Country Life's 10 best dog stories of 2021
From Border Terriers to the unwritten rules of walking your dog, here are the highlights of a year's worth of dog tales.

The top 20 cutest dog breeds in the world, ranked according to science
Ranking the cuteness of dogs? You might as well rank the beauty of flowers,' we wrote of the science behind this list. But it's hard to deny that it's a fascinating look at what we love about dogs.
The ten unwritten rules of walking your dog – and how to follow them
There are some things that nobody will tell you before you get a dog. Until now, that is.
The champion dog trainer with a game-changing method who can teach any dog new tricks
Ben Randall showed our own Paula Lester some of his wonderful dog training tips in October — and if you enjoyed this piece, the good news is that Ben will start writing for Country Life in 2022.
West Highland Terriers: The dogs that are clever, funny and inquisitive, with an irresistibly smiley demeanour and a skip in their step
Few dogs have as much character as Westies — as the sometimes hair-raising tales in this piece show.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Golden retrievers: The gorgeous dogs that bring friendship, loyalty and love
Some call the golden retriever the ‘dumb blonde’ of the dog world, but those who know them know differently.
How to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home
You might already know what sort of dog you'd like — if not, this is the place to start.
Border terriers: The dogs with endless energy that still love a cuddle on the sofa
No less an authority than tennis legend Andy Murray provided the headline for this article — how's that for celebrity endorsement of a dog breed?
The six most destructive dog breeds
Hide your food. Hide your shoes. Hide your magazines. Hide everything.
The Lakeland terrier: ‘A hard-working handful’
The dog that'll keep going all day, in all weather. The big question is whether you can keep up.
Curious Questions: Why can’t we resist puppy dog eyes?
It's no accident that your heart melts when dogs gaze into your eyes, as Martin Fone explains.
Credit: Getty Images
Labradors: The all-action dogs that are just as happy lazing on the sofa as saving lives
An all-action working dog that's never happier than when lazing on the sofa? That's the labrador for you. We take
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
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
If only dogs could talk: Reading the minds of Britain's 11 most popular breeds, from Labradors to Westies
Do pooches really take on the characteristics of their so-called owners? Rupert Uloth spoke to some of Britain’s most popular
Labradoodles: The ultimate companion, from allergy-compatible guide dog to beloved family pet
In the past 30 years, this well-mannered crossbreed has stolen our hearts, yet the man responsible has likened it to
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
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It's a perfect storm for the revival of eclecticism, and we're in the middle of it
In design, periods of purism are often followed by a dramatic new mood. Now, the scene is set for an exciting revival of eclecticism.
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How good is your Claudia Winkleman trivia? Find out in The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 13, 2025
What secrets lurk beneath that fringe?
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The Lancashire heeler: A clever, compact and very rare terrier that was once described as having 'the same value as an ox'
From cattle drover to companion, the Lancashire heeler is as versatile as it is rare.
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The English bull terrier is mischief meets muscle
From the 19th-century show rings to the homes of artists, royals and rock stars, the English bull terrier is one of our most original and loveable dogs.
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How American political refugees, economic migrants and devoted Anglophiles are transforming London
One luxury restaurant, apartment and tennis court at a time.
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‘Sex, Money, Race, Religion’: Unlikely pair Philharmonia Orchestra and Gilbert & George collaborate on one-off concert
The artist duo once declared music to be ‘the enemy’, but this hasn’t stopped them from teaming up at the Royal Festival Hall for the orchestra’s 80th anniversary.
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'Nowadays, little separates the literati from the glitterati': Britain's literary festivals are this season's hot tickets
Britain is synonymous with the literary festival, says Will Hosie, and they are only growing in popularity.
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The not-so-ugly duckling: What to know about the quirky Irish water spaniel
With its curly topknot, ‘rat-tail’ and boundless energy for water, the Irish water spaniel is a breed apart. Quirky, clever and affectionate, it has been winning hearts for centuries — even if it still gets mistaken for a poodle.
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'Top Trumps: British wildlife edition': How do our native animals measure up against one another
Patrick Galbraith rates ten of the UK's most interesting native animals on their elusiveness, speed and deliciousness, and reveals everything else you need to know about them.
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Agromenes: Act now for Man’s best friends
A crucial bill on animal welfare is making its way through Parliament. It must pass to put an end to the illegal trade on cats and dogs.