In Part One, Erik sits down with James Edwards of JJlivestockUK to dig into the heritage of British working dogs and how the UK’s hunting culture has changed over time.

We explore the history of the Smithfield cattle dog, the role of dogs both on farms and in the field, and how the Hunting Act of 2005 reshaped long-standing traditions. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding UK hunting laws, the loss of natural predators, and the growing divide between rural life and urban opinion.

Highlights include:

🐕 Smithfield cattle dog history and purpose

📜 How the Hunting Act changed UK hunting

🦡 Badger management — conservation vs control

🌾 Dogs in farming and daily rural work

🐾 Evolution of working-dog breeds

🔥 Why dog work matters more than the kill

A grounded introduction to British dog culture and wildlife management — setting the foundation for Part Two’s broader global perspective.

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