The Queen, we learnt earlier this month, has decided not to take on any more corgi pups as, at the age of 89, she is worried about leaving any young dogs behind. But it’s not just a great shame for her – it’s a great loss to the breed as well. Corgis aren’t one of those dogs that you see all that often, and the Queen has done an awful lot for their PR. But despite all the positive PR – and their presence in many a royal gift shop – the corgi as a breed is still struggling. Both the Cardigan and the Pembroke corgi are on the vulnerable native breeds list, with just 118 Cardigan welsh corgis, and 274 Pembrokes registered with the Kennel Club in 2014.
So why is it that despite the royal family’s ties to the breed, none of the Queen’s children has inherited her love for the breed? Many of her children – and grandchildren – do share her love of dogs, but none of them have followed her lead when it comes to corgis. Probably the nearest any of her family has come is Princess Beatrice, who has had several norfolk terriers (one of whom, Max, was attacked at Balmoral by said corgis). But the majority of her family members seem keener on labradors, spaniels or, in the case of Princess Anne, English bull terriers.
Perhaps the answer to this question lies with Prince George. After all, we already know that he loves Lupo, his parents’ cocker spaniel. So could he be convinced to carry on the corgi line for his grandmother? George, it sounds like it all rests on you. No pressure, old chap.
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