Table of contents for Perfect Pets in Perfect Pets

Dogs are truly the best friends you could ever have. They have amazing individual personalities, they will quickly become part of your family and will love you unconditionally. A dog’s presence makes us happier, calmer and even healthier. Before you get your first dog though, you need to consider why you want a dog, as this will help you to decide which breed is right for you. Do you want a furry friend purely for cuddles and companionship, or do you want to be able to work and exercise with a pooch? Do you want to rehome a dog, or do you have the time to raise a puppy? You also need to look at your own lifestyle too: how much free time do you have to dedicate to your…

Scientists studying the domestication of dogs are interested in the genetic differences between the modern species and their wild wolf ancestors. By comparing the DNA of dogs and wolves we can see which genes may play key roles in the evolution of tame species. One of the most important traits is being unnaturally social, or ‘hypersociability’, which is linked to changes in a gene known as RAI1. Wolves will naturally avoid human contact, whereas our dogs always seem happy to see us – as any owner who comes home to a waggy-tailed pup can attest to! The RAI1 gene may also affect dogs’ body clocks, which could explain why theyx are active during the day like us, rather than being nocturnal like wolves.…

Working dogs with livestock is one of the oldest dogjobs on earth. Without sheepdogs, it would take farmers much longer to move their animals around. However thanks to four quick legs and a can-do bark, sheepdog power is a sight to behold. Border collies are traditionally quick and clever and perfect for this job. They are able to gather and herd flocks of sheep at the commanding whistles of a handler, sometimes covering huge distances across hillsides and fields. A good sheepdog will be able to move a flock without worrying the sheep or causing them any harm or stress – this requires years of training and a dedicated dog and handler team.…

Cats are amazing companions – they’re cute, fluffy, funny and give great cuddles. Everyone should be able to enjoy owning a cat, but before getting your first cat there are a few things you need to consider. Up first is the time commitment. Many cats can live to 20 years, so consider your lifestyle and whether you’re able to provide for a pet for that long. On a day-to-day basis, although cats don’t need your undivided attention, there are a few breeds that don’t do well being left on their own. A Siamese or a sphynx, for example, is a better choice for people who are at home more often as they need company. If you’re at work all day consider a more independent breed, such as the British shorthair…

NEWBORN Blind babies 0-2 weeks Newborn kittens open their eyes after about seven to ten days. At this stage they’ll grow very fast. KITTEN Play time 2 weeks-6 months Kittens have a high play drive and lots to learn. Now is the best time to introduce them to other animals and situations. JUVENILE Teen 6 months-3 years Cats reach maturity at different ages, but during this time they may be slightly more aggressive to other cats. ADULT Maturity 3-11 years Cats in their prime are playful and energetic. They’re independent and may go off to hunt prey and bring you ‘presents’. MATING Breeding years 3-11 years If left unspayed, a female cat can come into season every three weeks and may seek out tom cats to mate with. PREGNANCY New litters 3-11 years Gestation lasts 63–67…

Whether they’re effortlessly climbing the neighbour’s fence, gracefully leaping onto their favourite snoozing spot, or playfully pouncing on an unsuspecting toy, our pet moggies are true masters of acrobatic skill. Their sleek, flexible bodies can navigate around most obstacles with ease, and their superb balance helps them to reach impressive heights with expert coordination. If they do happen to fall, they usually have no trouble achieving the purrfect landing, managing to right themselves in mid-air so that all four paws end up on the ground. Many of these skills help with one of their favourite pastimes: hunting. In the wild, cats must hunt prey to survive, but even though our pet cats are usually well-fed from a bowl, they still like to stalk and pounce for enjoyment. Plus, with moggy…

“Novices are better off looking for more mature horses that have proven to be well behaved and kind” INFANCY A wobbly start 0 days Mares usually give birth to one foal, though twins sometimes occur. Newborns are up on their gangly legs within an hour or two of birth. Infancy 0–6 months Foals stay close to their mothers for the first few months of life, playing, suckling, learning and sleeping. JUVENILE Leaving mum 5–7 months At around six months old foals can be weaned off their mother’s milk. At this point they will start to become much more independent. The chop before 12 months Colts (male foals) intended for riding are often castrated before they reach a year old. Geldings tend to be quieter and easier to handle than stallions. Adolescence 1 year At 12…

