Dogs

With its curly topknot, ‘rat-tail’ and boundless energy for water, the Irish water spaniel is a breed apart. Quirky, clever and affectionate, it has been winning hearts for centuries — even if it still gets mistaken for a poodle.

By Victoria Marston Published 28 September 25

A crucial bill on animal welfare is making its way through Parliament. It must pass to put an end to the illegal trade on cats and dogs.

By Agromenes Published 26 September 25

Born in France and perfected in England, the basset hound has been tracking scent trails and stealing hearts for centuries — a low-to-the-ground, long-eared charmer with a perfect amount of wrinkles.

By Florence Allen Published 21 September 25

Our modern etiquette columnist Sophia Money-Coutts reflects on the dark side of being a dog owner.

By Sophia Money-Coutts Published 17 September 25

The mastiff is England’s gentle giant.

By Victoria Marston Published 14 September 25

The Bedlington terrier originated in the mining towns of Northumberland, and while it might look like a lamb, it’s got the heart of a lion.

By Florence Allen Published 7 September 25

Mankind may be tribal and sociable by nature, yet the ‘bliss of solitude’ — a state previously reserved for hermits — is the key to achieving inner peace, says Laura Parker

By Laura Parker Published 30 August 25

Every Monday, Melanie Bryan, delves into the hidden depths of Country Life's extraordinary archive to bring you a long-forgotten story, photograph or advert.

By Melanie Bryan Published 25 August 25

Once the go-to Scottish herding dog, the smooth collie is as elegant as it is dependable — a working breed with beauty and brains.

By Victoria Marston Published 24 August 25

This week marked Sir Walter Scott’s birthday — and so it seemed the right moment to celebrate the terrier that owes its fame, and its name, to his pen.

By Victoria Marston Published 17 August 25

'Admittedly, I did once offer Dennis a small piece of truffled arancini in a Mayfair restaurant, but I felt it was important that he try his first truffle.'

By Sophia Money-Coutts Published 13 August 25

Enhancing employee morale and increasing productivity is no longer reliant on outdated management techniques. The solution is simple, and on four legs.

By Sarah Todd Published 11 August 25

As International Assistance Dog Awareness Week comes to an end, we celebrate the Labrador retriever, one of the most cherished and versatile dog breeds.

By Florence Allen Published 10 August 25

Mark Cocker's first ever sighting of the bird was at Minsmere, Suffolk, in 1976 — and he's never forgotten it.

By Mark Cocker Published 7 August 25

The artist's fascination with cats is the subject of a show at Chris Beetles Gallery which will feature 25 previously unseen works by Wain.

By Lotte Brundle Published 7 August 25

Scourge of the bird feeder and a master of ‘shock and awe’ assassinations, the sparrowhawk pursues its quarry with such tenacity and unpredictability that it often blindsides its prey.

By Mark Cocker Published 31 July 25

From ancient hunting dogs to royal symbols in medieval Britain, greyhounds have captured the hearts of many — including Jilly Cooper and Twiggy.

By Katy Birchall Published 27 July 25

A penchant for spring lamb saw the raptor species ruthlessly exterminated, but the beguiling white-tailed eagle — also known as the sea eagle — is now back on our shores.

By Mark Cocker Published 24 July 25

Known in Orkney as ‘moosie-haak’, kestrels are fierce hunters but have seriously declined and are now an amber-listed species.

By Mark Cocker Published 17 July 25