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Dilyn
Dilyn
from Wikipedia

Dilyn
SpeciesDog (Canis familiaris)
BreedJack Russell cross
SexMale
Born2018
South Wales
OwnersCarrie Symonds
Boris Johnson

Dilyn is a dog who lived with Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and his wife (initially girlfriend) Carrie during their time at 10 Downing Street. He is a white, male Jack Russell cross and was born in 2018.[1]

The dog was rescued as a puppy from a breeder in South Wales by Friends of Animals Wales because he had a misaligned jaw and was going to be put down. The charity gave initial care to the puppy and named it "Dilyn", the Welsh word for "follow", in memory of a spaniel who had recently died. The puppy was then fostered in Merthyr Tydfil for a few weeks before Johnson and Symonds adopted him in 2019. The couple were introduced to the charity by Marc Abraham, the vet who successfully campaigned for "Lucy's Law", regulations prohibiting third-party commercial sale of puppies.[2][3][4]

He formerly resided in the Prime Minister's flat in the complex of 10–12 Downing Street; Boris Johnson would take him for a walk early each morning in the garden of Number 10.[5] The neighbouring former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, watched out for Dilyn as he displayed "amorous intentions" towards his own cavapoo, Bailey.[6]

On voting day for the 2019 United Kingdom general election, Boris Johnson took Dilyn to his polling station and so he became one of the many dogs at polling stations.[7][8] After Johnson's victory, many newspapers around the world pictured him with Dilyn. These included Brazil's Correio Braziliense, Germany's Bild, Italy's la Repubblica, and the US New York Post, which had the headline "Conservatives Lick Labour" over a picture of Dilyn showing his tongue.[9]

Behavioural issues and controversy

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There have been multiple accusations in the British press surrounding the PM's behaviour during Dilyn's tenure at Number 10. These include misuse of public funds,[10] engagement in a turf war with factional civil service teams[11] and the destruction of priceless historical artifacts.[12] Boris Johnson has admitted bad behaviour on behalf of the dog, claiming "my dog is endless… on people's legs".[13] Following Boris Johnson's removal as Prime Minister, his successor Liz Truss complained she "spent several weeks itching" after moving into Downing Street. She blamed this on Dilyn for causing an infestation of fleas, claiming "the entire place had to be sprayed with flea killer". Chancellor Jeremy Hunt later solved the problem after moving in by replacing all the carpets "at my own expense – vast expense because it had to be a security-cleared company that did it".[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dilyn is a cross rescued as a 15-week-old from abandonment by puppy farmers in and adopted by Carrie Symonds (later Johnson) in 2019. The dog, initially cared for by the charity Friends of Animals due to a misaligned jaw, moved into with Symonds and following his appointment as Prime Minister, residing there until the family's departure in 2022. During Johnson's premiership, Dilyn became a fixture in public life, accompanying the on outings such as visits to polling stations and jogs in , often drawing media attention for his energetic personality. Johnson described Dilyn as a "total sweetie," loving, loyal, and patient, though the dog exhibited impulsive behaviors, including mounting human legs—which Johnson lightheartedly called uncontrollable "romantic urges"—and, in one unreported incident, killing a gosling in gardens during a walk. These episodes highlighted Dilyn's instincts, contrasting with the more restrained demeanor expected in official settings, yet endeared him to observers as an emblem of unfiltered canine vitality amid political turbulence.

Origins and Adoption

Rescue Background

Dilyn, a cross, was abandoned by puppy farmers in due to a congenital misaligned that rendered him unsuitable for breeding or sale. The , approximately 15 weeks old at the time of his rescue, was taken in by the animal welfare charity Friends of Animals Wales, based in , which specializes in rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned and mistreated dogs. The charity's intervention prevented , a common fate for puppies deemed imperfect by commercial breeders, and provided veterinary care to address Dilyn's jaw deformity, though it remained a permanent feature. Friends of Animals documented Dilyn's case as an example of the broader issue of puppy farming in the UK, where profit-driven operations discard animals with visible flaws. By early September 2019, the charity had prepared him for , emphasizing his playful temperament despite the physical limitation. This rescue aligned with efforts by Carrie Symonds, then Johnson's fiancée and an environmental campaigner with animal welfare interests, who advocated for adopting shelter dogs over purchasing from breeders. The adoption process was facilitated directly through the charity, bypassing traditional shelters, and highlighted the role of such organizations in bridging rescues with high-profile homes capable of covering ongoing care costs for special-needs animals.