If you’re fortunate enough to have suitable land – approximately an acre per animal and spare if the ground gets muddy in winter – you can keep your horse at home. If not, you can rent a field or pay for it to live at a shared yard. At many yards each owner takes care of their own horse, while at others staff look after some or all of the horses living there. If you make friends with other owners, you might be able to take turns or help each other out. Your horse’s living arrangements will need to suit its age and needs as well as the amount of time you can spare each day. Robust breeds used to the cold are often happy outside all the time, but…

Food, transport, war equipment, signs of status, companions, sports teammates – few animals have had as many uses to humans as horses. No-one is exactly sure when we first joined forces with these powerful creatures, but it was probably around 6,000 years ago. Since then, horses have shaped and influenced almost every aspect of human society. Important disputes have been settled on horseback, mounted messengers have delivered world-changing letters and whole industries have relied on the power of horses. Those first people to tame horses could never have imagined it, but their decision changed the entire course of mankind.…

For thousands of years, horses were indispensible when people went to war. The first known use of horses in battle was in Eurasia between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago. Illustrations of donkeys or mules pulling war chariots found in the Middle East date back to 2500 BCE, and around 1,000 years later horse-drawn chariots were a common sight on Eastern battlefields. Over time, cavalries began to replace these fleets of chariots. Training methods and tactics were developed, and the invention of saddles and stirrups helped mounted warriors to stay on their horses. With speed, stamina and agility, horses were ideal for travelling over and fighting on rough terrain. The best-known image of the mounted fighter is the shining medieval knight, but horses continued to be used in warfare for hundreds…

Despite being feared by people all over the world, mice and rats are clean, loveable animals with astounding mental capabilities. Rodents have been evolving since the demise of the dinosaurs, and have developed an extensive repertoire of behaviour over millions of years. Though native to Asia, rats have invaded the entire world and found success on every continent except Antarctica. Rodents are survivors first and foremost, and use their brains to give them an edge. Intelligence is what has kept these animals progressing for 65 million years, and makes them incredible pets. Imagine the smarts and affection of a dog wrapped up in a pint-sized package. Don’t be fooled by their reputation; rats and mice aren’t plague-infested creatures of the night but loveable animals that enrich the lives of their…

Male mice perform intricate songs in order to attract a mate. These melodies are just like birdsong, except they’re too high-pitched for the human ear to detect. When a male sniffs out female urine, he bursts into loud and complex song in an attempt to lure the female closer and initiate mating. The mechanism that produces these whistles is like a miniature jet engine. A blast of air flows up the windpipe while bouncing off the larynx. This creates a feedback loop that leaves the mouth as a squeaky whistle. Rats have musical talent too, but tend to save their songs until mating is finished. Rats are the only non-primates to experience the joy of laughter. Ultrasonic chirps of mirth are elicited by tickling, and a good giggle session can…

Why do parrots talk? Parrots have the ability to ‘talk’ thanks to their amazing vocal mimicry skills and the anatomy of their mouths and lungs. Although they aren’t actually ‘speaking’ to us in our own language, these birds can actually learn our vocalisations and also repeat the huge range of noises and sounds that they hear us humans make. Parrot brains aren’t hard-wired to one particular vocalisation like songbirds are (for example, you’re able to recognise a black bird by it’s signature song) – they have the ability to make brand-new sounds. Scientists don’t know precisely why this is, but in the wild it’s thought that the ability could have something to do with reproductive fitness, communicating with mates and with distinguishing where other parrots come from. In addition to…

In recent years, more and more people have started keeping coldblooded pets. Snakes, lizards, frogs, spiders and even scorpions – yes, really – can be kept as pets, as long as you’re willing to put in the very unique work these fascinating critters require. As cold-blooded pets need a much hotter habitat than your typical Maine coon or border collie, you’ll need to set up a custom environment for them, not least because some of these pets can also be potentially dangerous if let loose. These vivariums (and terrariums) you need to set up will differ depending on the animal you want to keep in it, from a dry, sandy habitat for your emperor scorpion, to a leafy, humid home for your chameleon.…

