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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Nia Dalton

Five royal dogs who reigned before corgis and their personalities revealed

While the popular corgi is the longest reigning dog breed in Britain, there were many other royal breeds before Queen Elizabeth II 's time.

Royal historian Dr Ed Owens has partnered with Wisdom Panel to celebrate the unsung canine heroes that have been by the side of Britain's monarchs.

From Henry VII's lucky greyhound to Queen Victoria's famously noisy dachshund, numerous pets have supported our monarchy through their reign.

And with the help of Wisdom Panel's top DNA dog tests, we can predict exactly what these royal dogs were like.

Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.

Henry VII's greyhound

Henry VII's greyhound was loyal and elegant (Getty Images/500px)

The greyhound was considered a lucky charm and supporter by Henry VII, particularly when engaged in battle.

An intelligent ruler, the King was highly cultured and would have enjoyed the greyhound's breed traits of elegance and loyalty.

Henry VIII's beagle

Henry VIII's beagle was sensitive and gentle (Getty Images)

The gentle, sensitive beagle with a deep fondness for human companionship was a favourite of Henry VIII.

Dr Owens explains he would have enjoyed this dog's character to sooth his lesser known side - insecurity and a need for constant affection.

Queen Victoria's dachshund

Queen Victoria's dachshund inspired her to do great things (Getty Images)

Queen Victoria was well matched with the dachshund, a famously noisy, fun loving and headstrong breed of dog.

Her personality changed significantly during the course of her reign, but one constant was her love for dogs.

She launched the first Royal Kennels, becoming patron of the RSPCA and most significantly introducing the idea of dogs as household pets leading to a surge of dog ownership in Victorian times.

Edward VII's Irish terrier

Edward II's Irish terrier was adventurous (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Like his mother, Edward VII was a great lover of dogs with his selected breed the Irish terrier, who shared the King’s lively spirit and independent outlook.

Due to his small size, Jack the Irish terrier, would regularly accompany his master abroad on diplomatic missions.

When Jack died, the heartbroken king erected a memorial in memory of their friendship.

George V's Labrador

George V's Labrador was kind and loving (Getty Images)

More than any other monarch, the King’s personality was reflected in the character of his favourite Labrador named 'The Sandingham Strapper'.

A conscientious and stable ruler in a time of great economic, political and social shifts, his loving and kind nature was a key characteristic of one of the Labrador – now one of Britain’s most popular dog breeds.

Queen Elizabeth II's corgi

Queen Elizabeth II's corgis have reigned for 82 years (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

The Queen has had two roles to play – both as ruler and a matriarch in her household.

Dr Owens belives her personality is well matched to her corgis, who share her loyal and loving traits.

Now in her twilight years, Elizabeth II, has found a playmate in her Dorgis - the first official Royal cross and another legacy to her reign through the popularisation of this new crossbreed.

King George V was a lover of dogs (Getty Images)
Queen Victoria became a patron of the RSPCA (Bettmann Archive)

Dr Ed Owners said: "The royal love for dogs is evidenced through portraiture and through touching tributes and anecdotes captured in the history books.

"But these canines have come a long way from dogs of war in the Medieval era to Henry VIII’s hounds in the hunt, with Queen Victoria cementing their importance in our lives and our hearts.

"This love of dogs she and Prince Albert shared together was the catalyst for the love we see for dogs in the Royal family today all the way down to our Queen’s Dorgis."

Find out all you need to know about the Queen's Platinum Jubilee here.

Do you have a story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

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