7 Unforgettable Corgis in Pop Culture History

If you haven’t yet experienced the irresistible charm of corgis, prepare to be enchanted. These compact herding dogs, known for their elongated bodies and delightfully expressive faces, have become stars across TV shows, YouTube clips, and Instagram feeds. Here’s a glimpse at some of the most iconic corgis in pop culture.

1. HOLLY

Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch of England, has been a devoted corgi enthusiast for decades. Her journey with these beloved dogs began in 1933 when her father, King George VI, gifted her Dookie, her first corgi. Over the years, the Queen has cherished numerous Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Dorgis (a Dachshund-Corgi mix). She often personally walks them and even managed a corgi breeding initiative at Windsor Castle. At 90, the Queen has mourned the loss of many of her cherished companions, including Holly, who famously appeared in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Holly, who passed away in early October, rests at Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat.

2. RALPH

Ralph, born in the summer of 2013, resides in Northern California alongside his human family and George, their second corgi. Boasting 238,000 Instagram followers, Ralph captivates a global audience with his cheerful demeanor, zest for life, and undeniable charm. However, Ralph’s Instagram offers more than just adorable snapshots; it narrates the journey of an expanding family from a corgi’s perspective. Ralph shares his adventures with his parents, their young son (whom he affectionately calls his broham), and their newborn baby girl. For those who can’t get enough of Ralph, an annual calendar featuring him and George dressed in festive attire like bunny ears, colorful hats, and Santa caps is available.

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3. MOLLY, "THE THING OF EVIL"

4. EIN

YouTube

Ein, the iconic corgi from the acclaimed anime Cowboy Bebop, was a central figure in the Adult Swim series during the early 2000s. As per Cowboy Bebop lore, Ein is a data dog—a genetically enhanced lab animal with extraordinary intelligence. Set in the year 2071, Ein accompanies his human bounty hunter companions on their spaceship adventures. While he often behaves like a typical dog, Ein occasionally astonishes his crewmates by demonstrating his exceptional computer hacking abilities.

5. LOKI

Originally from Oklahoma, Loki relocated to Vancouver as a puppy to join his owners, Tim and Viv. Whether he was strolling along the beach, enjoying meals, or playing with his pet hamster, Loki amassed over 800,000 Facebook fans and 700,000 Instagram followers due to his playful antics. He was also known for his love of costumes, with standout outfits including Harry Potter (Loki Potter from Gryffincorg), Pikachu, and Sherlock Holmes (Sherloki Holmes). Earlier this year, Loki’s fans were devastated to learn of his illness, rallying together to raise over $34,000 for his medical expenses. Tragically, Loki succumbed to kidney disease in September.

6. RUFUS

While many startups boast a company dog or mascot, Rufus stands out as one of the most iconic. Born in 1994 in California, Rufus served as the original mascot for Amazon.com. Owned by one of the company’s early engineers, Rufus became a fixture at meetings and could often be seen chasing tennis balls around the office. Though he passed away in 2009, Rufus’s legacy endures in Amazon’s dog-friendly workplace culture. Employees are encouraged to bring their dogs to work, and Amazon’s Instagram showcases countless photos of its four-legged fans (including a Rufus doppelgänger). In honor of his impact, one of Amazon’s Seattle office buildings bears his name.

7. SUTTER BROWN

California’s former governor, Jerry Brown, shared his life and work with Sutter Brown, the state’s first dog. Born in 2003, this Pembroke Welsh corgi initially lived with the governor’s sister before being adopted by Brown after his 2010 election victory. With over 18,000 Facebook followers, Sutter became a prominent figure, even appearing on promotional materials for Brown’s tax initiatives and attending meetings at the state Capitol. In 2017, the Brown family expanded their corgi clan by adopting Colusa, a Pembroke Welsh corgi/border collie mix. At 13 years old, Sutter faced a health crisis in October, undergoing emergency surgery to remove tumors from his intestines, lymph nodes, and liver. According to updates on Sutter and Colusa’s official Facebook page, Sutter is now recovering at home and indulging in his favorite treats, such as cottage cheese and scrambled eggs.