Vivarium The word vivarium actually has two meanings; vivarium is Latin for ‘place of life’, and can be applied to any simulated environment in which an animal or pet is kept. More recently it is used primarily to describe small habitats intended for reptiles and amphibians. Terrarium A terrarium simulates a dry habitat, and is most often used for reptiles, insects or spiders. These can be either desert-like (such as for an emperor scorpion) or simulating woodland or even very humid jungle environments (such as for horned frogs). Aquarium A terrarium’s antithesis is the aquarium, which is dominated by water. They can sometimes include a few dry areas above the surface as well. An aquarium can be used for fish, of course, as well as amphibians like salamanders and water-loving…

Humans are the only animals to keep pets. Although other creatures have been observed forging unlikely friendships with other species, our own kind are the only ones to keep such companions in our homes that are purely for our own enjoyment. Our relationship with animals dates back thousands of years, as early humans began to see the benefits of domesticating creatures for necessary food and protection. But how has that translated to modern life? Here we’ll look at just a few reasons why we simply love to keep pets, and how they ‘give back’ to us. Exercise It’s no secret that exercise is essential to maintaining our mental and physical wellbeing. Having a pet – especially a dog, or another animal such as a horse that needs regular exercise –…

Discover the best places to look for your family’s furry new friend Getting a pet is a happy and rewarding experience, provided you’re confident you’ve found the right source. Animal shelters offer dogs, cats and even more exotic options for adoption in exchange for a small donation. While it’s always best to rescue an animal in need, there can be an element of luck when it comes to finding a pet that suits you best. Breeders sell pedigree pets for those seeking a specific style of dog or cat. While expensive, pets from a reputable breeder are taken home as babies, and come with a full family medical history. Animals can also be found from private sellers who can no longer look after their pets and need to find them…

Bulldog This classic, stocky breed is one of the oldest in the UK. Thanks to their loving nature they make great family pets. Confident and relaxed. Medium amount of exercise is required. Can snore very loudly! This breed can suffer from health complications and also has a short lifespan. Labrador retriever This happy, reliable dog is a faithful companion. They need lots of exercise but can cope well with being left alone at times. Intelligent and easy to train. Loyal and loving family member. Shed a lot of fur, with yellow Labradors shedding more than their black cousins. Can be boisterous and mischievous as pups. Border terrier Cute, scruffy and quite feisty, this small, wire-haired breed – originally bred to hunt vermin – is just as at home in a…

Relaxed A content dog has its ears down or forward, its weight soft on its paws and its tail held low. Dominant and aggressive If a dog’s hackles are raised and its tail is bristling, it’s best to back off. It may bare its teeth or bark and snarl. Playful Dog exhibit playfulness with a ‘bow’. Their tails will be raised and wagging and tongues will be out. Worried or fearful Dogs express fear by crouching low. The tail and ears will be down and they may make brief eye contact. Alert Straight back, eyes wide and mouth closed, dogs on alert have forwardfacing ears and a straight tail.…

While all dogs belong to the same subspecies (Canis lupus familiaris), there are hundreds of different breeds ranging from tiny chihuahuas to huge great danes. All of them are the result of many years of human interference by the process of selective breeding. The first-known evidence of humans selectively breeding dogs for specific roles was discovered on the Siberian island of Zhokhov. Archaeologists there have excavated 9,000-year-old fossils of dogs that would have been the right size and build to pull sleds. Another dog fossil found in the region was larger; it’s thought that this specimen may have been bred specifically help the humans hunt polar bears. Dog breeding progressed after the agricultural revolution. The advent of farming meant humans abandoned their nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles and built permanent settlements. Their…

It might sound like it comes straight out of a comic book, but domestic dogs do indeed have an amazing array of super senses. Thanks to our co-evolution and the long historical bond that humans and dogs share, we are able to work together in tandem to harness these amazing abilities. For our dogs, working is the most fulfilling task – they are hard-wired to please and love to stretch their mental abilities in return for a tasty reward and some fuss from their human. Working alongside dogs is also incredibly rewarding from our perspective; this partnership results in wonderful array of jobs that we simply couldn’t do without our faithful friends. Here are just a few of the roles that our canine companions excel in, and their amazing powers…

