The Curious Compendium 2023 Tour Finale: Abyssinian, Exotic, and British shorthair cats!

Great "Dackel" collection

If you ever visit Germany, I would recommend you have a visit in "Regensburg", there is a place called the "Dackelmuseum". It is Germanys and world wide the first and really only Dachshund museum.

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Great collection of dogs!!
You have a lot more Labs than I have! Labs are very popular in the UK as well.The Chocolates are very popular and an old colour-fox red-has become popular again.
I had a Yorkie when I was younger and they make great little companion dogs and having just come back from Spain where they are the king of small dogs!
The history of Dalmatians is rather interesting.I have read an alternative version and it suggests that as there are no spotted dogs or history of spotted dogs in Croatia and that the body shape is hound like,the name is a corruption of Dama Chien-Dama being the old French for Fallow deer.Some of the older French hound breeds can have spotted coats.When hunting became less popular then the dogs became carriage dogs.
Dachshunds aren't hounds but earth dogs similar to terriers but when they were standardised for showing in the UK they got the name wrong and thought hund was hound and not dog so it wrongly became badger hound so they got put in the hound group!

Today is the two-year anniversary for The Curious Compendium!!! I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone here who has encouraged me and supported this project. It has been a much bigger task than what I originally thought, and it has hit several bumps in the road but this is something I am really proud of achieving. I hope for many more years for the TCC and for longevity for its sister project as well, Zoonotic. Thank you STS villagers for being a part of it all!

Thank you Andreas, Moehe, and Taylor!

That musem sounds very interesting! I would love to visit someday.

@Taylor, I debated going over labrador colors for the breed but decided it was a little too lengthy for what I am trying to do here (just a brief overview of the breed for readers to learn/appreciate domestic animals a little better). But personally, I really like the red color for the breed, and chocolate of course as well!

The dalmatians thing is interesting, over the last decade I feel like there just isn't a consensus on the history, and I admit I probably should have practiced a little more suspicion when collecting the history of this breed for the post... I suppose it goes to show that we likely will never know for certain what they came from or where.

And yes, I only meant "houndlike" in that they get mistaken as such and share some behavioral traits to them. But I did not know that history of why they got placed in the "hound" group, thank you for sharing that!

Wow 2 years went by so quick! I love looking at photos of your collection. So much variety and wonderful models. Always looking forward to upcoming posts!

Thank you Jolie!

Lop eared rabbits!
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There are several breeds that have developed but I will share general lop-eared rabbit facts. For one, they are the most easily recognizable given their floppy ears and have become popular pets. They come in nearly any color and pattern, and several body sizes depending on the exact breed too (even the length of their ears varies!). Because of their large ears, its important to keep them warm in about 80° F since they have difficulty regulating their body temperature. They are often friendly, social, calm, and can even be readily litter trained.

Any of our rabbit enthusiasts, if I got something wrong or there is something you would like to add here- please do! I know a bit about rabbits but not nearly as much as you can share. I for one, would love to learn more!

Thank you my friend. :)

Siberian huskies!
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The breed originates with the Chukchi people of Siberia in eastern Asia- potentially as far back as 3,000 years. Here, they became hardy dogs that coukd withstand -100°F, intense blizzards, little food, and long daily work hours as sled dogs. The Chukchi people revered their dogs, believing that 2 huskies gaurd the gate to heaven and they judge a man by how he treated dogs in his life. The real breed spread in popularity and became a versatile animal of utility and later of strikingly wolfish good looks. The most famous instance in their history is of their involvement in the epidemic of diptheria in 1925 in Nome, Alaska. The closest reserve of medication was in Anchorage, over 600 miles away. 20 mushers and over 100 dogs formed a relay to move this precious cargo; Leonard Seppala and his lead dog Togo traversed the longest and the most dangerous portion of the relay- Togo led the team to safety during a dangerous blizzard in the Norton Sound, keeping the cargo safe as well. Gunnar Kaasen with his lead dog Balto was the team to make the final leg of the journey; and for years got most of the credit for this undertaking. Regardless, this is a breed that has energy to run and is known to be "escape artists" if not occupied mentally and excercised thoroughly. The breed is now a flashy pet for many, though they often end up being more than your average pet owner can handle. Intelligent, stubborn, full of energy, and ready to go on a moment's notice- this breed is now appreciated in many parts of the world.

