Dookie (dog) facts for kids

Dookie (born 1933) was a special Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog. He was bought in 1933 by King George VI. Dookie was the very first corgi to join the British Royal Family. He was especially loved by Elizabeth II, who later owned more than thirty corgis throughout her life.

Dookie's Story

How Dookie Joined the Royal Family

George VI was then known as Prince Albert, the Duke of York. He decided to get a corgi for his daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. The girls had seen corgis owned by the children of the Marquess of Bath. They instantly fell in love with the breed.

In July 1933, a lady named Thelma Gray brought three corgi puppies to the family's home. The royal family got to choose their new pet from these puppies. Dookie was chosen because he had a slightly longer tail. The Queen Mother thought this would help them see if he was happy!

Dookie's Early Life

Dookie was born in 1933. His birth name was "Rozavel Golden Eagle." He was bred by Thelma Gray at her Rozavel Kennels in Surrey, England. Dookie was a bright red puppy. His parents were Ch. Crymmych President (his father) and Ch. Golden Girl (his mother).

Life as a Royal Dog

Becoming "Dookie"

After being chosen by the royal family, Dookie stayed with Thelma Gray for a short time. This was until the family moved to Windsor. He also spent some time at Glamis Castle.

The people at Gray's kennels joked that Dookie became "snooty" after being picked by the royals. They started calling him "the Duke." This name was then shortened to "Dukie" and finally to "Dookie." The royal family liked the name, and it stuck!

A Loved Family Member

Dookie quickly became a very loved member of the royal family. People described him as having a strong personality. He was also called "a born sentimentalist," meaning he was very affectionate. The princesses even fed Dookie by hand.

Dookie did have one playful habit. He sometimes nipped gently at the heels of guests. This is a common herding behavior for corgis.

Dookie's Companions

Three years later, another corgi named Rozavel Lady Jane was bought. She was meant to be Dookie's companion. However, Dookie was not very interested in Jane. So, Jane was instead paired with another corgi named Rozavel Tafferteffy.

Jane and Tafferteffy had two puppies named Carol and Crackers. Crackers became a constant friend to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Crackers even moved with her to the Castle of Mey in Scotland when she retired.

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