Queen Elizabeth II expressed her pride in creating a new dog breed known as the dorgi, a hybrid that emerged from a chance meeting between two royal pets. Dame Prue Leith, a prominent television chef and judge, recounted this delightful moment during her appearance on the *Making A Scene* podcast.
The origin of the dorgi dates back to the 1970s when one of the Queen’s beloved corgis, named Tiny, had a private encounter with Pipkin, a dachshund owned by Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister. The collaboration between these two royal dogs led to the birth of the dorgi, a mix of corgi and dachshund. This unexpected union delighted both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, prompting them to breed the new canine variety further.
During a memorable lunch at Buckingham Palace, Leith had the opportunity to converse with the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip. The gathering included various guests, from an Olympic sportsman to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Despite initial instructions not to engage the royals directly, Leith found herself captivated by the presence of the Queen’s dogs.
“I immediately said, ‘Oh, how wonderful ma’am you’ve brought the corgis to lunch,’” Leith recalled. The Queen corrected her, stating, “They’re not corgis, they’re dorgis.” This sparked a lively discussion about the Queen’s breeding programme and her joy in the dorgis, which had just received official recognition from The Kennel Club, the organization behind the renowned Crufts dog show.
Leith, now 85, cherishes this encounter as an example of breaking royal protocol. “I would never have done if I wasn’t just clumsy,” she reflected, emphasizing the unexpected nature of their conversation, which revolved around a topic not typically associated with royal discussions.
Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, was known for her deep affection for dogs. Her collection of corgis and dorgis included a variety of uniquely named pets such as Cider, Rum, Berry, and Fergus. In addition to her personal love for dogs, she served as the Patron of the Dogs Trust, a leading dog welfare organization in the UK.
The legacy of the Queen’s passion for dogs continues within the royal family. King Charles III and Queen Camilla own a Lagotto Romagnolo named Snuff and a rescue dog called Mole. Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Catherine care for a cocker spaniel named Orla, who is the niece of their late dog Lupo, who passed away in November 2020.
Queen Elizabeth’s love for her canine companions not only shaped her personal life but also left a lasting impression on royal traditions. The story of the dorgi remains a heartwarming reminder of her connection to her pets and her joyous spirit.