Adoption into Johnson Household

In 2019, shortly after assumed the office of Prime Minister, he and his partner Carrie Symonds adopted a 15-week-old cross puppy from the Friends of Animals rescue charity in , . The puppy, which had been abandoned by puppy farmers due to a misaligned , was fostered briefly in before the adoption. Symonds, an advocate, played a key role in selecting and bringing the dog to , where television footage captured the puppy's arrival in Johnson's office on or around 1-2. The dog was named Dilyn, meaning "faithful" or "loyal" in Welsh, reflecting its origins and the couple's appreciation for the charity's efforts. This adoption integrated Dilyn into the Johnson household at , which already included the resident cat , prompting discussions on accommodating multiple pets in the . Symonds shared images of Dilyn on shortly after, highlighting the rescue's successful placement despite the puppy's health issue, which did not require surgical intervention. The move aligned with Symonds' prior advocacy for animal rights, including her work with organizations focused on rehoming abandoned pets.

Breed and Physical Traits

Jack Russell Terrier Characteristics

The is a small, sturdy characterized by a compact, muscular build designed for and in . According to the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) standard, the breed features a flexible chest, straight front legs, and a level topline, with a predominantly white body marked by tan, black, or brown patches. The head is flat-skulled with a strong muzzle, V-shaped ears folded close to the cheeks, and dark, almond-shaped eyes expressing . Mature Jack Russell Terriers typically stand 10 to 15 inches at the and weigh 13 to 17 pounds, with males slightly larger than females. The coat varies in three types—smooth, rough, or broken (wire-haired)—all weather-resistant and requiring minimal grooming beyond weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping for rough coats. Predominantly white coloring exceeds 51% of the body, often with or tri-color markings on the head, ears, and tail base, reflecting their fox-hunting heritage. In temperament, Jack Russell Terriers are bold, independent, and highly intelligent, with a strong inherited from their role in flushing foxes from dens. They exhibit lively curiosity, playfulness, and affection toward family members but can be mischievous and willful without firm , often displaying tenacity and a zest for problem-solving activities. Their energetic nature demands at least 1-2 hours of daily vigorous exercise, such as running or work, to prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors like digging or excessive barking. Health-wise, the breed has a lifespan of 12-15 years but is predisposed to certain conditions, including patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and eye disorders like primary lens luxation. Obesity poses a risk if exercise is insufficient, exacerbating joint issues, while dental problems and allergies are also common, necessitating regular veterinary screenings and dental care. Responsible breeding from health-tested lines can mitigate genetic risks.

Dilyn's Distinctive Features

Dilyn, as a cross-breed, displays a , a congenital condition that contributed to his abandonment prior to rescue. This physical irregularity sets him apart from typical Jack Russells, which generally exhibit symmetrical facial structures aligned with breed standards emphasizing functional traits. The misalignment, while not impairing his overall vitality, remains a visible hallmark in photographs and public appearances, underscoring his rescue origins rather than pedigree perfection. Beyond the jaw, Dilyn's coat adheres to common Jack Russell patterns—predominantly white with tan or markings—but his cross-breed status introduces subtle variations in build and texture not strictly conforming to purebred norms, such as potentially softer or less uniform fur. These traits, combined with his compact stature typical of the breed at around 10-15 inches in height, contribute to a scrappy, resilient appearance that endeared him to the Johnson family and public observers.

