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.
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.
Chocolate labradors are becoming more and more popular — and with good reason, as Katy Birchall explains. Photographs by Millie Pilkington for Country Life.
These big bundles of fur have advertised Dulux and danced with David Bowie, but numbers of old English sheepdogs are plummeting, warns Katy Birchall.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Children’s books offer an escape from reality that can last well into adulthood. Here's our pick of the very best.
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.
Clownish and energetic, yet devoted and trainable, boxer dogs make an entertaining addition to the family.
Keeping fish at your home can bring a great sense of serenity — but did you know that fish can become tame, and swim right up to your arms? Katy Birchall found out more.
From russet red to ever-so-slightly blushed, the fox-red is growing in popularity across the country sporting world. However, the gundog of the moment goes further back than you think, discovers Katy Birchall.
They might be the underdogs of the canine world, but true Heinz 57s–whether born by accident or design–will always hold a special place in our hearts, says Katy Birchall
Katy Birchall takes a look at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, and picks out some more of the best Christmas choir services across the country.
Italian Greyhounds are a conundrum: for all their speed potential they're usually infuriatingly slow, miniature-sized – and they're not even Italian. No wonder they've entranced people since the heyday of the ancient Egyptians, as Katy Birchall explains.
Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged for centuries. Katy Birchall asks which breed works for you.
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