Impressive team

It seems at least two are missing on TAW. Pics please
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No problem with regards to the history of dog breeds.As you say there isn't always consensus and the Victorians with their obsession of pure breeding created many of the histories!!!
Great selection of Siberian Huskies They are popular in the UK and as you say they are not a first time dog to have.Their popularity is in part due to Game of Thrones.
Lovely selection lop rabbits as well.The English lop has the longest ears of the lop breed and they are more exhibition than pet rabbits.Lop rabbits make great pets but sadly due to their small rounder heads can suffer from maloclussion.

Happy two years anniversary to TCC

I haven't been following this journey from the beginning but it brought me joy to read through every topic. I've learned many interesting things about so many animals and I hope to learn even more.

I really like Schleich's old Wirehaired Dachshund. He looks like that dog that would always bark at the postman
And it looks like the 2024 Dachshund has better proportions than the one from 2017(?). He has also a very neat coat colour.

So the Balto story is true. I've half missed it for some reason even though it was one of my favourite childhood movies. Huskies are probably my favourite dog breed. Your custom 2014 Schleich Husky looks really nice! And the Toymany puppies are very adorable but I also like the Papo and Safari model very much.

I'd love to Kiki, will try to do by the end of the weekend at the latest.

@Taylor, that's the tragedy of it for me- when the history of a breed is lost to the past. BUT at least this unique breed hasn't gone extinct- that makes me even sadder (molossus, english white terrier, Hawaiian poi dog, and si many more).

Thank you @Katy! Its been fun to interact with the community here about my factoids and I myself have learned so much more! I myself, love the wirehaired dachshund most. And Balto's story is true, albeit heavily altered for the movie. I would reccomend watching the recent live action if you have access to it of Togo's story. But reading up on both dogs (and the 98 others involved in the relay) is an exceptional storytime if you wish.

One more note on the huskies- as explained above they are not for first time owners and not for the faint of heart. Where I lived in southeastern Idaho a few years ago they were extremely popular but unfortunately the wrong kinds of people were getting them (just for a fad- their wolflike, because of media like Game of Thrones, etc.). SO many of these dogs get loose one way or another and being huskies, run until they can't anymore. I came across a half dozen of them in person but there's no way you can catch them to find their owner. And being in the area they were, if they strayed too far out of town they'd undoubtedly run into black bears and cougars. Huskies are fairly small dogs usually 40-60 lbs so they wouldn't stand a chance in most cases... Just a sad reminder to do your research and be realistic about yourself and your habits before getting a dog.

English bulldogs!
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Developed in England during the 14th century they were originally used as the muscle needed to handle livestock in livestock yards and around butcher's- hence the name of "bulldog". The breed was stocky, tenacious, and feared nothing; not even an angry bull. They quickly began to be used in a variety of bloodsport- putting up a ferocious bull dog against a variety of animals including domestic and wild caught. This practice was not ended until 1835, at which point the breed fell off in popularity. Victorians then developed the breed to be less outwardly aggressive, and to exaggerate other physical features making the short legged, extra wide and stocky, brachycephalic (short-faced), and wrinkly breed known today. Unfortunately, this breed suffers a myriad of health concerns due to this including requiring reproductive assistance (with insemination and cesaerean section of pups), as well as breathing, dental, and vision concerns. There is a recent modern movement to return the breed to previous physical traits (such as longer legs and snout). It began in the 1970s by David Leavitt to recreate a healthier and more viable version of the "Regency period bull baiter"- it was recognized in the United Kennel Club in 2014 as the Olde English Bulldogge. There are some hopes that perhaps, this remodeled version may be reintroduced to the highly inbred population of English bulldog to save it from further damage.