Life at 10 Downing Street

Daily Routine and Environment

Dilyn's daily routine at revolved around early morning exercise, reflecting the high-energy demands of his heritage. routinely walked Dilyn starting around 6 a.m., a practice Johnson described as a way to clear his mind amid political pressures. These outings, often conducted in the vicinity of the secure complex, provided Dilyn with essential physical stimulation in an otherwise constrained urban setting. During the lockdown in 2020, Dilyn's activities expanded to include jogging sessions alongside Johnson in May, adapting to restricted public access while maintaining his need for vigorous play. Throughout his residency from September 2019 to July 2022, Dilyn navigated a schedule interspersed with family interactions, such as romping in the garden or encountering visiting dignitaries and staff in the shared indoor spaces. The environment at Number 10 offered a blend of historic opulence and high-security protocols, with Dilyn residing primarily in the private family flat above the offices, which included antique furnishings vulnerable to his teething habits. The premises featured a walled garden for off-leash play, though Dilyn's presence introduced occasional disruptions among cohabitants like the resident chief mouser , a longstanding . Access to external green spaces, such as nearby , supplemented indoor confinement, ensuring Dilyn's routine aligned with breed-typical requirements for daily exertion despite the site's fortified layout.

Interactions with Family and Staff

Dilyn integrated into the Johnson-Symonds household following his on September 2, 2019, primarily under the care of Carrie Symonds, who selected the rescue puppy to provide companionship amid the demands of life. He cohabited with and Symonds' son Wilfred, born April 29, 2020, during which Symonds' mother, Josephine McAfee, assisted in managing both the infant and the within their "bubble" to maintain routines. While direct accounts of playful or affectionate engagements with family members remain limited in public records, Dilyn's presence coincided with Johnson's recovery in April 2020, when the exhibited mild symptoms such as , mirroring the household's health challenges without reported aggressive or harmful interactions toward the newborn. Interactions with Downing Street staff and visitors were marked by Dilyn's high-energy antics, including a persistent habit of mounting human legs, which Johnson attributed to the dog's "romantic urges" during a July 27, 2021, encounter with canine handlers. Johnson specified that the then-two-year-old terrier-cross was "endlessly at people's legs," highlighting the disruption in professional settings. This behavior extended to notable figures, with former chief adviser alleging in 2021 that Dilyn attempted to hump his leg during a visit to , contributing to reported personal animosities. Additionally, Dilyn's exuberance led to incidents such as urinating on an aide's belongings and damaging antique furnishings at , underscoring his unfiltered engagement with staff-managed environments.

Public Presence and Cultural Impact

Media Appearances and Popularity

Dilyn first captured public attention through news coverage of its adoption and arrival at on September 2, 2019, featured in videos and photographs distributed by official channels and media outlets. The puppy was depicted in a red dispatch box during transport and subsequent images of it exploring the residence, which circulated widely in British press including and Guardian reports. Subsequent media exposure included official photographs, such as those from the campaign trail where Dilyn accompanied , and family-oriented images like setups, which drew scrutiny for using public funds but were defended as documenting life. Stock image libraries documented over 200 professional photos and 30 video clips of the dog in various settings at the residence. Boris Johnson referenced Dilyn in interviews, notably during a July 27, 2021, discussion with a police dog handler where he described the dog's persistent "romantic urges" toward human legs, an anecdote covered by multiple outlets including and . Dilyn's visibility boosted popularity, with reporting a 30% increase in breed registrations from 2018 to 2019, attributing part of the rise to the resident. Searches for the breed on website surged 48% in the week after Dilyn's adoption announcement. Registrations were 42% higher in the second half of 2019 compared to the first half, coinciding with heightened media exposure. Dilyn's high-profile adoption as a Jack Russell Terrier in September 2019 contributed to a surge in popularity for the breed in the , often referred to as the "Boris Bounce" in media reports. observed a marked increase in inquiries and registrations for Jack Russells following his arrival at , attributing the trend directly to the visibility of Johnson's pet. This effect aligned with a broader pre-Brexit uptick in interest for native British breeds, including Jack Russells and corgis, as reported by breed registries, though Dilyn's media exposure amplified demand for the specifically. By early , inquiries for Jack Russells had risen significantly compared to prior years, with experts linking the pattern to Dilyn's story and energetic public persona. Additionally, Dilyn's background as an abandoned from a Welsh highlighted the "adopt don't shop" , prompting statements from his rescuing charity that he boosted awareness of adoptions amid ongoing concerns over puppy farming. While overall pet ownership trends in the UK saw increases during the 2020 , Dilyn's influence was more targeted toward promoting small, lively terriers over breeds.

