Meet the UK's most distinguished dogs
Many of us can't imagine life without our dog by our side, providing comfort, companionship and endless entertainment – and the people living and working in some of the UK's grandest institutions and stately homes are no exception.
From a pair of fine-art-loving whippets to a pack of nine – yes, nine! – pooches living in a famous on-screen castle, meet the canine residents of these special places and discover what their lives are like...
And yes, dogs are most definitely allowed on the sofa...
Freya and Stella the Labradors of Highclere Castle
On screen, Hugh Bonneville or Lord Grantham, as we should call him, often strolled around Highclere with his Labrador, Isis. Behind the cameras, the real Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle – is home to Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their nine dogs.
The pack comprises six Labradors (Alfie, Scooby Doo, Stella, Freya, Poppy and Isla) and three cocker spaniels (Evie, Winston and Clemmie, named after the Churchills, who would often visit). “After dinner, we all relax on the sofa together,” Lady Carnarvon tells Country Living, not minding if it’s a bit of a squeeze.
Highclere hosts Christmas tours and carol services.
Dash the Cockalier of Brown's Hotel
What better setting for a city dog of distinction than London’s oldest luxury hotel? Dash the cockalier – a cavalier king Charles spaniel and cocker spaniel cross – is a regular at five-star Brown’s in Mayfair with his owner Stuart Shaw, director of sales and marketing.
When Dash isn’t snoozing under Stuart’s desk, he loves to greet guests, especially children who are keen to play. But the best thing about being a hotel dog is The Donovan Bar, where Dash might enjoy what Stuart describes as “the best treat in the whole of London”: Parmesan cheese.
Brown's offers pet-friendly stays, with perks including a William Morris Dog Walkers Kit and a curated list of Mayfair’s best lamp posts.
Betsy the French Bulldog of Christ Church, University of Oxford
Helen Camuñas-Lopez, visitor manager at Christ Church in Oxford, has an unusual assistant: her French bulldog Betsy.
When Betsy isn’t welcoming the college’s half a million annual visitors, she helps Helen collect post from the Porters’ Lodge, comforts students missing their dogs back home and keeps an eye on the Longhorn cattle in Christ Church Meadow. She also enjoys playing fetch in the college gardens and watching rowers on the Isis. That’s when she’s not studying for her dogtorate…
Winston the Dachshund of Goodwood
Inspired by The Duke of Richmond’s love of dogs, each spring the Goodwood estate welcomes owners and their dogs to the ultimate dog event, Goodwoof, which offers everything from agility and flyball and is frequented by the Duke’s family dogs, working cocker spaniel Leto and dachshund Winston – the celebrated breed at this year’s event. Canines can even compete to be crowned “chien charmant”, the most stylish hound.
Goodwoof 2025 runs from 17 - 18 May.
Daisy the Labrador of Winchester Cathedral
When Daisy the Labrador retriever tried to visit Winchester Cathedral two years ago, she was denied entry. Owner Sarah Morris wrote to the dean, who changed the policy to allow calm, well-behaved dogs and Daisy soon became its first canine congregant.
Fortunately for Sarah and Daisy, more than half the cathedrals in the UK permit dogs, enabling them to embark on a “dog pilgrimage” to visit as many as possible. They’re up to 23, ranging from Salisbury to Lincoln. “Daisy now has fans all over the world,” says Sarah, who is recording their journey on Instagram @blackdogso41. Winchester, says Sarah, remains Daisy’s favourite.
Cedric and Bunny the Whippets of Philip Mould Gallery
When they’re not relaxing at their country house, Duck End in Oxfordshire, whippets Cedric and Bunny are regulars at the gallery of their owner, art dealer and Fake or Fortune? presenter Philip Mould.
Philip likes to think that Cedric has developed an eye for the work of his namesake, Cedric Morris, having been held up to examine paintings since he was a puppy. Bunny is more interested in moving objects. “They are very playful and supremely swift,” Philip tells Country Living. “This energy is countered by a love of sleep, during which, judging by their twitches, they are dreaming of chasing squirrels.”
Poppy the Lurcher of Castle Howard
Lurcher Poppy belongs to the Hon. Nicholas Howard and his wife Victoria Howard OBE, and enjoys a leisurely life at Castle Howard, a Baroque masterpiece that’s appeared on screen in everything from Bridgerton to Brideshead Revisited.
Poppy loves sofa-time and parties, where she can mingle and snaffle the odd snack. She also enjoys roaming much of the 9,000 acres of land, which the Howards are regenerating to improve biodiversity and support sustainable farming. Poppy’s favourite spot, though, is the 18th-century walled garden, which is a glorious suntrap.
From 15 November - 5 January 2025, Castle Howard hosts Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, with festive installations in the house.
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