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Vizslas: Superior at first, but docile, gentle at heart and prone to stick to you like glue
Once the dog of Hungarian sporting nobility, the charismatic russet-gold vizsla, either wirehaired or smooth, has almost unmatched all-round ability in the field, discovers Katy Birchall.
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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.
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Keeping fish: Building a world-class aquarium, choosing what to put in it — and getting them to swim into your arms
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.
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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 of the moment goes further back than you think, discovers Katy Birchall.
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Why we love our mongrels, by Jilly Cooper, Jeremy Irons and more owners who love their Heinz 57s
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
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The best places in Britain to go and hear Christmas choir services over the festive period
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.
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The Italian Greyhound: Tiny, beloved of royalty and anything but fast (until they put their minds to it)
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.
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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 for centuries. Katy Birchall asks which breed works for you.
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Why socks are the new ties – and what yours say about you
Two years ago, Country Life decried the wearing of lilac socks. But times change, and so do we: it's time to acknowledge that socks are the new ties, as Katy Birchall explains.
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10 things you need to know about Operation Santa: How the Royal Mail helps Father Christmas reply to children across Britain
For over half a century, a secret room in a Belfast sorting office has housed a team of 'honorary elves' tasked with replying to the children who write Father Christmas to ask for everything from love to handlebar moustaches. Katy Birchall explains how it works.
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Battersea Dogs Home's place in the country, where you'll find dogs for walking and working
Battersea Dogs Home isn't only in Battersea – they also have centres out in the country where you could find the ideal walking companion or even a working dog. Katy Birchall paid a visit, with photographs by Andrew Sydenham.
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The Christmas crackers you need on your table this year
Don't end up disappointed with toe-curling jokes and miniature screwdrivers – here's what you could get instead...
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Colin Firth named 'Gentleman of the Year' by Country Life
Katy Birchall announces the winners of Country Life’s 2017 Gentleman of the Year Awards.
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The 10 best restaurants in Yorkshire
Country Life's choice of the very best restaurants and places to eat throughout Yorkshire.
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On top of the world: The painstaking, intricate art of globe-making
After years as little-used antiques hidden in dusty libraries, Bellerby & Co is putting handcrafted globes back on the map. Katy Birchall talks to the man with the whole world in his hands.
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Top 10 fictional spies, from Bond and Bourne to Hannay and Smiley
Cold War agent George Smiley is back after 25 years. To celebrate John le Carré’s new novel, Katy Birchall presents her top 10 literary spies.
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The life and times of Jane Austen
A potted history of one of our greatest literary influences.
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Jane Austen’s six most-famous novels, summed up in 10 words each
Novels in a nutshell.
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Behind the names: The Austen characters you need to know
Feisty feminist heroines and dashing handsome heros.
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Fabulous Frenchies: Vive le bulldog français!
Sacrebleu! It seems that Britain’s top dog is a French bulldog.
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Crystal clear: Groundhog Day and Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal has announced its continued partnership with London theatre The Old Vic. Katy Birchall stops by for a cocktail before the show.
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The 10 best restaurants in Scotland
Country Life's choice of the very best restaurants and places to eat tin Scotland.
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The best restaurants in Hampshire
From river bank pubs to Michelin starred restaurants, Country Life picks the best places to eat in Hampshire
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Shakespeare exhibitions and plays 2016
Celebrate this year's Shakespeare anniversary by indulging in some culture from plays and talks to exhibitions and walks all over the country
