekingese cemented its status as a symbol of luxury, refinement, and undeniable aristocratic flair—basically, the canine equivalent of showing up at a party with a diamond tiara.
Pekingese dogs are affectionate, outgoing, and fiercely loyal to those they love most. Although they need only moderate exercise, their short, flat faces (they’re a brachycephalic breed) make them prone to overheating, so it’s best to avoid vigorous activity in hot weather.
In addition to keeping them cool, Pekingese owners should devote time to grooming their thick double coat regularly to prevent mats and keep their furry companion looking regal.
Fun Fact: Despite their tiny size, Pekingese dogs often carry themselves like they’re 20 feet tall. Their proud, lion-like stance and flowing mane earned them the nickname “Lion Dogs” in China. So, if you see one strutting across a park, bow respectfully—it’s in their royal code of conduct.
3. Shih Tzu
Meet the Shih Tzu, often affectionately called the “Lion Dog”—and no, that’s not just a cute nickname. This tiny, majestic breed is literally a symbol of royalty, history, and a flair for dramatic hairdos.
Its story is woven into the very fabric of China’s imperial history, where it served as a cherished companion for emperors and their families.
The Shih Tzu reached peak palace popularity during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), with Dowager Empress Cixi in the 19th century famously keeping an impressive kennel of these little regal fluffballs.
Tibetan monks would often gift Shih Tzus to emperors as tokens of good wishes. Why? Because these pups resembled lions, which were considered sacred and symbolic in China—after all, Buddha was said to ride a lion, so having one in your lap was basically a divine endorsement.
Their luxurious coats were originally kept long to emulate the manes of lions, earning them that “royal presence” that made palace walls seem just a bit fancier.
The Shih Tzu is known for its friendly, sweet, and playful personality. Highly social, they adapt well to both humans and other pets, making them perfect companions for families seeking a loving, devoted friend.
Mentally bright, curious, alert, and active, Shih Tzus enjoy engaging with their surroundings. While they don’t require a lot of space, providing room to play ensures they remain happy and content, making them suitable for homes of all sizes
Fun Fact: Despite their small size, Shih Tzus carry themselves like the rulers they are. And yes, they still expect royal treatment today—nap breaks, treats, and plenty of lap space included.
4. Saluki
Meet the Saluki, often hailed as the “Royal Dog of Egypt”—and for good reason. This elegant, long-legged beauty has been gracing the courts of Egyptian pharaohs for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest royal breeds in history.
Salukis rank among the world’s oldest dog breeds, with a lineage that stretches back more than 5,000 years.
Salukis weren’t just pets; they were sacred companions, honored in life and even in death. Archaeologists have discovered images of Salukis in ancient tombs, and some were even mummified alongside their owners—a true testament to their esteemed status.
Talk about loyalty that transcends lifetimes!
Beyond their divine aura, Salukis were invaluable hunting partners to Bedouin tribes, prized for their speed, stamina, and razor-sharp instincts. Over time, their elegance and hunting prowess made them a status symbol among nobility and wealthy families, a living badge of prestige.
With traces of Salukis appearing on artifacts dating back to 7000–6000 BCE, it’s clear that this breed has been living the high life for a very long time.
A Saluki’s loyal friendship is a rare gift, and those fortunate enough to earn it truly cherish the privilege. While their exotic beauty captures attention, these spirited, independent hunters are best suited to owners who can match their unique personality and energy.
Fun Fact: The Saluki’s sleek, aerodynamic build earned it nicknames like the “Greyhound of the Desert”. They can reach astonishing speeds while hunting—basically, if they were around today, they’d be winning the Indy 500 in dog form.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Few dogs are as instantly recognizable as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and much of that fame comes from Queen Elizabeth II, who adored these short-legged charmers for over seven decades.
Her royal love affair with Corgis began in 1944, when she received her first Pembroke, Susan, on her 18th birthday. Susan wasn’t just a pet—she even accompanied the young princess on her honeymoon! Talk about VIP treatment.
Over the years, the Queen owned more than 30 Corgis, and through her unwavering affection, she transformed the breed into an iconic symbol of British royalty.
These clever, affectionate, and surprisingly spunky pups became inseparable from her public image, creating a royal trademark that connects the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to the British throne in popular imagination. Wherever the Queen went, you could be sure that a loyal Corgi—or three—was not far behind.
According to the AKC, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an intelligent and affectionate companion who thrives on playtime with their human family and responds well to training.
Families who can provide both activity and companionship will find a Pembroke to be a devoted, loving, and endlessly loyal pet.
Fun Fact: Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally herding dogs, bred to nip at cattle’s heels. So while these small dogs look like little royalty lounging in palaces today, they’ve got a hidden streak of farm-savvy toughness—and maybe a bit of sass, too!
6. Afghan Hound
If elegance had a four-legged ambassador, it would be the Afghan Hound. Known for its flowing, silky coat and regal bearing, this breed has long been associated with Afghan royalty and nobility, earning it nicknames like the “King of Dogs.”
Afghan Hounds were prized not only for their striking beauty but also for their incredible speed and hunting prowess in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. WebMD mentions that the Afghan Hound’s distinctive appearance was so remarkable that it became the world’s first dog to be cloned.
They were often companions to aristocrats who wanted a dog that combined grace, power, and prestige—basically, a walking (or running) crown jewel.
This breed’s distinctive coat wasn’t just for show; it helped protect them from the harsh climate of the mountains while maintaining a look of effortless sophistication.
Afghan Hounds also carried an air of independence and intelligence, which made them beloved yet somewhat aloof companions—think royalty in fur form.
Fun Fact: Afghan Hounds are so photogenic and elegant that they were once a favorite in early 20th-century dog shows, often stealing the spotlight. If there were a dog fashion week, Afghan Hounds would strut down the runway with their silky locks flowing and heads held high.
7. Borzoi
Enter the Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, a dog that practically drips aristocratic elegance. This breed was highly favored by Russian nobility, particularly the Romanovs, who prized Borzois not only as hunting companions but also as symbols of wealth, status, and refinement.
With their long, silky coats and graceful, flowing movement, Borzois were the perfect companions for palaces, estates, and stately gardens.
Originally bred to hunt wolves, these dogs combined speed, agility, and keen instincts—traits highly valued by the elite hunters of Russia.
But don’t be fooled: while Borzois were deadly hunters, their personality around royalty was all poise and sophistication, earning them a reputation in the dog world.
Britannica mentions that they are good around older people and around other household dogs; they may chase small animals in the yard, but generally do well with small indoor pets.
Fun Fact: Borzois are so elegant and aloof that they were sometimes nicknamed “Russian aristocrats in fur coats”. They often seemed to float rather than run, making them the perfect embodiment of grace under pressure… and under palace chandeliers.
Conclusion
Throughout royal history, many dogs have shared the lives of monarchs, from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Charles II of England and the Queen Mother.
Breeds like Pembroke Corgi, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese dogs, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniels, Pharaoh Hound, Japanese Chin, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Pyrenees have been cherished as canine companions in royal households such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Valued for their noble demeanor, hunting skills, majestic appearance, and comforting nature, these popular pets were official dogs or popular companions among Japanese royalty, Chinese emperors, and European aristocracy, with some dating back to ancient Egyptian royalty and ancient Egyptian tombs.
