The sweet birthday gift that sparked the Queen's most iconic hobby

The Queen's most iconic hobby was ignited by a sweet birthday present that Her Majesty received from a key member of the Royal Family

Queen's most iconic hobby
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The Queen's most iconic hobby was sparked decades ago when she received a heartfelt gift from a key member of the Royal Family for her 18th birthday.


Her Majesty the Queen has received a lot of impressive gifts throughout her lifetime, but a certain present that she received at the age of 18 has set in motion an obsession that the Queen has been well known for over the past 75 years of her life.

At the age of 18 in 1944, the Queen was gifted her first corgi, whom she named Susan. This corgi puppy was a gift from her parents, the Queen Mother and King George VI.

Susan was a faithful companion of the Queen for many years and inspired the Queen to own various corgis and invent her own corgi mix-breed over the decades. 

The Queen's adoration of this dog was so intense that she reportedly even snuck Susan on her honeymoon in 1947, which apparently frustrated Prince Philip who was not overly fond of the 'yappy' dogs.

The Queen has owned more than 30 different corgis in her lifetime and currently owns four dogs, including two corgis, one of which is named Muick, a Dorgi (Corgi and Daschund mix), and a cocker spaniel named Lissy.

Queen and corgis

Queen and Susan in 1944

(Image credit: Lisa Sheridan / Stringer / Getty Images)

Susan wasn't the only dog that the Queen received as a birthday present over the years. Only last year in 2021, Prince Andrew, and his daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, reportedly gifted the Queen with another Corgi after the heartbreaking news that the Queen's puppy Fergus sadly died at five months old.

Reportedly, the Queen's beloved dogs were a major support to her following Prince Philip's death so this was particularly tragic news for the Queen.

Queen and corgis

(Image credit: STF / Staff / Getty Images)

Reports have suggested that while the Queen still loves spending time with her beloved pets, apparently the Queen is 'not well enough' to walk her beloved corgis anymore. Her Majesty's age and her struggles with mobility have suggested that she may not be able to keep up with the young dogs on the long walks around her grounds.

The Queen will celebrate her 96th birthday on Thursday, April 21, 2022, and while it isn't expected that she will receive another puppy from her family members, it is clear that corgis have been a beloved birthday gift for the Queen in the past.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.