The Curious Compendium 2023-2024: Chartreux, Bengal, Somali, Egyptian mau

[Gwangi]

Australian Shepherds and Australian cattle dogs are my favorite dog breeds that I'll never own. And it has nothing to do with having Australian in the name, it's just coincidence. I worked on a beef cattle farm for over a decade where I got to work with both breeds, I just adore them, but they are not compatible with my lifestyle.

And this is what all too many animal lovers get mistaken- that just because you enjoy or approve of a pet/breed does NOT mean you should own one! Do the research and just get animals you can actual care for and will fit your lifestyle.

I really like both the breeds you mention too. But for myself as well, they're too much dog for my current lifestyle. I will appreciate them from afar.

Exactly! Honestly, the dog breeds that best fit my lifestyle are not breeds I'm overly fond of on the aesthetic level, but I would rather have a breed that I'm compatible with than one I find visually appealing. They're living things, not decorations or status symbols. My sister-in-law is a mother of three, student, has a full time job, and a small yard, and the dogs she picked are husky mixes. 

[Saarlooswolfhound]

That was going to be my #1 example of dogs I feel for... huskies, GSDs, heelers... too many out there who don't get their needs met because they were chosen as part of their owners fashion statement. When I was getting a new dog I decided to get a breed puppy rather than a rescue at the time as I needed something very specific. Turns out his breed might be my one and only- we just click really well. That's more the approach people need to be taking to make a good connection. I think huskies are gorgeous and have a great breed historical significance etc., but they are waaaay too much dog for me.

[Gwangi]

That was going to be my #1 example of dogs I feel for... huskies, GSDs, heelers... too many out there who don't get their needs met because they were chosen as part of their owners fashion statement. When I was getting a new dog I decided to get a breed puppy rather than a rescue at the time as I needed something very specific. Turns out his breed might be my one and only- we just click really well. That's more the approach people need to be taking to make a good connection. I think huskies are gorgeous and have a great breed historical significance etc., but they are waaaay too much dog for me.

There was a time when I advocated strongly for mixed breed shelter dogs vs. buying purebred from a breeder but my opinions have changed. I believe mixed breed shelter dogs are fine for people really committed to dogs in general and have time for them, but for those wanting a sure bet, specific breeds with known characteristics are probably best. You know what you're getting that way, or should know if you've done your research.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Irish and English setters!

Irish setters were bred to be gun dogs during the 17th century in Ireland- they originally had a red and white coat but the solid red became standard by the 19th century. The development of the breed is highly speculative but it is thought that a variety of spaniels, setters, and pointers were used. They are highly energetic but easily trained and eager to please. They suffer from seizures (called primary epilepsy) and are gluten intolerant; when fed gluten they develop an increase in immune cell presence and a decrease in intestinal absorption.

English setters are one of the oldest gun dog breeds as they date back to the 14th century in England. Believed to be descended from crossing the Spanish pointer, water spaniels, and the English springer spaniel, they make superb hunting dogs. The term "setter" refers to how they hunt game birds- by adopting a crouched position to indicate to the hunter the presence of birds. Also quite an energetic breed they too are easily trainable and make excellent family dogs as they do hunting companions.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

That was going to be my #1 example of dogs I feel for... huskies, GSDs, heelers... too many out there who don't get their needs met because they were chosen as part of their owners fashion statement. When I was getting a new dog I decided to get a breed puppy rather than a rescue at the time as I needed something very specific. Turns out his breed might be my one and only- we just click really well. That's more the approach people need to be taking to make a good connection. I think huskies are gorgeous and have a great breed historical significance etc., but they are waaaay too much dog for me.

There was a time when I advocated strongly for mixed breed shelter dogs vs. buying purebred from a breeder but my opinions have changed. I believe mixed breed shelter dogs are fine for people really committed to dogs in general and have time for them, but for those wanting a sure bet, specific breeds with known characteristics are probably best. You know what you're getting that way, or should know if you've done your research.

You summed up the crux of the argument very well; I 100% advocate for the mixed breed/shelter dogs in need of homes. But I also don't judge others for finding a reputable breeder and gaining a domestic companion of a particular type. As an example, there is a reason that certain breeds are used for special needs assistance (such as labradors). It can be hugely beneficial to have an animal that may be more predictable (but remember that animals are individuals- one lab will be different to the next). There are situations where you might need a very specific animal over taking a chance on one that may be less predictable. Regardless, I have done both routes (currently have a purebred(?) rescue and a dog I could have registered with the UKC but chose not to- to be discussed more later) and both have had their challenges and both have been immense blessings in my life. I just dropped 500$ on my little old man to ensure his health!

I advocate for being a responsible person which means being realistic about your lifestyle and life situation and doing IMMENSE amounts of research prior to obtaining an animal. Its just better for everyone involved.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Chartreux, Bengal, Somali, and Egyptian Mau!

These cats are thought to have been brought to France from the Middle East in the 1500s and were originally bred by Carthusian monks. This small blue colored breed is friendly and docile and like to learn new things. The breed is thought to get its name from the Chartreuse liquor the monks would make.

Bengals were created in the 1960s by crossbreeding small Asian leopard cats to domestic cats; the idea is credited to Jean Sudgen Mill. These cats are incredibly intelligent and energetic; they require an active and attentive owner to satisfy their needs. This cat breed enjoys water!

The Somali is a sister breed to the Abyssinian (both named from their home country of Abyssinia and now known as Somalia!). This breed is often described as a long haired Abyssinian and was developed from a cat with this long hair gene was imported to Great Britain by Lord Robert Napier. The breed underwent true development in the 1960s; the breed is very smart but also very willful. They benefit from short and positive training sessions. They are prone to pyruvate kinase deficiency and hereditry retinal degeneration.

Egyptian maus date back as far as 3,000 years ago in Egyptian texts and pictorial art; the word "mau" is Egyptian for cat. Genetic studies of preserved cat mummies indicate they are domesticated from a subspecies of Egyptian wildcat. During and after WWII the breed suffered a decline in popularity and nearly went extinct. The exiled Russian princess Nathalie Troubetskoy is credited with reviving the breed during the 1950s.