Hurray for David Leavitt

Great collection of British bulldogs.They are so popular here in the UK and sadly are beset with many,many problems.They are also seen in many non standard colours such as Merle,Lilac and blue so somewhere down the line these colours were introduced.I have a dog book in which David Leavitt and the Olde English Bulldog is mentioned.There have been a few other projects out there trying to help this breed including-Old Tyme Dorset Bulldog,Continental Bulldog,Victorian Bulldog and Australian Bulldog.The UK Kennel club is also trying to help rectify the standard.Sadly a recent survey in the UK with owners of this breed even though they knew about all the issues with this breed wouldn't have any other!

Cute bulldogs! I like the Safari one a lot

Thank you everyone!

@Taylor, yes- I am satisfied that there are people around the globe who are trying remedy the obvious health concerns for these breeds and each one is much more handsome to my eye. Hopefully, as time goes on this sentiment will become more common for the layperson (this movement of trying to retrograde a breed for health reasons is spreading to others too!).

German shepherd!
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Developed by men with eternally long names, this breed came on the scene in the 19th century due to the want of a German heritage sheepdog. A wolfish dog was purchased at a dog show in 1899 and is the founder for the breed. Early on, line breeding was a focus (also known as inbreeding, siblings were bred to each other in the effort to isolate and continue specific traits)- today, most German shepherds can trace their ancestry to only a handful of the first generation sires. Historical timing lended a hand to this breed's infamy- due to the early focus on purity and militaristic breeding rituals it quickly became a popular working animal for the Nazi regime and even Adolf Hitler himself. The dog made its way outside of Germany, even to far off places like the US and Australia where the wolfish appearance, strong sheep herding instinct, and adaptability to other working tasks made it valuable. This was the first popular breed for military work, as seeing eye dogs, and more. Unfortunately, this breed suffered more stereotype damage as it became linked to crime lords and drug runners. This is often considered the first breed to have suffered significant "breed specific legistlation" around the globe- Australia at one time wanted all existing GSDs in the country to be sterilized. Since then, they have gained good PR and have now become quite popular once again- though as with the husky this is NOT a first time dog owner choice. Athletic and highly intelligent (nearly always scoring in the top 3 in variable studies) they need lots of excercise and stimulation to maintain mental and physical health. They also suffer from some health concerns common with large dogs- arthritis, displaysia, etc. AKC standards have also bred their animals to have restricted movement in their hindlegs in order to achieve a sloping back; this causes concern for the mobility of the animal, as well as radiating pain in addition to premature age related diseases in the breed.

German shepherd! When I was growing up in France in the 1970s, you'd have thought there were only three kinds of dog: Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds.
Looking at your photo gives me the impression of meeting up with old friends.

Great collections!

Thank you everyone. This dog is a beautiful and wonderful breed, it just needs to be reviewed for health risks IMO. Anither word for the wise- every dog I have met has been well behaved, but there is an intensity to them (at least with US strains I have met). I wanted one as a kid but have learned that this breed is a bit too much for me and my personality.

Siamese cats!
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They come from Thailand (once known as Siam) and royalty bred them (for a hobby, to give as gifts, allowed to live in temples with monks etc.). They are striking for their coloration and come in some 33 different shades and combinations. They are often crosseyed to some degree and this is related to their eye structure. The breed is very friendly, vocal, and playful, making them popular pets. They gained recognition in the US in the 1870s when then president Rutherford B Hayes' wife, Lucy, received one as a gift from an American diplomat. Evidently, because they have genetics related to albinism , the breed's coat can change color somewhat depending on ambient temperature around them.

Chihuahuas!
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This breed may date back as far as 100 AD- small toys fashioned to look similar have been found. The modern version of the breed descend from a type of dog called a Techichi; a type of dog kept by natives in the region of Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America. This small dog was kept by ancient Aztecs and Toltecs and when someone died, their small companion would also be sacrificed amd buried with them because they believed that the dog would guide their owner in the afterlife. This breed can be very small indeed; the current smallest dog record holder is Milly from Puerto Rico weighing less than a kilo and measuring at a whopping 10 cm tall! This small size can cause dental issues as their small mouths are often crowded with teeth. They are easy first time dogs for owners as they eat very little, need very little grooming, and can suffice with 20-30 minutes of excercise. Beware though- they are very vocal with strangers and can pack an attitude!