Dogs have been very important for Brits for thousands of years. The background of their existence in the UK reveals a strong evolving connection with humans, from early interactions to archaeological sites to princely companions in the palaces of royalty. This article covers the heritage of dogs in Britain and how the monarchy helped in shaping the pet culture in this country.
🌍 Early Arrival: Dogs in Prehistoric Britain
The early record of the dogs in the UK can be traced from the Mesolithic site of Star Carr, which can be dated to be around 10,000 BCE (Historic England). Early brits lived with dogs which were domesticated and also used them possibly as help during hunting and also friendship. Neolithic farmers settled across Britain by 2500 BCE, by then dogs were already an essential part of the human population. It is found through the excavations that dogs were also buried with humans and also participated in various ceremonies (British Museum).
🤺 Roman Conquests and New Breeds
After Romans invaded Britain in 43 CE, new breeds like Molossian hounds were introduced from Italy and Greece. These dogs were guard dogs and were very powerful. The modern mastiff is believed to have evolved from these Molossian hounds. These various roman dogs interbred with various other local breeds which created stronger breeds favourable for herding and guarding. Various roman paintings and mosaics from villas in Britain show dogs and humans walking together, which also means how humans accepted dogs and made them part of their daily lives (English Heritage).
⚔ Medieval to Early Modern Times
In the 11th Century during the Norman period, breeding was done very selectively. Different breeds of dogs were assigned for different kinds of tasks. Greyhounds were popular for hunting and status symbols whereas Mastiffs were guarding castles and big private properties. Certain laws were passed to regulate who could own specific types of dogs, in order to prevent common people from owning certain breeds and to preserve the status and exclusivity of the upper class. Spaniels and Terriers became popular among the upper class for pest control and companionship by the 16th Century. Also owning a dog was absolutely necessary for shepherds and farmers making dogs popular.
👑 Royal Influence: From Companions to Cultural Icons
Dogs ownership, either with the general public or the elites both have been influenced by the century old special place that dogs hold in British Royalty.
- Queen Victoria liked the Pomeranian dogs and also bought one from Italy (Royal Collection Trust). In her lifetime she owned over 90 dogs. Smaller and aesthetic breeds become popular because of this.
- In the admiration of the Victorian era, Prince Albert leaned towards greyhounds and Newfoundlands.
- Caesar marched in King Edward VII’s funeral. It demonstrated the deep ties between the royal family and their pets.
- Queen Elizabeth II was gifted Susan, a Pembroke Welsh Corgis by her father on her 18th birthday. This made the breed a symbol of British royalty. She even took Susan on her honeymoon and most of the royals later Corgis were Susan’s descendants. Queen Elizabeth II had around 30 of those breeds in her life.
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla have adopted several Jack Russel Terriers Beth (2011) and Bluebell (2012), from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. After Beth’s death in 2024, Queen Camilla adopted another rescued puppy Moley, in February 2025. This demonstrates the royals dedication and commitment towards the welfare of pets.
- Prince Harry and Meghan, they also have adopted rescue dogs. Megan rescued a beagle named Guy before marriage. She also rescued a Labrador Pula. Her act has raised awareness in the US and the UK for pet adoption.
Dogs also are featured in many stamps, royal memorabilia and a few coins because of the influence from the royals. This means that these animals are deeply ingrained in British psyche.
👤 A Nation of Dog Lovers
The Victorian era can be pointed as the important phase in the UK for the regulation of dog breeding. The Kennel Club was founded in 1873, which was the first organization in the world for the national registry of dogs. It also served as a body for regulating dog shows, breeding and welfare of dogs in the UK. By the end of the 1990’s, Brits widely recognized dogs as family members ranging from bulldog to collies.
Dogs are also viewed as emotional companions and support animals in present day UK. Out of the total pets in the UK households (around 36 million), 36% of them i.e. (around 13 million) of them are dogs.
🔹 Timeline Overview
“Explore how dogs served in times of war from WWI to Afghanistan in our detailed article The History of British War Dogs: WWI to Afghanistan.”
📍 Final Thoughts
The story of dogs in the UK is rich, historic and ongoing. As we will understand more about canine welfare and behaviour, the appreciation and love towards dogs will also definitely grow in future.
From ancient hunting companions to royal lapdogs, the story of dogs in the UK is rich and ongoing. As our understanding of canine welfare, behavior, and companionship grows, so too does our appreciation for the role dogs play in shaping British society. Britain is truly a country of dog lovers whether its the royal corgis or the loyal terrier.
