Clash of the titans
Country Life UK|September 30, 2020
With the age-old rivalry between labradors and spaniels–whether springer or cocker–showing no sign of abating, Katy Birchall asks the dogs themselves which breed makes the pawfect companion in the field
Katy Birchall
Clash of the titans

The labrador

OH, hard luck! That was a close one, you almost hit it. Next time, eh? Keep that chin uuuuuuup… oops! Sorry, didn’t mean to yawn. Must be the early start. Nothing to do with the workload. I’m perfectly happy waiting for those big retrieves coming my way, any minute now.

Was that your stomach rumbling or mine? Now, I don’t mean to complain, but are you sure my breakfast was as big as it should be? I only mention it because I feel famished and it wasn’t all that long ago. I’m using a lot more energy these days, remember, what with all this peg work, so I wonder if that should be reflected in my portions. Food for thought.

Now, here’s a corker! Right overhead! You’ve got this! You—Ah. Bad luck. He was a nimble fellow and I may have put you off with all my tail wagging. Don’t lose faith, something will… is it just me or is Bracken over there on peg seven smirking? The nerve! Don’t you take any notice of him, he’s not worth your time. At least you’re not a dark-yellow labrador parading about as a fox red. And I don’t want to spread rumours, but I saw him snaffle a sandwich from a child’s plate on the shoot last Saturday. Poor child. A mature Cheddar with Branston pickle on thick white bloomer, gone in a flash…

Denne historien er fra September 30, 2020-utgaven av Country Life UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 30, 2020-utgaven av Country Life UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA COUNTRY LIFE UKSe alt
Kitchen garden cook - Apples
Country Life UK

Kitchen garden cook - Apples

'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'

time-read
2 mins  |
October 23, 2024
The original Mr Rochester
Country Life UK

The original Mr Rochester

Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre

time-read
5 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Get it write
Country Life UK

Get it write

Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution

time-read
6 mins  |
October 23, 2024
'Sloes hath ben my food'
Country Life UK

'Sloes hath ben my food'

A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright

time-read
3 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Souvenirs of greatness
Country Life UK

Souvenirs of greatness

FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Plants for plants' sake
Country Life UK

Plants for plants' sake

The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson

time-read
7 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Capturing the castle
Country Life UK

Capturing the castle

Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker

time-read
6 mins  |
October 23, 2024
Nature's own cathedral
Country Life UK

Nature's own cathedral

Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods

time-read
5 mins  |
October 23, 2024
All that money could buy
Country Life UK

All that money could buy

A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages

time-read
8 mins  |
October 23, 2024
In with the old
Country Life UK

In with the old

Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery

time-read
5 mins  |
October 23, 2024