The Curious Compendium 2023-2025: The end!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Ha! I haven't heard that one!

[Gwangi]

I've always had a thing for the Pekingnese, they're hilarious looking when they're running. I would never own one though.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

They are fun little breed! But yes, not one of ownership interest for me either.

Just a few photo adjustments given my recent new additions.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Californian, Flemish Giant, Champagne d'argent, New Zealand, Japanese White, Rex, and Belgian Hare!



The Californian rabbit was developed in the 1920s by George West by crossing New Zealand whites, Standard "Chinchilla" rabbits (not the other animal), and Himalayan rabbits. They may be used for meat and fur, but also make great housepets! They are popular for their good nature, coloration, and large size.

Flemish Giants are the largest rabbits! One named Darius is the current record holder at 4 feet long and 49 pounds! They hail from Flanders, Belgium as far back as the 16th century. They too are known for being great pets despite their original use for meat and fur.

The "Silver rabbit of Champagne" has unknown origins but it is suspected to be France in the 1600s. It is one of the oldest domestic rabbits known; best known for its unique fur color. Kits are born black and roan out as they age.

New Zealand rabbits also come from California- the name is a mystery but may be due to using imported stock. The breed has a few positive and negative relations- they are commonly used for lab testing, and their fur is easily dyed and thus preferred in the fur industry- the white coat of some is often what is dredged up for ideas if the "Easter bunny". The breed is very calm and easily trained and thus make good family pets.

The Japanese white rabbit was developed in the Meiji era of Japan (circa 1870) in the Akita prefecture and were originally developed to simply be a pet. They can be white or brown (despite the name) and are now registered as the "Akita Kairyo rabbit" which means "improved" rabbit in Japanese. In local mythology, seeing a white rabbit meant good fortune was on its way for your career or business.

The Rex comes from France and was once called the King's rabbit for its luxurious fur coat. This fur is caused by a mutation that makes the fur grow outwards instead of lying downward against the skin- this creates a velvet like texture. They are quite social and do best in groups or at least pairs.

And the Belgian hare is also an old breed (18th century) and also comes from Flanders, Belgium. Often nicknamed the "poor man's racehorse" for their speed and active nature. Smart animals, they can learn their name, be housebroken, walk on a leash, and crate trained. They are easy to startle and are always alert. Today they are less popular and becoming more difficult to maintain breeding lines as breeders become fewer and line breeding has been a concern with a dwindling population.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

West Highland White Terriers and Scottish Terriers!



Westies came to us from the Scottish Highlands; likely Poltalloch, Argyll. They can be traced back to the time of King James I! Bred to hunt vermin on farms and small game, their white coats helped prevent hunting accidents by distinguishing them from the prey animal such as foxes. The breed is affectionate, intelligent, and full of personality; they do not appreciate rough handling or strongly negative training methods. They excel at canine sports such as rally, agility, obedience, etc.

The first mention of a Scottie is from the 1400s by Bishop John Lesley- he described their hunting habits such as being capable of pursuing foxes, badgers, and wildcats! The breed was refined in the 1700s to what we know today; their name was initially the "Aberdeen" terrier but was changed in 1879. There is a saying that they descend from bears, given their impressive bravery. Another intelligent breed, they love family life and learn quickly. They often have a condition called the "Scottie Cramp" whereupon if they get overly excited their neurological system causes muscles in their whole body to tense up, shortness of breath, and falling over.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog!



The rough collie was developed in 18th century Scotland; bred to be brave, strong, determined and intelligent in order to protect and herd sheep. The breed makes a great family pet given their loyal and affectionate nature, but they need to be well socialized at a young age. Their long luxurious coat needs lots of attentive grooming (there is a short haired variety considered its own breed). They do well with canine sports and events and of course, nearly everyone has heard of Lassie!

The Sheltie was bred on the Shetland Islands to help with moving ponies, poultry, and sheep- the harsh climate is what influenced their smaller size and hardy nature. They make excellent working dogs, family pets, and security systems! They are a vocal breed and often express excitement, a sense of unfairness, or even humor. The breed is intelligent, sensitive, obedient, eager to please, and empathetic. Their coat too requires a lot of grooming to maintain it from matting and its cold weather proofing.

[bmathison1972]

I noticed for several of these breeds you haven't gotten CollectA's latest. Do you have enough of these breeds do you are not getting any more, or have you just not caught up yet LOL?

[Saarlooswolfhound]

The latter! Unfortunately... Getting around to buying them just hasn't happened yet! I can never have enough canines. 

[sbell]

I used to see collies and shelties all the time. Rarely do now, not sure what changed.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

I can't say for certain but I think in the US at least Lassie made them incredibly popular and over time they have just trailed off. I'd love a smooth collie someday- but these luxurious coats are too much to maintain for my lifestyle.

Rexes, Sphynx, and Orientals!