The modern world is all about pets – from Instafamous kitties to gadgets that make cat care easier. For example, check out the Catit Senses 2.0 Wellness Center, which provides all kinds of elements to keep your cat happy, including a full body massager, dental hygiene and grooming tech. There’s a whole host of robotic self-cleaning litter boxes, app-controlled cat toys, treat mazes and puzzles, kitty cameras to make sure your furry friend is okay while you’re away, and even automated feeding stations. If that’s not enough, perhaps you’d consider investing in the Litter Kwitter, a device that sits over your own toilet seat, designed to eliminate the need for a litter box.…

Ears up If a horse has its head level and its ears forward with bright eyes then it’s interested. A higher head and tense body with ears up can mean concern about something. Analysing the world This comical behaviour is called flehmen. Curling the top lip gives the horse information about an unfamiliar scent by allowing it to reach a special gland in the nose. Pure fear If you can’t normally see the whites of a horse’s eyes, the sight of them signals panic. Darting glances, trembling and snorting are other signs of fear. Chilling out Ears facing outwards, closed eyes, a droopy bottom lip and a cocked rear hoof are all signs that a horse is relaxed. Warning signs Pinned back ears, narrowed eyes, flared nostrils and a swishing…

There’s some debate over when and where horses were first domesticated. Horses feature in prehistoric cave art dating as far back as 30,000 BCE, but they all appear wild and there’s no compelling evidence that humans did anything besides hunt them. Thousands of ancient horse bones have been found with knife marks in them, suggesting that horsemeat was a fairly common meal. The changing climate caused by the Ice Age killed many subspecies, and caused horses to disappear entirely from North America. Increasing evidence points to modernday Kazakhstan as the location of the first domestic horses. The Botai people lived on the grassy Eurasian Steppe in the 4th millennium BCE, and remains of their villages are filled with horse bones and pottery thought to have contained horse milk. These people…

Scottish inventor and engineer James Watt invented the term ‘horsepower’ in the late 18th century. Watt worked on steam engines and wanted a unit of power that would help him demonstrate the advantages of using steam to power lifts in coal mines instead of horses. Watt worked out the power of the average mine pony. Attached to pulleys and walking in a circle, he calculated that in one minute a pony could lift 22,000 pounds of coal by one foot (or 220 pounds by 100 feet, approximately 100 kilograms by 30.5 metres). He then raised the potential amount of work by 50 per cent to 33,000 foot-pounds and called the unit horsepower. With this new unit, Watt could show that steam engines were capable of doing the work of several…

Garden hutch (Rabbits/guinea pigs/ferrets) For outdoor dwellers, consider two-storey accommodation. This provides 24-hour access to fresh grass, though remember you’ll have to move the hutch every few days. It also helps the sleeping area stay dry and ventilated as it’s raised off the ground. Food holders Gravity-dispensed feeders provide a steady supply of snacks as and when your small mammal is hungry while keeping the foodstuff contained. Also think about combining food with recreation by hiding a few treats around the enclosure or in puzzle-based food holders, which rewards curiosity and intuition with a tasty prize. Exercise ball (Hamsters/gerbils/rats/mice) These are an excellent way for indoorbased pets to burn off energy as well as a useful place to keep them occupied while cleaning their accommodation. Just be sure to move…

“The roaming rat tends to its friend immediately, even when offered chocolate chips. Instead of gobbling the chocolate, it releases the restrained rat and splits the prize” Only the most intelligent animals on Earth show empathy. Chimpanzees, elephants and crows are all capable of putting themselves in another’s shoes, along with mice and rats. Scientists have gone to great lengths to investigate the extent of rodent empathy through a wide variety of laboratory experiments. The results are nothing short of astounding. Rats care so much about their friends that they delay an enticing reward to rescue another rat. For example, two rats are placed in a cage where one is allowed to roam free but the other is put inside a tube that can only be opened from the outside.…

