Current Number of Pets Owned by the Queen
The Queen keeps a small, well-documented household of dogs, with public records and official communications confirming that her current pack centers on a core group of corgis and dorgis. The total number of pets is typically reported as fewer than ten dogs, with the exact composition changing over time due to aging and the passing of companions, as noted in recent coverage from Forbes.
Beyond dogs, the Queen's household has historically included a small number of other animals, such as horses used for racing and breeding, but the primary pets consistently counted in the public record are her dogs. The focus remains on the corgis and their crosses, which have become a defining symbol of the monarchy, with the latest reliable counts emphasizing a compact, managed group rather than a large menagerie.
Types of Dogs and Breeds in the Royal Household
The Queen's best-known pets are Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and over the decades she also kept dorgis, which are crosses between corgis and dachshunds, as documented by the Royal Collection Trust. The lineage of these dogs is often traced back to a single corgi named Susan, given to the Queen on her 18th birthday, and the pack has remained a tightly managed group of related animals.
Public records show that the Queen preferred small, manageable dogs suited to palace life, and the breed profile has remained consistent, with corgis and dorgis dominating the count. The dogs are typically described as well-cared-for companions with dedicated staff, and the royal household has publicly shared details about their feeding, care routines, and veterinary attention through official channels.
Care, Costs, and Public Record of the Queen's Pets
The care of the Queen's pets is handled by dedicated royal staff, including groomers, handlers, and veterinary professionals, with costs covered as part of the official household budget rather than as a separate line item in public financial disclosures. The dogs live in the grounds of the royal residences, with specific areas designated for their exercise and rest, and their diet and health are managed according to the standards expected of a working royal household.
The public record on the Queen's pets is maintained through official statements, palace communications, and coverage by trusted outlets such as BBC News, which report on changes in the pack, including births, deaths, and the introduction of new dogs. The overall financial impact is considered modest relative to the broader royal budget, with the pets' care treated as a standard part of maintaining the royal residences and their grounds.