Rexes are a group of cats with a genetic mutation for curly hair and they belong to 4 main breeds; the Cornish, Devon, and Selkirk rexes, and then the LaPerm. The first two are shorthair variety (such as pictured in the top row) and the latter two are longer haired cats. Both the Devon and Cornish cats were discovered in the 1950s in their namesake regions. Both breeds are affectionate and smart and have curly fur (even their eyelashes).

The Sphynx was developed from a hairless kitten born in Toronto, Canada in 1966. This unique look is caused by the KRT71 gene which results in inactive follicles. The breed itself may require some special care as they sunburn and overheat/get cold very easily. They are very friendly and loving cats, even being very sociable with strangers and other animals of other species.

The Oriental was created in 1950s England while breeding various Siameses in order to develop new coloration and revive the breed after a post WWII drop in popularity. The breed comes in 300+ colorations- resulting in its nickname of the "rainbow cat". They are very smart, playful, and spirited cats who bond very closely to their family.   

[bmathison1972]

There are some nice Sphynx figures there. As an actual animal I think they are uggly lol but it's such an iconic breed I think I need one in the Museum.
What are the Sphynx figures in the middle row, from left to right? Thanks!

[BlueKrono]

I cannot be a cat owner as I have shelves packed with thousands of animal figurines, but rexes were always my favorite. What are the two good looking ones on the left?

[Saarlooswolfhound]

@bmathison1972 I agree! But I think they're so ugly they're cute. That's why I did them today because most people claim they look like plucked chickens.  the two big sphynxes are chinamal figures- Animal Paradise. The pink and gray and the next pink one to the left are an Eyscota set(apparently a side branch of Toymany- they're on Amazon), and then the last one is another Amazon group pack called Seinon.

@BlueKrono The first rex is a chinamal Nayab and then a k&m figure.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

And now we will discuss a couple of my own personal pet dogs' breeds!

Smooth Fox, Wire Fox, Toy Fox, Jack Russell, Decker Giant Rat Terriers, and Basenji.

Smooth fox terriers were developed in 17th century England to hunt vermin as well as game animals. They are lively and energetic, playful, intelligent, and loving. They do have some health concerns including Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, ataxia, and dysplasia.


The wire fox terrier was developed at the same time and place as their smooth haired cousin. It was once believed that they and the smooth fox were the same breed and were interbred. We now believe they have very different origins.They have very similar personalities to the smooth haired and love to learn new tricks. They suffer from primary lens luxation which can be painful and lead to blindness.


Toy fox terriers came to be by crossing smooth fox terriers with smaller dogs like chihuahuas circa the 1920s. The breed is fearless despite its size, intelligent and trainable, affectionate and loves to please. The were top picks for circuses and other roadside shows!


Jack Russel terriers came to be in 19th century England and were created by Reverend John Russell to hunt foxes. Known as a "baying terrier" they enjoy working on jobs and figuring out puzzles; they are energetic and quick to learn. They have made a name for themselves in Hollywood as acting dogs!


The basenji is known as the "barkless" dog- not because they are silent, but because they don't bark traditionally like other dogs and are instead known for their distinctive "yodel". Developed in Africa they are one of the world's oldest breeds. The Egyptians depicted them as early as 6,000 B.C. The breed is very catlike in cleanliness and indepedent nature. Basenjis are also unique as they only go in estrus once a year!


The Decker (or Giant) Rat Terrier was developed by Milton Decker in the 1970s in central Oregon. The development of the breed is mysterious, but started out with a larger sized standard rat terrier and crossing him to other terrier breeds. Today the breed is adept at hunting game ranging from deer to fowl to vermin. They are very intelligent and independent but bond closely to their owner. Luckily they are also quite healthy and have no offically recognized health issues (though allergies have been noted as a potential common concern). 

The Decker rat terrier is what I chose when I was looking for a pedigree dog.



Buck has been the perfect choice for me and is now my favorite breed for my personality and lifestyle.


I did a DNA test on him a few years ago, curious to see what came back given all the myths and rumors of their development:

[Saarlooswolfhound]

English and American Cocker Spaniels! (Top row ESC, lower rows ASC)

Cocker spaniels are split into two groups; the English CS, and the American CS. Spaniels date back to the 1300s in England as dogs that hunt game animals- usually birds. These spaniels are believex go have descendes from Spanish stock dogs. Spaniels were eventually divides into two groups based on size; the larger puppies were called and later developed into Springer spaniels, and smaller puppies became "cockers" as they were primarily used to hunt the small wood cocks out of the grass. Cockers were further divided as in the 20th century American cockers were being refined into the smaller bodied, softer and thicker haired dogs we know today that also present a more domed skull and shorter muzzle along with larger eyes. Springers and Cockers weren't recognized as separate breeds until 1910, while cockers themselves weren't recognized as English vs. American until 1946. The English CS is usually a larger bodied dog, has a more moderate coat that gets groomed/cut differently, has a more setter like head, and is often a "parti" colored or roan colored dog. The American is smaller, fluffier, more round faced, and usually a solid color though they do come with patches and ticking. The English usually retains its hunting heritage and instincts where the American often will not take to hunting as readily. Both have very affable, loving, and trainable natures.



