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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Agnes Stamp, author of ‘Country Life’s Book of Dogs.’ They explore the rich history of dogs in British aristocracy, the inspiration behind the book, and Agnes’s personal experiences with various dog breeds. The conversation delves into the role of dogs in society, the impact of photography on public perception, and delightful anecdotes from history. Agnes shares her journey to writing the book and discusses the importance of preserving vulnerable native breeds. The episode is a celebration of the bond between humans and dogs, highlighting their significance in British culture. Special guest stars include Jonathan’s King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Cooper.
Links
- Win a Copy of the Book Sign-up Form
- Country Life’s Book of Dogs (Amazon)
- Country Life’s Book of Dogs (Bookshop.org)
- Country Life Magazine
- Country Life Archive
- Country Life 125 Book (Amazon)
- Country Life 125 Book (Bookshop.org)
- Country Life 125 Interview John Goodall
Takeaways
- The book is a love letter to dogs.
- Dogs have been part of Country Life’s editorial makeup since its inception.
- Agnes has a deep love for all dog breeds.
- Historically, dogs served various purposes in society.
- The shift from working dogs to companion dogs reflects societal changes.
- Photography has played a crucial role in shaping public perception of dogs.
- Agnes’s personal experiences with dogs influenced her writing.
- The importance of preserving vulnerable native breeds is emphasized.
- Humans and dogs share a unique bond that transcends time.
- The book offers a snapshot of the breeds dear to Country Life.
Sound Bites
- “Princess Diana actually called them a moving carpet of corgis because she was always had them at her ankles.” – Agnes describing Queen Elizabeth II’s famous corgi pack.
- “on his wedding night when Napoleon went back to the covers to hop into bed with Josephine, fortune popped out and savaged Napoleon.” – The story of Josephine Bonaparte’s pug attacking Napoleon on their wedding night.
- “Lord Byron had his beloved Newfoundland, Bowson… But a little known fact is that he also kept two bulldogs during his time at Cambridge University. And they were called Savage and Smut.” – Revealing Byron’s lesser-known bulldogs with memorable names.
- “all I observed was the silliness of the king playing with his dogs all the while and not minding the business.” – Samuel Pepys’ 1666 critique of King Charles II’s obsession with his spaniels during government meetings.
- “And when one of the young princes appears on screen, she says, you know, could be William could be George. And then as soon as a corgi appears, she says instantly that Susan.” – Queen Elizabeth II recognizing her dog before her own grandchildren in family videos.
- “the tale of Laszlo, the Dan-Diedenmont Terrier… this particular Terrier terrorized Boris Johnson when he was editing The Spectator.” – A vulnerable native breed dog giving the future PM trouble.
- “there are great kennels at an estate here called Goodwood, which by the way had heating before the main house did.” – The priority given to prize foxhounds over human comfort in aristocratic estates.
- “Dachshunds had a bit of a, you know, rough deal in this country historically… They were persecuted for being German.” – The unfortunate wartime treatment of German dog breeds in Britain.
- “I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I agree. I mean, I don’t think any dog could be described as grotesque.” – Agnes diplomatically defending all dog breeds when asked about “grotesque looking dogs.”
- “They said that Staffies should have a tail like a old fashioned pump handle and Titan really did.” – A charming breed standard description that perfectly matched Agnes’s own dog.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to the World of Aristocratic Dogs
- 03:03 The Inspiration Behind the Book
- 06:56 Agnes Stamp’s Journey as a Writer
- 12:06 The Role of Dogs in British Aristocracy
- 17:00 Selection Criteria for Dog Breeds
- 21:09 Delightful Discoveries in Dog History
- 22:57 Exploring the Royal Kennel Club Library
- 24:05 Anecdotes of King Charles Spaniels
- 25:09 Researching Dog Breeds and Historical Figures
- 26:32 Captivating Stories of Dogs in History
- 28:25 Monarchs and Their Love for Dogs
- 30:08 The Aristocratic Appeal of Basset Hounds and Dachshunds
- 31:38 The Shift from Working Dogs to Companions
- 35:14 Preserving Britain’s Canine Heritage
- 37:26 The Role of Photography in Dog Culture
- 40:06 Takeaways for Non-Dog Owners
- 41:28 Choosing the Right Dog Breed
- 44:04 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4