The Critter Collective

The Bedlington Terrier is a unique and charming breed that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world. With their lamb-like appearance, lively personality, and rich history, Bedlington Terriers are both intriguing and endearing. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, care, and everything you need to know about these delightful dogs. Origins and History The Bedlington Terrier hails from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England. Originally known as the Rothbury Terrier, named after the nearby Rothbury Forest, this breed has a storied history dating back to the 18th century. The Bedlington Terrier was initially bred for hunting vermin, such as rats and badgers, and later gained popularity for its prowess in hare coursing and dog fighting. One of the breed's most notable ancestors is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, which shares a similar appearance and temperament. The Bedlington Terrier's lineage also includes Whippets, which contribute...

The Briard, also known as the Berger de Brie, is a large and intelligent breed known for its herding abilities, loyalty, and striking appearance. With a history that dates back centuries, the Briard has served as a versatile working dog, excelling in various roles from herding livestock to serving in the military. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the origins, characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and modern roles of the Briard. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of what makes the Briard such a unique and special breed. History and Origins The Briard has a long and storied history, with its origins tracing back to the region of Brie in France. This ancient breed has been known for centuries as a skilled herding dog, capable of managing large flocks of sheep and other livestock. The Briard is believed to have been developed from various local herding dogs, with possible influences from breeds such as the Beauceron and the Barbet. Medieval Origins:...

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog known for its cheerful disposition, fluffy white coat, and playful personality. This breed has a long history and has been a beloved companion to many over the centuries. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the Bichon Frise's origins, characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and role in modern society. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of what makes the Bichon Frise such a special breed. History and Origins The Bichon Frise's history dates back centuries, with its roots in the Mediterranean region. The breed is part of the Bichon family, which includes other small, white dog breeds like the Maltese, Havanese, and Bolognese. The Bichon Frise itself is believed to have originated in the Canary Islands, specifically on the island of Tenerife. These dogs were known as the Bichon Tenerife. In the 14th century, the Bichon Tenerife was brought to mainland Europe by sailors and quickly became a favorite among t...

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a distinguished and versatile breed known for its distinctive curly coat, intelligence, and strong working abilities. As one of the oldest retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever has a rich history and remains a favorite among hunters and dog enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive guide explores the breed's history, characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and role in modern society. History and Origins The Curly-Coated Retriever is believed to be one of the oldest retriever breeds, with its origins tracing back to the early 19th century in England. The breed was developed to be an all-purpose hunting dog, excelling in both water and land retrieval. The exact ancestry of the Curly-Coated Retriever is somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed that the breed resulted from crosses between the English Water Spaniel, Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, and possibly the St. John’s Water Dog. The Curly-Coated Retriever quickly gained popularity among h...

The Field Spaniel is a remarkable and often underappreciated breed known for its versatility, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Originally developed as a working dog for hunting and retrieving, the Field Spaniel has evolved into a beloved companion for many families. This article explores the breed's history, characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and role in modern society. History and Origins The Field Spaniel's history is rich and multifaceted, tracing back to the late 19th century in England. Initially, the breed was created by crossing various types of spaniels, including the Cocker Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel, with the goal of producing a versatile and efficient hunting dog. The Field Spaniel was designed to be a larger and more robust spaniel capable of working in a variety of terrains and conditions. However, the early development of the Field Spaniel was fraught with challenges. Breeders experimented with different crosses, including Basset Hounds and oth...

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, often abbreviated as PBGV, is a delightful and lively breed with a rich history and an endearing personality. Known for their cheerful disposition, distinctive appearance, and strong hunting instincts, PBGVs have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world. This article delves into the breed's history, characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and role in modern society. History and Origins The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen originates from the Vendée region of France, where it was developed as a hunting dog. The breed's name translates to "small, low, rough-coated dog of the Vendée," which aptly describes its appearance and purpose. The PBGV is part of the Basset family of dogs, known for their short legs and keen sense of smell. The breed was specifically developed to hunt small game, such as rabbits and hares, in the dense underbrush and rugged terrain of the region. The development of the PBGV can be traced back t...

The Redbone Coonhound is a breed known for its striking appearance, exceptional hunting skills, and warm, affectionate nature. This guide aims to provide a detailed look at the Redbone Coonhound, covering its history, physical characteristics, temperament, training needs, health considerations, and suitability as a family pet. History and Origin The Redbone Coonhound has its roots in the United States, specifically in the southern regions where hunting was a significant part of life. The breed's development began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when European settlers brought their hunting dogs to America. These dogs included bloodhounds, foxhounds, and Irish hounds, which were selectively bred to create a versatile hunting dog capable of tracking and treeing raccoons and other game. The Redbone Coonhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2009, but its lineage dates back much further. The breed's name is derived from its distinctive red coa...

The Swedish Vallhund, known as the "Viking Dog," is a remarkable and ancient breed with a rich history and unique characteristics. This small but robust dog has gained a following among dog enthusiasts for its intelligence, versatility, and spirited personality. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, characteristics, training, and care of the Swedish Vallhund, exploring what makes this breed so special. History of the Swedish Vallhund Ancient Origins The Swedish Vallhund, also known as the Västgötaspets, has a lineage that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in Sweden, this breed is believed to have been a companion to the Vikings. The Vallhund's ancestry includes spitz-type dogs, which were used for herding and guarding livestock. These dogs were highly valued for their agility, intelligence, and loyalty. Near Extinction and Revival By the early 20th century, the Swedish Vallhund faced near extinction due to changes in farming practices an...