Flynn is my rescue pup (both Buck and Flynn have figure portraints I repainted of themselves), he wandered into our then unfenced yard about 12 years ago (just 3 days after my 16th birthday) last July. He was horribly matted and overgrown, just over half the weight an adult male ACS should be, had TONS of behavioral signs of severe abuse, but was the absolute sweetest dog I could have ever asked for. Until I got him I would not have ever chosen a spaniel as the dog for me- I still would not intentionally purchase a pedigree puppy. But I WOULD rescue one in a heartbeat. At an estimated 16 years old, he has been my dearest companion who helped me grow up in this world and wants nothing more than simply to be near me at all times. He is beginning to fail in his health- he has a few things that could turn for the worst at any time. But for now he still has a lot of pep in his step, enjoys his creature comforts, and does very well for himself despite his age. I am just enjoying the time we spend together until he tells me that its time.

These are photos of when he found me-




And a photo taken just a few months ago.


I love these two crazy boys more than I could ever express.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Bettas!


These fish are native to the Mekong river and its tributaries; they were first domesticated in Thailand at least 1,000 years ago. Pretty much ever since they have intensively been bred by selection so that a variety of colors as well as fin types and body sizes now exist.This fish is unique in that it has a "labyrinth lung" which helps it breathe air as well as in the water. This power for adaptability has made it an invasive species in some areas. Bettas (usually males but females can be too) are very aggressive and will kill any intruders on sight. Unfortunately, this is thought to have been their original purpose so they could be used in events similar to cockfighting or bullbaiting. The males will make bubble nests to impress females and as they lay eggs the male will scoop them up in his mouth and deposit them in his bubble nest- subsequently gaurding them until they mature. Today, scientists are studying these fish to help us understand more about the process of domestication, its genetic effects on wild animal species, and to experiment with evolutionary genetics.

I started keeping bettas as a pet back during college and have enjoyed several of them. I really enjoy just watching them swim (scientifically proven to soothe anxiety and other disorders) and interacting with their different personalities. I have not taught any to do tricks just yet- beyond simple signaling such as turning off the filter for feeding time. I have only had one "aggressive" fish out about 3 dozen or more in my career (I usually spend a little time at the pet store picking up the cups of the fish I like and observing their reaction- if they get fearful or puff out their "beard" then I move on, if they swim closer to look at me or just relax in their cup then that's the one who comes home!) and I have had 2 that were truly something smart/special. Here are a few photos of the ones I have had over the years.




















These are actually photos of the same fish exhibiting the "jumping gene"




















This is one that had a damaged tail and in my care he was able to heal and correct it.


This was a rosetail that (I unfortunately didn't realize at the time I bought him) had a congenital malformation of his spine


I have had lots more but I will digress...

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Up next are schnauzers!


Schnauzers came to being in Germany roughly around the 10th century or even earlier (the miniature came much later in the 19th century) and have historically been used to herd, gaurd, hunt, and for ratting.Their name means "snout" in German.They have historically been significant in military and police work especially during and after WWII. There are 3 varieties, the giant (developed by crossing standards with mastiffs), standard (the original is believed to be developed by crossing German poodles and spitz breeds), and miniature (created by crossing the standard with the Affenpinscher, miniature poodle, miniature pinscher, and pomeranian). All three vary slightly in personality but in general they are very affectionate and loyal, great with children and tolerant, but protective and suspicious of strangers. They have a very loud bark and make great watchdogs. Each size has different health concerns so be sure to do your research!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Poodles!


"Pudel" means "to splash" in German, and that is where these dogs originated from! They hail back to at least the 15th century where they were included in various artworks; they were initially used as retrievers for waterfowl. Their breed origin is hotly debated- some say they came from the German water dog, others claim French Barbet history. The breed is very athletic and energetic- these dogs benefit from having mental and physical excercise! The breed is highly intelligent and has been used in the military and in 1988 they even raced in the iditarod! They come in 3 size varieties now: the Standard (the original), the miniature (about 15-20 lbs), and the toy (6-9 lbs). They bond closely to family but need lots of excercise and mental workouts to keep active and healthy. They are considered a "low allergen" breed as they have a hairlike coating (vs. true fur) and produce less dander than other breeds.

[bmathison1972]

maybe their named after the German word to splash because it rains a lot in Central Europe and it's hard not to step in poodles...

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Especially in Bavaria during wintertime!   

I split my domestic short- and longhaired cats. First are the Schleich, and then other big brand models like Mojo?n Papo, Safari, etc.




Firstly, cats cannot taste anything sweet! They lack those tongue receptors. They can run up to 30 mph, and generally can jump up to 6x their length. They have 18 toes and 30 adult teeth. They are nearsighted but have excellent night and peripheral vision. They often sleep 15+ hours a day, and the first cat to go to space was Felicette in 1963. Lastly, they have nose prints that are unique just like human fingerprints.