The King's New Best Friend: 5 Shocking Facts About King Charles III's Rare New Dog, Snuff The Lagotto Romagnolo
The British Monarchy’s pet tradition has long been defined by the late Queen Elizabeth II's iconic Corgis, but as of late 2024 and early 2025, a new era of royal canine companionship has begun. King Charles III and Queen Camilla have recently welcomed two new additions to the royal household, marking a significant and surprising shift in the types of dogs residing in palaces like Buckingham and Clarence House. The most intriguing of these new pups is a rare, curly-coated Italian breed, a choice that has captivated royal watchers and dog lovers alike.
This fresh chapter in royal pet history sees the King move away from the traditional British breeds he has long favoured, such as the Jack Russell Terrier and Labrador, by welcoming a puppy named Snuff. This new royal dog is a Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed rarely seen in the UK, let alone in the most prominent royal residence, and the monarch is reportedly “besotted” with his new, unique companion. This unexpected selection is a fascinating development that highlights the King's personal and modern approach to the royal household.
The Royal Canine Companions: A Complete Profile of Snuff and Moley
The King and Queen have expanded their family of dogs with two new, beloved pets, continuing the royal family's deep-rooted love for canines. The current royal dogs now include a mix of rescue and rare pedigree, a reflection of the couple's varied interests and commitment to animal welfare.
- King Charles III’s New Dog: Snuff
- Breed: Lagotto Romagnolo
- Origin: Romagna region of Italy
- Acquisition: Reportedly gifted to the King in late 2024/early 2025.
- Temperament: Known to be intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable.
- Queen Camilla’s New Dog: Moley
- Breed: Jack Russell Terrier cross (Rescue Dog)
- Origin: Adopted from a rescue centre.
- Acquisition: Welcomed in February 2025, following the death of her dog, Beth.
- Current Companion: Bluebell (Jack Russell Terrier, adopted from Battersea in 2012).
5 Shocking Facts About Snuff, King Charles III’s Rare Lagotto Romagnolo
King Charles III’s choice of the Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed known as the Italian "truffle dog," is perhaps the most unconventional royal pet decision in decades. The puppy, named Snuff, is a significant departure from the Corgis and Terriers typically associated with the monarchy. Here are five surprising facts about this unique new addition to the royal family.
1. Snuff’s Breed is a Rare Italian ‘Truffle Dog’
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient dog breed with its roots in the marshlands of the Romagna region of Italy. The name "Lagotto" itself is a Venetian/Romagnan dialect word meaning "duck dog," a nod to their original purpose as water retrievers in the 17th century. However, their most famous modern role is as the world's only breed specialized in truffle hunting. These dogs use their exceptional sense of smell to locate the prized, subterranean fungi, a far cry from chasing rabbits on a royal estate. The King’s choice of a dog with such a specific, gourmet-related skill set is a delightful and unexpected royal anecdote.
2. The King is Reportedly ‘Besotted’ with the Puppy
The news of Snuff's arrival, which was reported in early 2025, indicates that King Charles III is completely charmed by his new puppy. Sources close to the royal household have described the monarch as being "besotted" and "smitten" with the Lagotto Romagnolo. This level of personal connection is particularly notable as it marks the first new dog the King has personally owned in over two decades, following a long line of Jack Russell Terriers and other breeds he has cared for throughout his life.
3. Snuff Represents a Break from the Corgi and Terrier Legacy
For over 70 years, the image of the British monarch was inextricably linked to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles III and Queen Camilla, however, have long preferred the Jack Russell Terrier, owning Bluebell and the late Beth. By welcoming a Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed known for its curly, woolly coat and robust build, the King is establishing a distinct new canine tradition for his reign. This shift demonstrates a modern, individual choice that moves beyond the established pet preferences of his predecessors, embracing a less common and more specialized breed.
4. The Breed’s Popularity is Expected to Soar
The Royal Family has a profound influence on dog ownership trends, a phenomenon often referred to as the "royal effect." Following the announcement of Snuff’s arrival, the Kennel Club, of which King Charles III is a patron, predicted that searches and demand for Lagotto Romagnolo puppies would significantly increase throughout 2025. This rare Italian breed, previously a niche choice, is now set to become a highly sought-after companion, echoing the popularity spikes seen decades ago with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed historically named after King Charles II.
5. The Royal Household Now Features Two New Rescue Dogs
While Snuff the Lagotto Romagnolo was a gift, Queen Camilla's new dog, Moley, continues the couple's strong commitment to animal rescue. Moley is a Jack Russell Terrier cross rescue puppy, adopted by the Queen in early 2025 after the passing of her beloved Beth. Moley was described by the Queen as looking "just like a mole" due to her dark, small appearance. The adoption of both Moley and the existing dog, Bluebell, from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home—where the Queen serves as a Royal Patron—highlights the couple’s dedication to supporting rescue charities and giving a second chance to vulnerable animals.
The Future of Royal Pets: A New Era of Companion Dogs
The arrival of Snuff and Moley marks a definitive new chapter for royal pets at the Palace. King Charles III and Queen Camilla's decision to embrace both a rare, specialized pedigree dog and a rescue terrier mix showcases a balanced approach to animal companionship.
The Lagotto Romagnolo, with its intelligent, eager-to-please nature, is highly trainable and adaptable, making it a suitable choice for the varied lifestyle of a monarch. The breed’s unique characteristics, like its curly, non-shedding coat and its historical association with water retrieval and truffle hunting, provide endless new talking points for the public and media.
Meanwhile, the presence of rescue dogs Moley and Bluebell, both Jack Russell Terriers, maintains a connection to the King’s lifelong affection for the terrier breed. This blend of the exotic and the rescued ensures the royal household's canine companions remain a source of joy and a powerful platform for promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
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