Katy Birchall

'Intelligent, calm, cautious and thoughtful': Why donkeys keep charming us

With the ability to offer silent, unwavering emotional support, donkeys are stoic and devoted creatures that can boost mental health and melt the hardest of hearts.

Whistle while you work: why the sheepdog still owns the fields and hills of Britain

Sheepdog trials are mesmerising to watch, with one man and his dog speaking a language all of their own, but sheep welfare remains the ultimate goal.

18 of the best places across Britain to go and see bluebells this spring

We round up the best gardens to visit to see carpets of bluebells this spring and explain how to tell the difference between the native flowers and foreign interlopers

Rough collies: The dogs made famous by Lassie that are hardy, clever, agile, and 'good for the soul'

With the initiative to rescue sheep and the daring to question its master, the rough collie not only lives up to its heroic reputation, but is always right, discovers Katy Birchall.

Help for our four-legged heroes: the charity that looks after retired service animals

In 2016, the Countess of Bathurst set up the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, which continues to look after blue-light families and their animals.

King Charles Spaniels: 'They’re like little people in fur coats'

Once a favourite of the nobility, the distinguished King Charles spaniel is a loving and loyal little lap dog that can also hold its own outdoors, says Katy Birchall.

Norfolk terriers: ‘Stubborn little bearers of total joy’

Lurchers: The Ferraris of the dog world who 'can steal anything from anywhere'

Once the scourge of gamekeepers, lurchers have since leapt to dizzying heights of desirability and now make endearing family pets, says Katy Birchall. Photographs by Millie Pilkington.

How to build the perfect snowman

If we get lucky and the weather delivers a big fall of snow, Katy Birchall has the best recipe for building a splendid snowman that will be the envy of your village.

Welsh springer spaniels: 'They find a way of winding themselves around your heart'

The Welsh springer spaniel is smaller than its English counterpart, and makes a wonderful pet. Katy Birchall takes a look and meets some owners.

Have you been walking your dog wrong all these years?

Letting your dog run wild can cause all sorts of problems. Instead, as Country Life's canine agony uncle Ben Randall tells Katy Birchall, we should see walks as an opportunity to strengthen our bond with our charges.

The wonderful Welsh terrier: Half the size, triple the fun

Headstrong little characters that turn heads wherever they go, Welsh terriers might look like miniature Airedales, but they have a personality entirely of their own, finds Katy Birchall. Photographs by Joe Bailey.

Bloodhounds, the brilliant, unique dogs as strong as horses: 'It’s like having a toddler — but one that can eat iPads'

Far from snoozing on a porch all day, bloodhounds are highly active pack-hunting dogs that require ‘slobber cloths’ when in company, discovers Katy Birchall.

Mervyn Millar, the genius puppet master behind War House and more: 'When there’s a puppet on stage, it does something different to your engagement with the storytelling'

Three men become one horse; four become one elephant. The life of a puppeteer is full of magic, discovers Katy Birchall, as she speaks to War Horse supremo Mervyn Millar.

The ups and downs of life with chocolate labradors: 'If one of my chocolates does something naughty, there’s no hiding. They all know it’s mine'

Chocolate labradors are becoming more and more popular — and with good reason, as Katy Birchall explains. Photographs by Millie Pilkington for Country Life.

The irresistible Old English Sheepdog: 'What could be more wonderful than a big ball of fluff always happy to see you?'

These big bundles of fur have advertised Dulux and danced with David Bowie, but numbers of old English sheepdogs are plummeting, warns Katy Birchall.

Border terriers: The dogs with endless energy that still love a cuddle on the sofa

The Border terrier has it all: bags of character, endless energy and yet small enough for cuddling on the sofa. Katy Birchall finds out more.

How to ease your dog out of lockdown

After spending a year with us at home, our dogs will have to re-learn independence. Katy Birchall finds out how we can help.

Charlie Mackesy on The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: 'It's humbling... The reaction was beyond anything I ever imagined'

Charlie Mackesy is the author and illustrator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the bestselling — and hugely poignant — book that celebrates kindness and understanding. He spoke to Katy Birchall about why there’s no shame in showing weakness and asking for help.

Sheepdog trials: How farmers' bluster has led to 150 years of enthralling, fascinating competition

The original working trials may have stemmed from banter over whose border collie was better, but, as members of the International Sheep Dog Society tell Katy Birchall, the special relationship between man, dog and sheep continues to enthral.