Global Courant 2023-05-05 21:30:31
Loved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, corgis have become an enduring symbol of the British royal family. But a new breed is emerging — the courageous Jack Russell Terrier.
Bluebell and Beth, two rescue dogs owned by King Charles III’s wife, Queen Camilla, are the new furry residents of Buckingham Palace.
The four-legged friends have been photographed with the Queen Consort and appeared in a portrait of the royal couple to mark their 15th wedding anniversary in 2020.
“I think it’s fair to say that the Jack Russell is likely to increase in popularity,” said Bill Lambert, spokesman for The Kennel Club. The governing body for all dog matters in the UK has noticed a rise in new puppy registrations.
Owning corgis, Queen Elizabeth’s constant companions throughout her 70-year reign, can “set back a bit,” he added.
According to Lambert, Jack Russells, like all dogs, like company, but they also like “a little luxury.”
Queen Camilla adopted Beth from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where she is the royal patron. Bluebell was rehomed some time later from the same South London shelter.
Originally bred in the 19th century for fox hunting, the energetic Jack Russell Terrier is already a popular breed in Britain.
During a dog agility course, Lesley Roberts said she’s owned Jack Russells for about 35 years.
Her pet Lorna wore a purple collar and jumped up and down impatiently, hoping to get a treat.
“I suppose it’s kind of nice to have a royal dog,” Roberts said with a laugh.
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