'Beware of the Balmoral dogs': How the Queen's beloved Corgis proved far the from ideal pets at times… with royals, staff, police and even Her Majesty suffering a nasty BITE over the years

The Queen‘s beloved corgis were by her side throughout her 70-year reign and, while the breed became a symbol of British royalty, the reality of living with the dogs wasn’t always so pleasant.

Far from the royal standard, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis often caused trouble in the royal household, reportedly biting a variety of guests, including on many occasions, the Queen – who was once forced to get three stitches.

In 1968 there was even a call for the royal staff to put up a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign at Balmoral after one of the corgis reportedly bit the postman. 

Over 20 years later, the royal family reportedly hired an ‘animal psychologist’ to tame the dogs.

Throughout Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign, she became known around the world for her love for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, turning the dogs into a symbol of British royalty. 

In 1944, the Queen announced she had been given a Pembroke Corgi puppy, Susan, for her birthday and the breed jumped in popularity by 56 per cent. 

She now leaves behind four royal canines; two corgis, Candy and Muick, a corgi-dachshund cross – or ‘dorgi’ – named Sandy, and her most recent addition, Lissy, a cocker spaniel she named after herself.   

While the future of the pets is unclear, a royal biographer has said that they may be passed on to Prince Andrew, or will be given to members of the royal family’s longtime staff, who have looked after the animals for decades.

However, according to a royal corgi Wikipedia page, there have been various occasions in the past where the Queen’s beloved dogs did not behave up to their royal standard.

The Queen, who owned 30 over corgis throughout her reign, was injured on ‘several occasions’ the website says. 

In incidents dating back nearly 70 years, among the corgis victims was the palace clock winder, Leonard Hubbard in 1954, who was bitten by Susan upon entering the nursery at the Royal Lodge, Windsor.

 Later in the same year, one of the Queen Mother’s corgis bit a policeman on guard duty in London, the website says.

It also says that, in 1968 there was a call for the royal staff to put up a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign at Balmoral after one of the corgis reportedly bit the postman.