Mice adore cheese The association between rodents and cheese is an invention. They don’t hate the stuff, but are attracted to a wide range of foods and nesting materials, and show no preference for cheese. Rats go for the jugular A rat is extremely unlikely to attack a human unless cornered, and even then will not aim for the neck. It does not know what the jugular vein is, and has no innate desire to sever it. Mice have bendy bones The body doesn’t fold up to get the mouse through a narrow gap. The skull is very small and the collarbones taper inwards to allow the animal to squeeze through tiny spaces while burrowing and searching for food. You’re never more than three metres away from a rat Less…

If you’re considering raising a flock, you’re in for a treat. Not only are chickens some of the friendliest birds out there, there’s also plenty of benefits to keeping them! The first thing to think about when planning your hen-adventure is whether you have the space. Chickens are highly social animals and are best kept in small groups, so you shouldn’t get just the one. They will need a warm, well ventilated coop to roost in, complete with comfy egg-boxes for laying, as well as a secure area with plenty of ground for free-range foraging. Chickens also need to be let out every day and so it’s essential to consider the time commitment too, before you take the plunge! There are a great many chicken breeds to choose from, and…

Despite having their cold blood in common, vivarium pets can often have vastly different needs depending on their species. From frogs to spiders and snakes to scorpions, here are some of the most popular and interesting cold-blooded pets you can find… Chameleon Chameleons are enchanting animals, but take quite a lot of time and effort to care for. They live exclusively in trees, so will need a large, densely leafy habitat. This gives them lots of secluded spots for privacy, as they get easily stressed. Tokay gecko Tokay geckos are stunning creatures, and larger than their leopard gecko cousins. Due to their propensity to get aggressive and deliver a strong bite when they feel threatened, though, they should not be kept in homes with children, and they will need an…

A pet tarantula needs four main things to be happy; safety, security, heating and space. Their own safety is paramount; as they are cannibalistic they need to be kept apart from any other spiders. The terrarium must be completely enclosed as tarantulas are notorious escape artists. A sheer glass side is about as easy to climb for a tarantula as it is for us humans to cross a low threshold, so a secure lid must be in place. Tarantulas like secluded, shady environments, so a lamp is not needed. However, placing custom heat pads near the underside of a part of the tank is perfect to help them stay warm (25-30°C or 77-86°F is considered ideal). They also need space, whether they’re a ground-dwelling or arboreal (tree-dwelling) species, with hiding…

Capybara They may look like a guinea pig, but capybaras are the size of a dog. They need plenty of outdoor space to roam, with shaded and sunny spots and strong fencing that’s over one metre (3.3 feet) high to stop escape attempts. The world’s largest rodent also requires a kennel strewn with hay, and a heat lamp to stay warm in the winter. Capybaras are native to the savannahs of South America and enjoy swimming – they even have webbed feet – hence pool access is a must. In the wild they live in groups of up to 100 so they would enjoy a companion to graze with. Giant African land snail With a shell the size of a man’s fist, these are not your garden variety mollusc. Giant…

Ask yourself… How much do you know about the pet you want? a) Not much and I’ve never had a pet before b) I’ve done lots of research Do you have a garden? a) Yes, a large garden b) Yes, a small garden c) No How active and outdoorsy are you? a) I love being active and spending time outdoors whatever the weather b) I’m moderately active and like being outdoors when the weather is nice c) I’m not particularly active and don’t spend much time outdoors How busy are you? a) I have lots of free time b) I’m out of the house most days but have plenty of free time when I’m home c) I’m very busy and am out of the house for 4+ hours most days…

“Before you get your first dog you need to consider why you want a dog… Do you want a furry friend purely for cuddles and companionship, or do you want to be able to work and exercise with a pooch?” NEWBORN Tiny pups 0-3 weeks Newborns are blind and deaf. They develop sight and hearing in the first few weeks, but at birth they rely only on scent. PUPPY Weaning 3 weeks-6 months From around four weeks onwards the pups are weaned. Litter mates will play fight and learn from their mother. JUNIOR Play time 6 months-2 years Cheeky and mischievous, junior dogs are very receptive to learning but need lots of walks and attention. ADULT Maturity 2-7 years Dogs usually calm down when they reach adulthood. They still love to run and play…

