With human monikers, makes of gun or even gamebirds used to identify gundogs, David Tomlinson prefers the simplicity of the hunt system for naming foxhounds
SOME years ago I spent an amusing day on a shoot at which one of the guns had a golden retriever called Ben. He wasn’t the best-trained dog I’ve ever met and had a tendency to ignore the whistle. This led to furious bellows of “Ben!” from his owner. What made this funny was that the shoot captain was also called Ben, as was the chief picker-up. Like the dog, both Ben and Ben tended to ignore shouts of “Ben!”
There are many pitfalls in naming a dog: giving them human names, as many of us do, is one of them. For the past 11 years I’ve owned a springer spaniel called Rowan and there have been a number of occasions when I have had to explain that she was named after the tree (also know as the mountain ash) and not after a former Archbishop of Canterbury. She was one of a home-bred litter of 10 and we named all the puppies after trees. Few retained these names when they went to their new homes, though one that did was Ash.
It does seem that if you own a slightly whacky breed of dog, such as a cockerpoo, you give it a name that also makes you smile. I recently met one called Doris – named, apparently, after an elderly aunt – and it suited the dog perfectly. Over the years I have met a surprising number of dogs called Dog, which strikes me as somewhat unimaginative, as does calling one Boy or Girl.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays