The Curious Compendium 2023-2024: Shih-tzu, maltese, pekingese!

[BlueKrono]

That new CollectA version is very impressive.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

The only issue I have with the Mojos is that they're smooth. I would have preferred some hair texture. The breed has very short thin hair but still...

I don't think you could go wrong with the CollectA or Schleich. I used the Schleich make a custom Bison latifrons, its a great sculpt.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Farm geese and ducks!


Domesticated geese can lay over 500 eggs in a year; compared to one or two clutches (something like 5-12 eggs) in wild species. Most domestic geese live 10-15 years, but have been known to reach 40! They serve a variety of purposes beyond just food and for down feathers; they can great for property management *pest control, fertilizer, and they keep plants nipped down), gaurd animals (given their fierce nature), and companion animals (for humans and other species both). Depending on who you ask, there are roughly 11-15 recognized domestic goose breeds (look them up, some of their appearances might surprise you!)

[bmathison1972]

Ya know, I still want a white domestic duck! But none of them grab my fancy (at least those that are readily available, like through HHT). But, more are bound to come in the near future.
That being said, the one in the bottom row of your pic, second from far left (first after the flying duck) looks good at this magnification.

[BlueKrono]

Thank you for the suggestion to look up the others, some which could really use a figure. The Toulouse goose is quite bizarre!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

@bmathison1972, the one you indicate is the CollectA. Most white ducks haven't caught my eye as I still adore the old Schleich from my childhood (just to the right) but when I saw it in person I decided to buy him as he had a certain charm I couldn't resist. If you'd like I can provide comparison photos.

@BlueKrono you are most welcome! There aren't many goose breeds but there are definitely some beauties and some oddities! Maybe Papo will spoil us again someday as they did with the muscovy duck?

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Next are the Jersey cattle!


This breed, originally known as Alderney cattle, come from the small island of Jersey off the coasts of England and France approximately during the 1740s. They made land in the US in the 1850s. This small breed (usually topping around 1,000lbs) can range in color of tans and browns, but can also appear gray or even black. They are most well known for their milk that is rich in butterfat; most often used in foods like cheeses, butter, and ice cream. Their milk has much higher amounts of various minerals/nutrients in it, but specifically it has 18% more protein in it, and 20% more calcium , amd 25% more butterfat than other breeds.

[bmathison1972]

I have the newest CollectA version. Guess you can say I have a...New Jersey!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Ha! Nice one. 


Scottish Highland Cattle!


This is a very ancient and long lived breed; these cattle can live beyond 20 years old and the earliest record is in archaeology from the 6th century, while the earliest written record is from the 12th. They are also the oldest registered breed of cattle; first herd was registered in 1884. They can range in color from black (considered the traditional color, to brown, red (the modern standard), and blonde! Their characteristic shaggy coat is an unusal double coat for cattle breeds. The outer coat is oily and weather resistant, while the inner coat is fluffy.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Mixed sheep 1.


These guys were developed by Robert Bakewell amd gis students the Culley brothers circa 1767 and their name comes from being developed near the Scottish border. Border Leicester sheep are the largest indigenous breed to the British Isles. Historically they are called the "great improver" because they have been used in crosses to improve herder's stock. Over the course of a year, they can produce 8-12 lbs of wool that after scouring (cleaning treatment) 70% of the product. Generally they are considered docile animals, heavy milking mothers, and great foragers who can get by on less feed provided to them by a farmer/rancher.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Black angus cattle!

Originating from Scotland, they were developed in the mid 1800s. The first herd eas brought to Kansas in 1873.This is a shorter lived breed, if kept in a herd they can reach about 10-15 years, but calf productivity is usually only around 3 years. The American Angus Association is the largest database for 20+ million cattle records, including genetic data. Their signature black coat is related to a reduced risk of "cancer eye" as well as snow/sun burned udders. The breed does bring with it four potential recessive defects: arthrogryposis multiplex- referred to as "curly calf" and affects lower mobility of joints; neuropathic hydrocephalus- known as "water head," which can cause a malformed skull; contractual arachnodactyly- which is known as "fawn calf syndrome" and affects hip mobility; and dwarfism.