Dogs and humans have shared a unique bond for thousands of years. Wild wolves once made valuable additions to human tribes, but now dogs have become invaluable members of our families. They offer us a level of loyalty and devotion that few other animals can match, making them perfect pet partners. The phrase “man’s best friend” has been used to describe our canine companions by many different authors, poets and philosophers over the years, but the first recorded use was in the 18th century by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. He used the phrase to describe his beloved Italian greyhound, and was so fond of his pet dogs that he even left orders to be buried next to them when he died.…

There are two major type of medical dogs: medical alert dogs and bio detection dogs. Alert dogs live with their owners and spend every waking minute together. Thanks to their amazing sense of smell they are able to detect tiny changes in our physiology due to odours that are released prior to an emergency. These dogs work with people with diseases such as type 2 diabetes or severe allergies, and will alert their owner if they sense a change for the worse. The owner can then take the necessary medicines or precautions to prevent any further deterioration to their health. Bio detection dogs can be trained to recognise the scents that people release while developing specific diseases such as types of cancer or malaria, as particles associated with these diseases…

Bengal Bred to resemble a mini leopard but with a loving temperament, Bengal cats have gorgeous spotted coats and love to be around people. Medium–large breed. Two coat patterns: marbled and spotted. Loving and dependable temperament. Bengals love water – they may try to join you in the bath! Maine Coon Native to the US, this super fluffy giant cat breed grows slowly, reaching its full size at around the age of five. Very large, muscular build. Long, glossy and dense coat. Very inquisitive and intelligent – they thrive in a family home. Can even be walked on a lead. Siamese Hailing from ancient Siam (now Thailand), it’s believed that when a member of the royal family dies a Siamese cat receives their soul. Highly intelligent – needs to be…

Relaxed A relaxed cat will be content lounging around. A display of the belly is a trusting gesture, and a slow blink is a sign of affection. Fearful Fear is shown with flattened ears, wide eyes and a rigid, crouched posture. A terrified cat may arch its back and hiss. Playful Look for ears pointed forward, tail held high, wide eyes and plenty of batting with paws and elated jumps. Predatory If you see a crouch with the tail held low, a straight back and focused stare, your cat is in stalking mode. Ownership Cats rub their heads on things to show ownership. They’ll head-bump and lick you to affectionately claim you as their own.…

The Roman Empire Romans were certainly appreciators of the feline talents, and saw them as a symbol of liberty – it’s easy to see why! Cats were also brought along as the army marched through Europe as a means of controlling pests, and once they arrived in Britain, the cats stayed. Norse mythology The Vikings worshipped the Norse gods, of which Freyja was one of the most important. Goddess of love and fertility but also of war and death, she was believed to travel around on a chariot pulled by cats. The inspiration for this tale could be the wild Norwegian forest cat. Ancient China According to the origin myth of the Chinese zodiac, the Jade Emperor selected the 12 animals from a race. The nocturnal cat asked the rat…

Shetland Shetlands are just the right size for a child learning to brush and care for a pony, and those with gentle temperaments make good riding ponies. Small, cuddly and usually friendly. Robust, with thick winter coats. Surprisingly strong and can be very stubborn. Arabian Arabian horses are visually striking with their curved faces and distinctive ears. As well as its looks, this ancient breed is also well known for its spirited nature and impressive speed. High endurance and blessed with beautiful movement. Intelligent, fast learners. Can be sensitive and flighty. New Forest pony These ponies are very popular with children and small adults. They’re sturdy and versatile, ideal for a rider wanting to try different disciplines. Sure-footed and reliable. Generally kind and keen to please, occasionally cheeky. Hardy, easier…

While riding is the main appeal for many horse owners, it’s really important to lay the groundwork and spend time creating a bond. Groom your horse, chat to it and give it a good scratch. The more you trust each other, the easier your horse will be to handle in the yard and the more willing it’ll be to cooperate when you get in the saddle. The best way to learn is through lessons. If you’re new to riding, an instructor will help you get to grips with the basics, and lots of experienced riders have trainers to spot bad habits and help with their chosen disciplines. Find an instructor with a teaching style that suits you; don’t be afraid to try someone else if you’re not enjoying your lessons.…

