Country Life’s celebrated Frontispiece has been a mainstay of the magazine since its inception in 1897. The page usually features a woman of note, however, it has also played host to countless men, small children, ships, famous artworks and even a penguin. And while we’re on the subject of animals, the most popular four-legged creature to grace the page is, and always has been, the dog.

Dogs have accompanied sitters countless times on the page, posing alongside their owners, or sometimes even appearing in their own right. So, in celebration of International Dog Day, on August 26, here is a small selection of some of the canine companions who have graced one of the most famous pages in publishing history.

(Image credit: Country Life/Future)

Country Life’s second-ever Frontispiece feature

See Full Page