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.
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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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'Designer, maker, influencer': How Glyndebourne plans to honour Oliver Messel's legacy this summer
A century on from his professional debut, Glyndebourne is to stage an exhibition celebrating the visionary 20th century stage designer.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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Dawn Chorus: How to listen to The King's new playlist, Spike Milligan's wonky house and Burgh Island
Monday morning's Dawn Chorus round-up finds presidential inspiration, a comedic home and more.
By Toby Keel Published
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Dawn Chorus: How to listen to The King's new playlist, Spike Milligan's wonky house and Burgh Island
Monday morning's Dawn Chorus round-up finds presidential inspiration, a comedic home and more.
By Toby Keel Published
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Mexico, Miss Argentina and north Norfolk: How padel is taking over the world
What is padel? Why is it so popular? And what can it do for the countryside?
By Patrick Galbraith Published
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'As fun a dog as you’ll ever come across’, and a global icon — so why have smooth fox terriers become so rare?
Once so popular they were labelled the ‘English terrier’, numbers of smooth fox terriers have dwindled to worrying levels. Yet these smart and charming little dogs could rival the labrador if better known, devotees tell Flora Watkins.
By Flora Watkins Published
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Dawn Chorus: The unseen Queen, the ultimate Highland train and the three-bedroom wreck for sale at £695k
By Toby Keel Published
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The fast and the furryous: When some cool canines stole the show from priceless cars in St Moritz
The ICE is synonymous with beautiful cars, but everyone knows that the real stars of the show are the dogs strutting their stuff on St Moritz's frozen lake.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 pictures
Plus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
By James Fisher Published
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Everything you need to know about Hampstead: The real star of 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy'
From Protestant Dissenters to Dame Judi Dench, Hampstead has long been synonymous with liberal values and prosperity — which is what makes it different from other parts of London. Now, it's stealing hearts the world over in the latest Bridget Jones film.
By Carla Passino Published
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Tricks of the trade: London's best spots for second-hand sales
Need a mid-century desk? A frock from the 1960s? Here are five London markets that satisfy every taste.
By Arabella Youens Published