Personality and Behaviors

Affectionate and Loyal Qualities

Dilyn demonstrated notable affectionate tendencies, as recounted by his owner, former , who described the dog as "the most loving... hound you ever saw" despite his energetic disposition precluding lapdog behavior. This sweetness manifested in patient companionship within the Johnson household, where Dilyn formed close attachments to family members, including Johnson and his wife Carrie, often seeking proximity during daily activities at . Johnson's personal account highlights Dilyn's non-aggressive, endearing nature, positioning him as a "total sweetie" who prioritized relational bonds over dominance, aligning with observed behaviors in Jack Russell Terriers that thrive on human interaction post-adoption. Loyalty was a defining trait for Dilyn, evident in his devotion to the Johnson family amid the high-profile environment of , where he remained a steadfast presence from his arrival in July 2019 until the family's departure in 2022. Johnson emphasized Dilyn's loyalty as unparalleled, noting the dog's patient endurance of the household's chaos, including interactions with young children and staff, without displays of territorial aggression toward familiars. This fidelity echoes breed characteristics of Jack Russell Terriers, which form particularly strong, protective bonds with owners, often exhibiting sensitivity and fast-learning responsiveness to family cues, as documented in canine behavior analyses. Dilyn's loyalty extended to forgiving mischievous episodes, such as his well-publicized "romantic urges" toward visitors' legs, which Johnson attributed to youthful exuberance rather than disloyalty, underscoring the dog's consistent return to affectionate family-oriented behaviors.

Energetic and Playful Traits

Dilyn displayed pronounced energetic tendencies, often engaging in high-activity pursuits that reflected his heritage. On July 10, 2021, Prime Minister was photographed during a vigorous run near with Dilyn and his infant son Wilfred, where the actively participated, demonstrating stamina and eagerness for outdoor . This incident underscored Dilyn's capacity for sustained physical engagement, aligning with accounts of him bounding energetically around . His playful traits were evident in frequent mischievous behaviors indoors. Dilyn chewed furniture and urinated on handbags, actions attributed to exuberant exploration rather than malice, as reported by staff and family. Visitors to observed him leaping onto furnishings and gnawing shoes, behaviors signaling a lively, inquisitive prone to impulsive play. Johnson publicly described Dilyn's habit of mounting legs as uncontrollable "romantic urges," a manifestation of overexcitement common in young, energetic during interactions with people. Upon his arrival in September 2019, Dilyn was characterized as a playful providing levity amid political pressures, further evidenced by his disruption of formal settings through animated antics. These episodes collectively illustrate a whose vitality often bordered on unruliness, requiring active management in the constrained environment of Number 10.

Incidents and Controversies

Domestic and Behavioral Episodes

Dilyn exhibited several instances of destructive and inappropriate behavior during his residence at . In early 2021, the Jack Russell cross was reported to have chewed antique furniture and books, prompting to exclaim, "Someone shoot that f***ing dog," in frustration after discovering the damage. This incident highlighted Dilyn's tendency toward gnawing on household items, a common trait in young terriers but exacerbated in the high-stakes environment of the prime ministerial residence. Another behavioral episode involved territorial marking, as Dilyn reportedly lifted his leg on a special adviser's handbag in the garden in February 2021. Such actions were attributed to the dog's unneutered status and adjustment challenges in a shared living space with multiple staff and visitors. Dilyn's persistent mounting of people's legs, described by Johnson as uncontrollable "romantic urges," became a recurring domestic nuisance, with the publicly noting the dog's habit of targeting legs in on , 2021. This behavior, including an alleged attempt on ' leg during a visit to , fueled internal tensions and was later cited in political leaks amid No. 10 staffing disputes. Johnson sought advice from handlers on managing it, underscoring its disruption to daily operations. These episodes, while typical for an energetic , drew scrutiny due to their occurrence in a politically charged household, occasionally amplified by media reports linked to factional rivalries within the government.

