Just in Time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, We Give You ‘Corgis of UVA’

June 2, 2022 • Jane Kelly, jak4g@virginia.edu

University News

Just in Time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, We Give You ‘Corgis of UVA’

June 2, 2022

On Thursday, Britain began a four-day celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, marking her 70th year on the throne, the longest reign of any member of the British royal family.

But more important for this story, she’s also known as the world’s most famous collector of corgis, a cute and curiously shaped small dog that frequently turns devoted owners into puppy paparazzi.

Although the queen’s 1976 visit to the University of Virginia as part of the United States’ bicentennial celebration was a corgi-free affair, there are plenty of the pint-sized pooches that roam the Grounds to this day. But before we show off a collection of corgi Hoos, a little background:

Black and white photo of Queen Elizabeth on the steps of the UVA Rotunda with several other people

Queen Elizabeth II visited UVA in 1976 during a royal tour timed with the United States' bicentennial celebration. (Photo by Ed Roseberry)

Elizabeth’s affinity for Pembroke Welsh corgis has been well-documented throughout her reign and will be highlighted Sunday, when a group of lifelike corgi puppets will be part of a grand parade, the so-called Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

The queen received her first corgi, Susan, when she turned 18. During her time on the throne, it is estimated she has owned more than 30 of the stumpy pups. Fun fact: corgi in Welsh means “dwarf dog.”

The low-riding, butt-wiggling breed has been rising in popularity in the United States in recent years. In 2008, the American Kennel Club ranked the Pembroke Welsh corgi 24th. In 2021, it climbed to No. 11 in a list of 197 dog breeds.

On any given day, you may even spy a corgi frolicking on the Lawn. So, to get in on the queen’s big celebration, UVA Today asked members of the community to share pictures of their beloved corgis and share a little bit about their carpet-diving, ever-smiling good boys and girls.

A black, brown and white corgi in an orange and blue bowtie sits on the Lawn

This is Lucy. She is 4 years old and her favorite hobby is working the crowd on the Lawn. (Contributed photo)

People in Viking costumes on the lawn pose with a corgi in a yellow shirt

Nano stormed the Lawn at the annual Trick or Treating on the Lawn event in 2019. (Photo by Dan Addison, University Communications)

A bride and groom pose in front of the UVA Chapel with a corgi

Ava helped her humans get married at UVA in 2012. Her mom, Carolina Ferrerosa Young, graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences in 2009. Dad Daniel Young graduated from the College in 2007. (Photo by Jen Fariello)

A fuzzy dog with short legs sits next to an orange foam hand

This is Murphy, a proud fan of UVA hoops. He loves going on walks and chasing squirrels up trees. He is a golden retriever/corgi mix. If you don’t believe it, look at his legs. (Contributed photo)

Cosmo will be 4 on Christmas Eve. He attended Opening Convocation last August. He only comes to his humans when they have food. His nickname is Wee Wee. (Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications)

Two corgis laying down on a hardwood floor. One has her legs pointed backward.

That’s Skippy “splooting” in the back. Her family recently adopted brother Jac. Skippy enjoys invading her humans’ personal space. Jac has a pillow he will never part with. (Contributed photo)

A corgi with a UVA bandana around her neck poses in front of a fountain adjacent to the Rotunda

Izzy is 4 years old and she’s obsessed with playing soccer and fetch. She also has ears larger than her nose and they touch when she pulls them back. (Contributed photo)

A corgi in an orange, blue and white plaid bandana sits on a rug

Albus will be 6 in July and has a bandana to prove it. His favorite hobbies are chewing his bone, napping in the sun, and barking at people walking down the street. (Contributed photo)

A corgi with an orange and white leash sits on a deck

Daisy May is another proud corgi mix. The other half of her is shelty and her humans affectionately call her “Snorgs.” She enjoys belly rubs and rolling in deer poop. Her human grandmother graduated from the School of Law in 1977. (Contributed photo)

A corgi in an orange bandana sits on a brick path on the Lawn

Last but not least, this is Joey Pickles. When he was a tiny guy, he could not wait to visit the Lawn. “My favorite hobbies include trottin’ around Grounds with my pawrents, booping people, especially students, in the face with kisses and playing with my Frisbee,” he said. (Contributed photo)