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.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
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
- 
 'The King of Hell was fat from gorging on souls and he expelled some more from his bowels': The many guises of the Devil Antiquity to present day 'The King of Hell was fat from gorging on souls and he expelled some more from his bowels': The many guises of the Devil Antiquity to present dayTaking as many guises as his names, the Prince of Lies turned at times into a man-devouring ogre, a mutant medley of claws, horns and wings, or the brooding rebel that lit the imagination of Romantic painters. 
- 
 'My sister Catherine shares a love of bees and has a few hives herself': James Middleton, Jamie Oliver and Sir David Beckham on the pleasures of harvesting your own honey 'My sister Catherine shares a love of bees and has a few hives herself': James Middleton, Jamie Oliver and Sir David Beckham on the pleasures of harvesting your own honeyBeekeeping is a star-studded hobby and has much to offer, finds Jane Wheatley. 
- 
 Cocker spaniels: The indefatigable dog breed with medieval lineage that stole David Beckham’s heart Cocker spaniels: The indefatigable dog breed with medieval lineage that stole David Beckham’s heartOnce bred to flush out woodcock, now found in royal estates and Hollywood homes — the Cocker Spaniel’s charm knows no bounds. 
- 
 Sophia Money-Coutts: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but should dogs really be allowed in posh hotels? Sophia Money-Coutts: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but should dogs really be allowed in posh hotels?Dog lover, Sophia Money-Coutts, debates whether our canine companions should be able to accompany us to Five Star establishments. 
- 
 England and the 1966 World Cup — which was stolen and later recovered by a dog called Pickles England and the 1966 World Cup — which was stolen and later recovered by a dog called PicklesIn celebration of the footballing talents of Country Life's guest editor Sir David Beckham, we look back at the summer of 1966, when the England national team was on top of the world. 
- 
 The Irish red and white setter: The rare beauty brought back from the brink The Irish red and white setter: The rare beauty brought back from the brinkA history of Ireland’s original setter — the elegant, intelligent breed saved from extinction by devoted breeders and cherished as a symbol of the nation’s sporting heritage. 
- 
 A handy five minute guide to Frieze — and the things you really don’t want to miss A handy five minute guide to Frieze — and the things you really don’t want to missThe London art fair returns this week. 
- 
 The Lancashire heeler: A clever, compact and very rare terrier that was once described as having 'the same value as an ox' The Lancashire heeler: A clever, compact and very rare terrier that was once described as having 'the same value as an ox'From cattle drover to companion, the Lancashire heeler is as versatile as it is rare. 
- 
 The English bull terrier is mischief meets muscle The English bull terrier is mischief meets muscleFrom the 19th-century show rings to the homes of artists, royals and rock stars, the English bull terrier is one of our most original and loveable dogs. 
- 
 How American political refugees, economic migrants and devoted Anglophiles are transforming London How American political refugees, economic migrants and devoted Anglophiles are transforming LondonOne luxury restaurant, apartment and tennis court at a time. 
