Country Life's best dog stories of 2019: Adorably loyal terriers, political pooches and the dog who ate Christmas
Here at Country Life we (unsurprisingly) discuss a lot of four-legged friends. Here are our favourites from 2019.


One of our most vulnerable native breeds: Glen of Imaal Terriers
What they lack in numbers, they make up for in personality. Only 48 of these puppies were registered last year. ‘We wanted a smallish dog – although, in fact, Glens aren’t that small – and a terrier, for their personality,’ owner Duncan Wilson recalls. ‘We were thinking of border terriers, but I was quite attracted by the idea of Glens being a very rare breed. And, of course, once you’ve seen a puppy, that’s it.’
The KC's best-kept secret: Tibetan Terriers
Hugh Bonneville may have labrador co-stars, but he comes home to two Tibetan terriers. Child friendly and in need of pampering, they're definitely not alpha dogs.
Small by stately: Dachscunds
A dog that definitely doesn't know how small it is, daschunds ('badger hounds', in German) are spirited, loyal, courageous and surprisingly keen hunters.
Pici, Britain's Naughtiest Dog
Although the runners-up included a dog who flooded an entire kitchen by taking a bath in the sink and the dog who ate Christmas, Pici really took the biscuit by eating a passport, demolishing the family's Easter eggs (without no sign of ill effect) and, most importantly, summoning the armed police. It must be read to be believed.
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Regal, good-natured and undeniably handsome: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Spaniels are truly the aristocrats of the dog world. Furthest genetically removed from their wolf ancestors, they'll stick to you like glue and wont budge for love or money.
Dogs at polling stations
There's only one reason that people go to polling stations, and that is of course to exercise their democratic right to vote. However, it's a fairly dull business, and if you're lucky you may just spy a four-legged friend peering out from behind the legs of another person exercising their democratic right to vote. If you didn't in the most recent elections, see our round up here.
Fox red labradors
From gently-blushed to russet red, fox reds come in all shades of excellent. Undoubtably striking, they're companionable and patient, unsurprisingly often used as working dogs.
Aphra the minature poodle
‘Let’s go for a walk! I can jump on your knee! Let’s have a bit of that! Let’s run!’ She likes to comment on everything. ‘Great walk! Long grass! Clean trousers! Muddy puddle!’ The mind of a minature poodle is a wonderful thing – this one runs with lurchers and has the war wounds to show for it.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis
They’re not as well known as their Pembroke cousins that are so beloved by The Queen, but Cardigan Welsh corgis are small dogs with a big attitude. Not so big that they can’t be useful, though; Bella the corgi can give a 30 minute warning of an epileptic fit.
The potential dogs of No.10
Before Dilyn came along we mused over what breed he would get for No. 10. Unfortunately we weren’t right, but you can read our hypothesis here.
Tibetan terriers: Friend to the famous, lovably lively and perhaps the Kennel Club's best-kept secret
They have a starry following, but characterful Tibetan terriers are still a well-kept secret. Emma Hughes meets the best dog
Dukes and their dogs: Why Britain's aristocracy are just as mad about their canine friends as the rest of us
Stylish canines have long been a duke's or duchess's best friend, as Matthew Denison found out.
Credit: Alamy
Glen of Imaal terriers: Wilful, adorable and sadly extremely vulnerable
They’re one of our most vulnerable native breeds – but what Glen of Imaal terriers lack in numbers, they make
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
Credit: Sarah Farnsworth/Country Life
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
Cavalier King Charles spaniels: Handsome, good-natured and the aristocrats of the dog world
With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its
Curious Questions: What dog should Boris Johnson get as the new pet for No. 10 Downing Street?
Credit: Millie Pilkington
Meet the animals who sustainably work Britain's most beautiful woodlands
From heavy horses to Longhorn cattle and snuffling truffle hounds, there’s no more satisfying way of managing our woodlands than
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Time to join the fan club: the history of this summer's must-have accessory
As summer temperatures continue to soar, fans — long considered a fashion anachronism — are back in the style spotlight.
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The English county where you can gorge yourself on Cheddar: Country Life's Quiz of the Day, August 15, 2025
Cheese, legendary kings and giant naked men on hillsides light up Friday's Quiz of the Day.
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How the acrobatic buzzard survived persecution to become one of Britain's best avian hunters
It may appear lethargic, but no one could argue with the hunting prowess of the common buzzard when it transforms into a surging missile intent on an unsuspecting victim.
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From Lincoln to London, the crosses of Eleanor are a legacy of love
A grief-stricken Edward I built a legacy to love across the middle of England in memory of his adored Queen Consort, marked by 12 Eleanor Crosses. The historian Alice Loxton walks in the footsteps of the epic funerary procession.
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Pier today, gone tomorrow: Blackpool pleasure pier up for sale
A product of Victorian entertainment, piers are synonymous with the British seaside. But they need our help to survive.
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Sophia Money-Coutts: Can my dog sit with me at the table when I’m eating out?
'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.'
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A hoover for goose droppings, a tree-planting battle with the Hilton, and a disgusting banana: Inside Buckingham Palace and its gardens
The summer tours of The King’s residence this year include two new state rooms and a peep inside his private gardens.
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What everyone is talking about this week: Would you swim in the River Thames?
Week in, week out, Will Hosie rounds up the hottest topics on everyone's lips, in London and beyond.
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'I really believe they increase productivity': If you want to get ahead, bring your dog to the office
Enhancing employee morale and increasing productivity is no longer reliant on outdated management techniques. The solution is simple, and on four legs.
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‘She’s absolutely everything to me. She’s my future, my hope, my light’: How Labrador retrievers went from catching fish to saving lives
As International Assistance Dog Awareness Week comes to an end, we celebrate the Labrador retriever, one of the most cherished and versatile dog breeds.