Dogs & Animals
From perfect pedigrees to loveable canine scamps of unknown origin, we celebrate man’s best friend.
Looking for a new dog? Head straight for our article on how to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home.
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Curious Questions: Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs?
Chocolate is potentially life-threatening to dogs and other animals throughout the year, but more issues crop up around Easter, when chocolate is in high supply. Alexandra Fraser, with the help of veterinary doctor Jessica May, explains how to act if you suspect your pet had been poisoned.
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An ode to the worm: ‘The intestines of the earth‘, 6,000 species, 600 million years old and undeniably valuable
Lauded by Aristotle as the ‘intestines of the earth’, the 1.75 million worms found in each acre of fertile arable land deserve the utmost respect, says an admiring Ian Morton.
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Things to do at home: Learn the secrets of happiness, watch a Royal Opera House performance and tour a great British garden
Country Life rounds up the best things to see, do and book this week.
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The dogs of lockdown: How our four-legged friends are surviving (and thriving)
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The 10 most famous dog-and-owner combinations in history, from Churchill and his poodles to the Royal dog with its own footman
Dogs have always walked alongside the great and the good — not to mention the notorious and the terrible. Annunciata Elwes follows the ‘tails’ (ho ho) of 10 of history’s most well-remembered dogs and their equally notable owners.
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Labradoodles: The ultimate companion, from allergy-compatible guide dog to beloved family pet
In the past 30 years, this well-mannered crossbreed has stolen our hearts, yet the man responsible has likened it to Frankenstein’s monster. Kate MacDougall finds out more.
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11 hauntingly beautiful pictures of dogs in cars from one of the most unusual and touching books of the year
A fascination with dogs and cars has prompted photographer Martin Usborne to produce a beautiful, unusual and gently haunting book.
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Crufts 2020: Best behind-the-scenes pictures from the iconic dog show
We celebrate the funny, touching and frankly exhausting-looking images from the world's top dog show, Crufts 2020.
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How to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home
Those who grew up with dogs probably already know which breed they want to own, and have done for years. But the rest of us might need a bit of help — so we spoke to the Kennel Club to get their tips on how to choose the perfect pedigree dog.
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The Utterly Inessential Crufts Shopping List: The toys, treats and trends that your dog deserves this year
Alexandra Fraser rounds up the top dog accessories on the market right now in honour of Crufts this weekend. After all, who deserves a treat more than Man's Best Friend?
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Cocker Spaniels: The irresistible dogs with loyalty to melt the coldest of hearts, who've swept all before them at Crufts
As the dog world prepares for Crufts 2020, we take a look at the breed of dog which has been crowned Best in Show more often than any other: the cocker spaniel.
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Five top tips to make the most of your dog walk, plus five incredible National Trust spots to explore off-lead
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Bedlington terriers: The looks of a lamb with the temperament of a terrier
Bedlingtons may be mild-mannered and sensitive, but keep an eye on them when they're off the lead...
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Dandie Dinmont terriers: The adorable dogs with the soulful eyes who are bright, sparky and can't help but make you smile
The numbers of Dandie Dinmont terriers has recovered since a worrying dip a few years ago, and an anniversary year in 2020 could see the popularity of these irresistibly friendly dogs grow further.
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16 absolutely stunning images from the 2020 British Photography Awards
Our picture editor Lucy Ford picks out some of the finest from among the 320 shortlisted images entered for the 2020 British Photography Awards.
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Beavers back in Sussex for the first time in 400 years
Thanks to the Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Knepp Estate, beavers will once more be seen in the the Adur area.
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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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Sealyham terriers: The dogs that are small, friendly, full of character and great for families
We meet the courageous and cheerful Sealyham terrier, one of our rarest native breeds of dog.
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The problem with geese: A farmer's nuisance, but a musician's dream
These avian visitors are a nuisance when they eat all the grass, but winters would be bleaker without their music. Jamie Blackett explains his conundrum.
