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.
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Norfolk terriers: ‘Stubborn little bearers of total joy’
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How to teach an old dog new tricks? Engage their brains as well as their bodies
Long walks might be good for tiring your dog out, but, as Katy Birchall discovers, brain games are equally as important when it comes to relieving boredom, anxiety and restlessness for man’s best friend.
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The greatest children's books that hit the spot for young and old, as chosen by Alan Titchmarsh, Jilly Cooper, Ian Rankin and more
Children’s books offer an escape from reality that can last well into adulthood. Here's our pick of the very best.
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'We're not here to judge... if people need us, we come': How the RNLI London crews keep residents, tourists and even dogs safe from the Thames
The RNLI's two busiest lifeboat stations aren't on the coast: they're the Tower and Chiswick lifeboat crews who keep people safe on the Thames in Central London. Katy Birchall reports.
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Vizslas: Superior at first, but docile, gentle at heart and prone to stick to you like glue
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Boxer dogs: Loyal, trusting and affectionate – once you get past the drool
Clownish and energetic, yet devoted and trainable, boxer dogs make an entertaining addition to the family.
