We may treat our dogs like royalty, but only a select few can actually claim to be royalty. Such is life. With long and impressive lineages to back them up, from pharaohs to emperors and everything in between, some noble canines really have been king of the castle.
Parade Pets asked Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, about the royal dog breeds that have been loved by nobility and the world’s upper echelons throughout history. Here are the fancy dogs she singled out as having the most “pup” and circumstance.
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1. Saluki
“Often called the ‘Royal Dog of Egypt,’ the Saluki has one of the oldest and most regal lineages in the dog world,” says Dr. Vasudevan. “These graceful sighthounds were revered by Egyptian pharaohs and nobility throughout the Middle East.” That’s pretty darn old!
Also one of the fastest dog breeds around, the elegant Saluki’s job was “to hunt gazelle and other swift prey across the desert, and they were so highly valued that they were often mummified and buried alongside royalty.”
While these are beautiful, loving dogs with a rich history, Dr. Vasudevan warns that “you do have to be cautious about their orthopedic issues, like osteoarthritis, later in life,” not to mention their high energy levels and need for stimulation.
Breed Stats
Personality: Dignified, affectionate, athletic
2. Tibetan Spaniel
“Far less common than its cousin the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Tibetan Spaniel was a cherished companion of Buddhist monks and nobility in Tibetan monasteries,” Dr. Vasudevan states. “These alert little dogs were not just lapwarmers—they acted as lookouts on monastery walls, sounding the alarm at intruders.”
A breed this special to those of the Buddhist faith was not meant to be sold. Instead, Tibbies (as they’re affectionately called today) were gifted to Chinese royalty, and it’s thought that Pekingese and other Asian breeds were developed from the sacred “little lion dog.”
Tibbies are prone to “respiratory and ocular issues due to their slightly brachycephalic (flat-faced) features,” adds Dr. Vasudevan, and due to their history as close companions, they may also develop separation anxiety.
Breed Stats
Personality: Confident, playful, alert
3. Ibizan Hound
The regal Ibizan Hound is “a deer-like hound that hails from the Balearic Islands and has roots going back to ancient Egypt, much like the Saluki,” says Dr. Vasudevan. “They were prized by royalty in the Mediterranean as rabbit hunters and were later kept by Spanish aristocracy.”
Bearing a striking resemblance to Anubis, god of the afterlife, and other dogs commonly depicted in Egyptian art, the Ibizan Hound may have made its way over to Ibiza, Spain, via ancient Phoenician seafaring traders.
These sleek-looking dogs “have a strong prey drive and are incredibly agile,” Dr. Vasudevan adds. And because of that, “they do need a lot of exercise and stimulation to avoid behavioral issues.”
Breed Stats
Personality: Friendly, active, stubborn
Height: 22.5–27.5 inches
4. Chinook
“Though not associated with ancient royalty, the Chinook has a unique American ‘noble’ heritage,” according to Dr. Vasudevan. “Originally bred in New Hampshire for Arctic exploration, [the breed] later became a favorite of President Calvin Coolidge.”
Developed by Klondike Gold Rush adventurer Arthur Walden using Huskies, mastiff-types, and shepherd-types, “the Chinook’s rare and carefully preserved lineage, combined with its dignified presence and loyal temperament, should earn it a spot on this list,” says Dr. Vasudevan.
These cool canines are some of the rarest dogs in the world too. Guinness World Records named them the rarest breed in 1965, and despite some increases in their numbers, they’re still seldom seen today.
Something to look out for if you manage to find one? “They can be prone to hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal issues due to their size and working-dog heritage.”
Breed Stats
Personality: Devoted, patient, smart
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References
4 Dog Breeds That Were Royal Favorites Throughout History first appeared on Parade Pets on May 24, 2025
