The Corgi era is officially over. Honestly, it feels weird even saying that. For decades, the sight of a low-slung, tan-and-white loaf of bread skidding across palace floors was just... the vibe. But if you've been looking at the latest pictures of king charles dogs, you’ve probably noticed something much fluffier, curlier, and frankly, a bit more "rustic" than what we’re used to seeing at Buckingham Palace.
King Charles III is finally making the royal household his own, and he’s doing it with a four-legged friend named Snuff.
The new top dog: Who is Snuff?
People were shocked when news broke in early 2025 that the King had a new roommate. Enter Snuff. He’s a Lagotto Romagnolo. If you’ve never heard of the breed, don’t feel bad. Most people hadn’t until the King was "besotted" by this curly-haired Italian truffle hunter.
It’s actually a huge deal. This is the first dog Charles has owned personally since his legendary Jack Russell Terrier, Tigga, passed away back in 2002. Imagine going over 20 years without your own dog! He’s been hanging out with Camilla’s rescues, sure, but Snuff is his.
Why a Lagotto? Well, Charles is a famously intense mushroom forager. He gets competitive about it. This breed is the only purebred in the world recognized specifically as a truffle searcher. It’s like a match made in mycological heaven.
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In the photos we've seen, Snuff looks like a living teddy bear. Thick, woolly curls. A beard that would make a Victorian explorer jealous. He’s sturdy. He’s built for the damp British countryside, not just sitting on a velvet cushion.
What about the rescue crew?
You can’t talk about pictures of king charles dogs without mentioning Queen Camilla’s influence. She’s the patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and she doesn't just talk the talk.
- Bluebell: The resilient Jack Russell who was found wandering in the woods, nearly bald and covered in sores before the Queen took her in.
- Moley: The newest rescue, adopted in early 2025 after the heartbreaking loss of Beth.
- Beth: The beloved JRT who sadly passed away in late 2024 from an untreatable tumor.
Moley is a "bit of everything," according to the Queen. She’s a rescue pup who looks, well, like a mole. The public absolutely lost it when Camilla introduced her during a visit to Canterbury.
Why the royal dog aesthetic is changing
For the last seventy years, the British monarchy was synonymous with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Queen Elizabeth II had over 30 of them. They were a symbol of her reign. But Charles has always been a "terrier man."
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Actually, his love for Jack Russells goes back decades. Remember those grainy 90s photos of Pooh or Tigga? Those dogs were everywhere—on polo fields, at Highgrove, tucked under his arm.
By pivoting to the Lagotto Romagnolo, the King is signaling a shift. It’s a bit more "country gentleman" and a bit less "palace traditionalist." The Lagotto is a working dog. It needs a job. It needs to run. That fits the King’s lifestyle perfectly, especially when he’s at Sandringham or Balmoral.
The "Royal Rub" on breed popularity
It’s wild how much one photo can change an industry. When the first reports of Snuff hit, searches for Lagotto Romagnolos on The Kennel Club’s website jumped by over 700 percent.
We saw this happen with Corgis during The Crown. We saw it with Jack Russells when Charles took the throne. Everyone wants a piece of that royal lifestyle, even if it comes with muddy paws and a high-maintenance coat.
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Taking care of a "King’s Dog" at home
If you’re looking at pictures of king charles dogs and thinking, "I need a Snuff in my life," hold on a second. These aren't low-energy lap dogs.
Lagottos are brilliant but demanding. They have hair, not fur, which means they’re great for people with allergies, but they need serious grooming. If you don't brush them, those curls turn into felted mats faster than you can say "God Save the King."
Also, they need to sniff. If you don't give a Lagotto something to find, they’ll find a way to take your couch apart.
Actionable insights for future owners:
- Check the rescues first: Follow Queen Camilla’s lead. Battersea and other shelters are full of "Moleys" waiting for a home.
- Understand the drive: If you want a truffle dog, be prepared for high energy and a dog that loves to dig.
- Grooming is a budget item: Professional grooming for a curly-coated breed isn't optional; it’s a monthly necessity.
- Health screening: Lagottos can have specific genetic issues like juvenile epilepsy. Always ask for health clearances from breeders.
The shift in the royal kennels is more than just a change in breed. It’s a reflection of a King who is more comfortable in a wax jacket than a crown, and who prefers the company of a dog that’s ready to get its nose dirty. Whether it's a "hodgepodge" rescue like Moley or a specialized hunter like Snuff, the royal dogs are finally reflecting the people who own them.
The next time you see a photo of the King out in the Scottish Highlands, look closely at his feet. You won't see a Corgi. You'll see a curly-haired Italian and a scrappy rescue, and honestly, it’s a refreshing change of pace.
To keep up with the latest royal canine news, you should follow the official social media accounts for the Royal Family and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where the newest snaps of Moley and Snuff are most likely to appear first.