[EpicRaptorMan]

The four-horned Jacob's Sheep is so cool I've considered getting it despite not collecting domesticated animals.

Maybe someone should let loose a few dozen herds into the wild, let them roam and breed for the next couple thousand years, and then maybe I'll get a figure of one. 

[Saarlooswolfhound]

That'd be a neat science experiment!

Due to the US holiday, I took yesterday off. But we are back to it!

Red angus and Geurnsey cattle!

This breed hails from the English channel islands and is related to the Jersey breed. Their distinctive fawn and white colors help the breed with heat tolerance. This medium sized breed is famous for a few key traits. First, they are known to be efficient producers; they consume 20-30% less feed per pound of milk produced than other breeds. This breed's milk is also unique in that it is golden in color; this is a product of having more beta carotene present (as well as butterfat and protein) than many other breeds. The breed is on the decline in many places, being replaced by animals that focus on quantity of milk rather than quality of the nutrients present.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Generic pink pigs!

Pigs are actually quite amazing animals. They have the intelligence of a 3 year old child! Pigs can detect magentic  North and South, they are incredibly social with their own zpecies and animals of other species. They can be housebroken and can learn tricks; including things like painting and playing instruments! Piglets learn the sound of their mother's voice and mother's sing to their babies while nursing. And they are much more hygeinic than their reputation... they keep their toileting area separate from their eating and sleeping quarters. They have even been known to decorate their living areas with bundles of plants/flowers if given the opportunity/materials to do so!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Brown Swiss and Braunvieh cattle!

The brown Swiss breed was developed in the US from European Swiss stock. Some dairy historians consider these animals from the Swiss Alps to be the oldest breed of dairy cow. Today there are about 7 million of them, and traditionally they have been used as dairy and beef cattle but also have been used for draft/oxen work! They are very large animals, growing from 1,300 to 1,500 lbs and can range in color from a silver brown to nearly black. They have an ideal fat to milk ratio making them a preferred breed for producing cheese.They have the longest gestation of any breed at 292 days. They have dark circles around their eyes that helps prevent pink eye disease.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Ankole Watusi, Camargue, Carabao, Ongole cattle!

This breed hails from Ongole Taluka in India and was the first Indian breed to be internationally recognized. This one of the largest breeds, at least in height. They have been used in breed crosses all over the world and too many to name here, but the one I am familiar with is the Santa Gertrudis developed in Texas. The Ongole is traditionally used for both milk and meat but also draft work like the Swiss breeds in my previous post. These animals are most known for their tropical habitat tolerance (humidity and heat) as well as disease resistance. They are resistant to many cattle eye cancers, as well as insect borne disease from ticks and flies. These traits are partly what make them so popular, besides their very unique look.

[BlueKrono]

The one on the bottom/front almost looks like a water buffalo.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Indeed it is! The Carabao is a domestic version of one. A quick google search indicates it is a swamp type buffalo from the Phillipines, they are just a domestic version that descends from Taiwan.

[bmathison1972]

some of the more interesting breeds!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Domestic goats (no particular breed)!

Goats are thought to be the first livestock animal we domesticated 9,000 years ago. Their milk is considered even richer than cow's milk as it is higher in fat, calcium, and phosphorous. Their horizontal pupils give them a wider field of vision than other animals which helps them spot predators. Kids are born with teeth! Goats are widely known to be "trashcans" and indiscriminate eaters; this isn't exactly true. Theu are actually quite picky eaters and prefer to eat items of high nutritional value, but they are also hardy and can make due on tree bark and thin grasses unlike other domestic livestock. Lastly, they have been found to be very social animals similar to dogs- in studies, goats prefer to interact with "happy" human portraits rather than "angry" looking ones, as well as the fact they will look to human help if presented with a puzzle they need assistance on completing.