Queen Victoria's pets facts for kids
Queen Victoria (who was Queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901) and her family loved animals very much. They kept many different kinds of pets throughout her long life. These animals were not just companions; some were gifts from other rulers, and others even became famous in their own right!
Dear Uncle Ernest made me the present of a most delightful Lory, which is so tame, that it remains on your hand, & you may put your finger into its beak, or do any thing with it without its ever attempting to bite. It is larger than Mamma's Grey Parrot, & has a most beautiful plumage; it is scarlet, blue, brown, yellow & purple.
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Queen Victoria's Beloved Pets
Queen Victoria had a special bond with her pets. They brought her joy and comfort throughout her life. She owned many dogs, ponies, and even exotic birds.
Royal Dogs and Their Stories
Dogs were a very important part of Queen Victoria's life. She had many different breeds, each with its own personality.
Dash, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of her earliest and most famous dogs was Dash. He was a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Dash was known for being very loyal and affectionate. He was often painted in pictures with the Queen.
Eos and Nero, the Greyhounds
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, brought a greyhound named Eos from Germany. Later, another greyhound named Nero joined the family. Greyhounds are known for their speed and graceful looks.
Islay and Dandie, the Skye Terriers
Islay was a Skye terrier that Queen Victoria owned for five years. Sadly, Islay died after a fight with a cat. Another Skye terrier named Dandie was also part of the royal household.
Noble, the Queen's Favorite Collie
Noble was a collie and one of Queen Victoria's most cherished dogs. He was so special that Princess Louise, one of Victoria's daughters, created a statue of him. This statue can still be seen at Osborne House, one of the Queen's homes. Another collie named Sharp also lived with the Queen.
Marco, Turi, and Other Pomeranians
Queen Victoria was very fond of Pomeranians. Marco was a small spitz dog and the first of many Pomeranians she owned. Turi was another Pomeranian who was with the Queen at the very end of her life. Turi lay on her deathbed, showing how close they were.
Looty, the First Pekingese in Britain
Looty was a very special dog because he was the first Pekingese dog ever brought to Britain. He was taken from the Chinese Summer Palace during the Second Opium War. Looty was a unique and exotic addition to the royal pets.
Other Canine Companions
Ponies and Donkeys
Queen Victoria also had several ponies and a donkey. These animals were often gifts from other rulers or used for riding.
Shetland Ponies from Italy
Alma and Flora were two Shetland ponies given to Queen Victoria by King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. Shetland ponies are small but strong horses.
Picco, the Sardinian Pony
Picco was a Sardinian pony. Sardinia is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Jacquot, the Donkey
A donkey named Jacquot was also among the Queen's animals. Donkeys are known for being calm and hardworking.
Exotic Birds and Goats
Beyond dogs and ponies, Queen Victoria also kept more unusual pets, showing her wide interest in animals.
Lory, the Colorful Parrot
Queen Victoria had a beautiful lory (a type of parrot) that was a gift from her uncle, Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. She described it as very tame and having "most beautiful plumage" with colors like scarlet, blue, brown, yellow, and purple. Another parrot, Coco, was an African grey parrot.
The Royal Goat Herd
The Shah of Persia (the ruler of Iran) gave Queen Victoria a pair of Tibetan goats when she became Queen. From these two goats, a special royal goat herd was started at Windsor Castle. Goats from this herd later became regimental mascots for army groups, such as the Royal Welch Fusiliers. This shows how important these animals became.