Q. Why do horses wear shoes? A. Horses regularly being ridden, driven or led over hard surfaces, and those living in muddy fields wear horseshoes to protect their sensitive feet from injury and wear. For jumping and other events where horses need lots of traction, small studs can be screwed into the shoes to provide grip – a bit like spikes on football boots. Horses spending all their time on soft ground can be left barefoot, but their hooves still need to be trimmed by a farrier every few weeks to stop them growing too long, which makes walking difficult. Q. Why do horses roll? A. Horses roll to itch parts that they can’t reach and to get rid of loose hair. Rolling in dust protects the skin from sunlight…

Take a walk in the countryside or travel to a country with wide-open spaces and you might spot a band or herd of horses. As wild as they look, these groups are almost certainly feral. Feral horses are those that roam free but are descended from domestic stock. After escaping or being released, domestic horses and ponies will gradually revert to the behaviours of wild animals. Australia has a huge population of feral horses known as brumbies, whose ancestors were brought to the country by English settlers. Even mustangs, symbols of resilience and freedom, are feral; they’re descendants of horses brought to America by the Spanish in the 15th and 16 centuries. The endangered Przewalski’s horse, native to central Asia, might be the last remaining wild horse. There’s debate over…

You might think less pet, less hassle. While in some respects that’s true, don’t be fooled into thinking that the more diminutive proportions of rabbits, hamsters and their kind means they’re any less of a commitment. Nor is choosing the best one for you a decision that should be rushed into. Ultimately, they still require accommodation (which will need regular cleaning), food and water, health checks and medicine, grooming and, equally importantly, love and attention. That said, small mammals do come with some distinct advantages. They require less space, most never need to venture outside, and they demand far less of your time than, say, a dog. Perhaps their greatest appeal is their variety, with each type suiting a particular lifestyle. Rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs are a better option…

Dog After more than 14,000 years of domestication and selective breeding, dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. They are loyal, attentive and easy to train for a variety of tasks. Ferret This domesticated member of the badger family can be taught to use a litter tray, perform tricks and, most importantly, avoid nipping their human owners. Parrot African grey parrots can learn chunks of human speech, and are said to be as intelligent as a five-year-old child. The tropical bird is difficult to care for, so don’t take a decision to keep one lightly. Pig Pigs are thought to be more intelligent than the average dog. They have been taught to play video games with more attention and focus than our closest ancestor, the chimpanzee. Goldfish Fish memory…

1. Rabbits are on the lookout for trouble As prey animals, rabbits have to be alert to possible dangers – they have almost 360-degree vision to avoid being caught by surprise and can stand up on their hind legs for a better view. If they spot something worrying, they’ll thump their feet on the ground to warn others before bolting for cover. Although having eyes on the side of its head means a rabbit can see all around and even behind it, it does create a small blind spot right in front of its face. 2. Oldest rabbit The longest rabbit life on record was lived by Flopsy. Caught from the wild in August 1964, she lived with her owners in Tasmania for the next 18 years, ten months and…

Cold-blooded pets require an entirely unique type of care. Most important to them is heat – you will need a heatcontrolled, 100 per cent escape-proof vivarium for your pet, be it a snake, frog, scorpion or tarantula, sometimes heated to above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Special full-spectrum lights are needed for some, and if you keep a reptile, you may want to invest in a reptile light timer, as most rely on an even 12-hour split between day and night. Most reptiles are almost entirely carnivorous, so you’ll need to feed them unprocessed, raw meat. Some will feed their cold-blooded pets live prey, not least to help them retain their natural instincts, so these will not be ideal pets for the squeamish. Rodents are a popular choice of…

1. One big family Turtles, tortoises and terrapins all belong to the group of reptiles known as Chelonians (also known as Testudines). They’re technically all ‘turtles’, but we have different names for different groups. From the giant Galápagos tortoise to sea turtles like loggerheads and leatherbacks as well as freshwater turtles, there are around 300 species of Chelonians worldwide. A few of these species, with the right dedication and knowledge, make excellent pets. 2. Under the shell The shell of tortoises, terrapins and turtles is fused to the spine and supported by the ribs. The upper, domed part is the ‘carapace’ and beneath it is the ‘plastron’. The outer layer is covered in ‘scutes’ – strong, bony tiles that fit together and display the species markings of the tortoise. 3.…