Wildlife Encounters

Dilyn, a cross known for its hunting instincts typical of the breed, engaged in a notable encounter with during a visit to gardens. While walking in the grounds, the dog attacked and killed a gosling near the palace pond, prompting concern from then-Prime Minister . Johnson informed Queen Elizabeth II of the incident, who reportedly responded with laughter, viewing it as a minor mishap rather than a serious breach. This event underscores the terrier's predisposition to pursue small prey, as Jack Russells were historically bred for control and in the UK. No formal repercussions followed, and the incident was later recounted by Johnson as an example of Dilyn's sudden predatory shift from a gentle pet to an "lethal missile." Public reports did not indicate additional wildlife pursuits by Dilyn at official residences like or , though urban foxes are common in , and the dog's energetic nature could predispose it to such interactions if unleashed. No verified accounts exist of Dilyn engaging with larger wildlife, such as deer during reported family outings in , where the dog accompanied Johnson on nature-focused trips but remained supervised on land. Breed experts note that while such dogs thrive in rural settings for , urban environments like Westminster limit opportunities for wild encounters, reducing documented cases beyond the palace gosling. Dilyn, a Jack Russell Terrier cross, was rescued as a puppy in 2019 from a breeder in South Wales due to a congenital misaligned jaw that rendered him unsuitable for breeding and prompted plans for euthanasia; the Friends of Animals Wales charity intervened to save him. This condition contributed to early descriptions of Dilyn as a "sickly animal" during his residency at 10 Downing Street, with reports noting frequent health concerns that occasionally disrupted operations. In late March to early April 2020, as developed severe symptoms requiring intensive care from April 6 to 12, Dilyn became unwell and displayed reduced energy, prompting fears within that the dog had contracted the virus from Johnson or household contacts. personally expressed concern over the dog's condition coinciding with his own illness, though no confirmatory tests were publicly reported for Dilyn, and canine infections were rare and typically mild at the time. The episode heightened alarms in No. 10 amid the early pandemic response, but Dilyn recovered without further publicized complications. No additional major health incidents involving Dilyn were documented after 2020, with accounts emphasizing his general resilience despite the initial jaw deformity and perceived frailty.

Later Years and Legacy

Departure from Downing Street

Dilyn departed from on September 6, 2022, coinciding with Boris Johnson's final day as following his amid a Conservative Party leadership crisis. The Jack Russell cross, who had resided at the since September 2019, accompanied Johnson and his wife, , to their private home as the family vacated the premises for the incoming , . Unlike , the long-serving Chief Mouser to the who remained at Number 10, Dilyn's tenure ended with the Johnsons' exit, reflecting the transient nature of non-official pets in the residence. In his farewell address outside that morning, Johnson referenced Dilyn alongside , urging political reconciliation by noting, "If Dilyn and Larry can put their difficulties behind them, so can the Tory party," alluding to the pets' past tensions, including reported food-stealing incidents and territorial disputes. This lighthearted mention underscored Dilyn's visibility during Johnson's premiership, where the dog had become a symbol of the family's amid , though the departure itself proceeded without reported incidents involving the . Post-departure, Dilyn transitioned to private life with the Johnsons, away from the media spotlight of government service, marking the end of his three-year stint as an unofficial resident. The move aligned with standard protocol for family pets, ensuring continuity for official animals like while prioritizing the Johnsons' ownership of their rescue dog.

Ongoing Status and Reflections

Following Boris Johnson's resignation as , Dilyn departed with the Johnson family on 6 September 2022, transitioning to private life at their family home. Unlike the resident chief mouser , who remained at No. 10, Dilyn accompanied and the children, marking the end of its time in official government residences. As of late 2025, Dilyn continues to reside with the Johnson family, with no public reports of relocation, health declines, or passing. The approximately six-year-old Jack Russell-cross maintains a low-profile existence, shielded from media scrutiny that characterized its years. Occasional references in family-associated , such as profile imagery on Carrie Johnson's , affirm its ongoing presence without detailing specific activities. Reflections on Dilyn's post-Downing Street underscore the dog's role as a steadfast companion amid the Johnsons' shift from political prominence to relative . Its as a in symbolized accessibility and normalcy during turbulent governance, yet incidents like wildlife pursuits revealed inherent terrier instincts incompatible with constrained environments. In retrospect, Dilyn's legacy lies in humanizing a high-stakes administration, though behavioral challenges prompted debates on suitability in official duties, with no evidence of changes influenced by its tenure. The absence of further public escapades suggests a more fitting, unstructured home life supports its well-being better than ceremonial constraints.

References

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