Mastery of Design: Queen Alexandra's Fabergé Terrier

Queen Alexandra's Agate Terrier
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection 
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Created of agate and rose-cut diamonds in 1907 by Fabergé, this figure of a terrier was commissioned by King Edward VII for Queen Alexandra’s collection of miniature Fabergé animals.

Cairn terriers were owned by both King George V and his sister Princess Victoria. Princess Victoria's terrier, Mac, was a lively lad and a favorite of the family who was allowed on the Royal Yacht “Victoria and Albert.”

According to the curators of the Royal Collection, “King George V owned numerous terriers, including Happy, a cross-breed acquired in 1904. Much later the King owned two Cairn terriers, Snip and, finally, Bob, who outlived his master.”

There’s been some debate about which of these terriers is depicted in this agate model. However most agree that this is Princess Victoria’s dog, Mac.