One of our most vulnerable native breeds: Glen of Imaal Terriers
What they lack in numbers, they make up for in personality. Only 48 of these puppies were registered last year. ‘We wanted a smallish dog – although, in fact, Glens aren’t that small – and a terrier, for their personality,’ owner Duncan Wilson recalls. ‘We were thinking of border terriers, but I was quite attracted by the idea of Glens being a very rare breed. And, of course, once you’ve seen a puppy, that’s it.’
The KC's best-kept secret: Tibetan Terriers
Hugh Bonneville may have labrador co-stars, but he comes home to two Tibetan terriers. Child friendly and in need of pampering, they're definitely not alpha dogs.
Small by stately: Dachscunds
A dog that definitely doesn't know how small it is, daschunds ('badger hounds', in German) are spirited, loyal, courageous and surprisingly keen hunters.
Pici, Britain's Naughtiest Dog
Although the runners-up included a dog who flooded an entire kitchen by taking a bath in the sink and the dog who ate Christmas, Pici really took the biscuit by eating a passport, demolishing the family's Easter eggs (without no sign of ill effect) and, most importantly, summoning the armed police. It must be read to be believed.
Regal, good-natured and undeniably handsome: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Spaniels are truly the aristocrats of the dog world. Furthest genetically removed from their wolf ancestors, they'll stick to you like glue and wont budge for love or money.
Dogs at polling stations
There's only one reason that people go to polling stations, and that is of course to exercise their democratic right to vote. However, it's a fairly dull business, and if you're lucky you may just spy a four-legged friend peering out from behind the legs of another person exercising their democratic right to vote. If you didn't in the most recent elections, see our round up here.
Fox red labradors
From gently-blushed to russet red, fox reds come in all shades of excellent. Undoubtably striking, they're companionable and patient, unsurprisingly often used as working dogs.
Aphra the minature poodle
‘Let’s go for a walk! I can jump on your knee! Let’s have a bit of that! Let’s run!’ She likes to comment on everything. ‘Great walk! Long grass! Clean trousers! Muddy puddle!’ The mind of a minature poodle is a wonderful thing – this one runs with lurchers and has the war wounds to show for it.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis
They’re not as well known as their Pembroke cousins that are so beloved by The Queen, but Cardigan Welsh corgis are small dogs with a big attitude. Not so big that they can’t be useful, though; Bella the corgi can give a 30 minute warning of an epileptic fit.
The potential dogs of No.10
Before Dilyn came along we mused over what breed he would get for No. 10. Unfortunately we weren’t right, but you can read our hypothesis here.
Tibetan terriers: Friend to the famous, lovably lively and perhaps the Kennel Club's best-kept secret
They have a starry following, but characterful Tibetan terriers are still a well-kept secret. Emma Hughes meets the best dog
Dukes and their dogs: Why Britain's aristocracy are just as mad about their canine friends as the rest of us
Stylish canines have long been a duke's or duchess's best friend, as Matthew Denison found out.
Credit: Alamy
Glen of Imaal terriers: Wilful, adorable and sadly extremely vulnerable
They’re one of our most vulnerable native breeds – but what Glen of Imaal terriers lack in numbers, they make
Which breed makes the best gundog? The pros and cons of labradors, spaniels, terriers and more
Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged
Credit: Sarah Farnsworth/Country Life
Fox-red labradors: Why red is the new black
From russet red to ever-so-slightly blushed, the fox-red is growing in popularity across the country sporting world. However, the gundog
Cavalier King Charles spaniels: Handsome, good-natured and the aristocrats of the dog world
With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its
Curious Questions: What dog should Boris Johnson get as the new pet for No. 10 Downing Street?
Credit: Millie Pilkington
Meet the animals who sustainably work Britain's most beautiful woodlands
From heavy horses to Longhorn cattle and snuffling truffle hounds, there’s no more satisfying way of managing our woodlands than
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How to make a gloomy city garden into a haven of colour and natureTiffany Daneff discovers how to transform a typically dark London back garden into a light-filled green haven that is always in use. Photographs by Clive Nichols.
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The world's hairiest animal, Saturday Night Fever and winning the lottery twice: Country Life Quiz of the Day 21 February 2025Have a stab at our Quiz of the Day. Good luck!
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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.
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Tricks of the trade: London's best spots for second-hand salesNeed a mid-century desk? A frock from the 1960s? Here are five London markets that satisfy every taste.
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The silver screen, blockbusters and bombs: The curious terminology of films explainedWhat links the RAF, Jurassic Park and Jaws? More than you might think.
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You've got peemail: Why dogs sniff each other's urineEver wondered why your dog is so fond of sniffing another’s pee? 'The urine is the carrier service, the equivalent of Outlook or Gmail,' explains Laura Parker.
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Seven true ghost stories from a century of Country LifeOver the course of Country Life's 125-year history, dozens of readers have shared their tales of ghosts. Here we've picked out seven of the most fascinating.
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10 of Scotland’s most magical white sand beachesWhat better day to celebrate some of Scotland's most stunning locations than St Andrew's Day? Here's our pick of 10 of the finest white sand beaches in the country.
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The BBC Proms are the most ambitious, eclectic and successful classical music festival in the world — and we should celebrate themThe Proms are a great British institution and a remarkable success story, says Country Life's cultural commentator Athena.
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Country Life's top 10 dog stories of 2022From beautiful breeds to superb advice from our training expert, these are our best dog-related stories of the last 12 months.
