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Animal Encyclopedia

In-depth articles on 70 pets: history, anatomy, breeds, behaviour, housing, diet, health, costs and laws. Compare them by lifespan, cost and difficulty, then open any animal for the full article.

African grey parrot
African grey parrotAn African parrot famous for its intelligence and talking ability. Listed on CITES Appendix I since 2017, it requires proper paperwork and a commitment of several decades.
40–60 yearsDifficulty 5/5β‰ˆ $43–86/mo
Aquatic Turtles
Aquatic TurtlesMusk, mud and cooter turtles spend most of their time in water but bask on land. They live for decades, some grow large, and every one needs strong filtration, heat and UVB.
20–40 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $14–36/mo
Axolotl
AxolotlA Mexican salamander that stays aquatic and keeps its feathery larval gills for life. It loves cold water, so in warm climates temperature control is the heart of axolotl care.
10–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $21–50/mo
Ball Python
Ball PythonA gentle African python that curls into a tight ball around its head when nervous. Adults rarely exceed 1.5 m, making it the most manageable python, though long fasts and humidity can test new owners.
20–30 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $21–50/mo
Bearded Dragon
Bearded DragonAn Australian lizard that puffs out and darkens its spiny throat pouch. Bearded dragons bond well with people, but they demand a large enclosure, strong UVB and a hot basking spot.
10–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $43–86/mo
Bengal
BengalA leopard-spotted, high-energy cat descended from crosses between the Asian leopard cat and domestic cats. Clever and athletic, it needs lots of play and space.
12–16 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $64–130/mo
Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)A Thai labyrinth fish with flowing fins and a surprisingly bold personality. Males must live alone, and despite the cup-sized myth, a heated, filtered tank keeps them healthy.
3–5 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $6–11/mo
Bichon FrisΓ©
Bichon FrisΓ©A cheerful 4-8 kg dog with a powder-puff white coat. Sociable and low-shedding, but the coat mats easily, grooming is costly, and allergies and bladder stones are common.
12–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $86–180/mo
Blue-tongued skink
Blue-tongued skinkA chunky lizard from Australia and New Guinea that flashes a bright blue tongue to startle predators. Calm, sturdy and omnivorous, it is a favourite first large lizard.
15–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $29–57/mo
Border Collie
Border CollieA sheepdog with brains and stamina to spare, often called the most trainable breed. Without daily work for body and mind, it quickly invents its own jobs.
12–15 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $110–210/mo
British Shorthair
British ShorthairA sturdy, plush-coated British cat with chubby cheeks and a calm, self-contained nature. Copes well alone but gains weight easily.
12–17 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $50–100/mo
Budgerigar (Budgie)
Budgerigar (Budgie)A small grassland parakeet from inland Australia and the world's most popular pet parrot. Cheerful, chatty and surprisingly capable of learning words.
7–12 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $14–29/mo
Canary
CanaryA songbird developed over five centuries from a wild finch of the Canary Islands. Not a hands-on pet, but the male's rolling song and the variety of colour and shape breeds are a joy to watch and hear.
8–12 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $11–21/mo
Cat
CatIndependent yet quietly affectionate, cats suit indoor life well. They skip the walks but need a clean litter box, daily play and vertical space to climb.
12–18 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $50–110/mo
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry ShrimpA tiny red freshwater shrimp that grazes algae and leftovers all day and breeds readily. It is forgiving once settled but very sensitive to sudden changes and copper.
1–2 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $4–9/mo
Chihuahua
ChihuahuaOften called the world's smallest breed, this 1.5-3 kg Mexican dog bonds deeply and has plenty of courage, but feels the cold, breaks easily and needs careful socialisation.
12–18 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $50–110/mo
Chinchilla
ChinchillaAndean rodents with the densest fur of any land mammal, chinchillas can live past 15. They overheat easily, so summer air conditioning and regular dust baths are non-negotiable.
10–15 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $29–64/mo
Cockatiel
CockatielA crested, orange-cheeked member of the cockatoo family from Australia. Gentle and cuddly, it whistles beautifully but sheds plenty of powder down and startles easily at night.
15–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $21–43/mo
Corn Snake
Corn SnakeA slender rat snake from the southeastern United States, docile, a reliable eater and forgiving of temperature swings, which makes it the go-to first snake. Its one big flaw: it is an escape artist.
15–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $14–36/mo
Corydoras catfish
Corydoras catfishSmall South American armoured catfish that shuffle across the bottom, sifting sand with their barbels. Bronze and panda corys are classic choices, best kept in a group.
5–10 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $7–14/mo
Crested Gecko
Crested GeckoAn arboreal gecko named for the fringed crests above its eyes. It lives happily at room temperature and eats a powdered complete diet, which makes it a favorite with busy keepers.
15–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $14–29/mo
Dachshund
DachshundA short-legged German hunting dog bred to go to ground after badgers. Curious, brave and affectionate, but its long back makes disc disease a serious lifelong risk.
12–16 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $71–130/mo
Degu
DeguA chatty, daytime-active rodent from the scrubland of central Chile. Highly social and clever, it cannot handle sugar well, so every treat needs a second thought.
6–9 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $25–50/mo
Dog
DogHumanity's oldest animal companion, loyal and deeply social. In return a dog asks for daily walks, consistent training and well over a decade of commitment.
10–16 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $71–180/mo
Fancy Rat
Fancy RatThe domesticated brown rat, bred for generations as a companion. Clever, affectionate and trainable, but short-lived and prone to respiratory disease and tumours.
2–3 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $21–43/mo
Ferret
FerretCurious, playful members of the weasel family that bond strongly with people. They need a high-protein meat diet, hours of play daily, and tolerance for a musky smell.
6–10 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $57–110/mo
French Bulldog
French BulldogA compact, bat-eared companion that rarely barks and adores its people. Its flat face, though, means real care around heat, breathing and exercise.
9–12 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $86–180/mo
Freshwater angelfish
Freshwater angelfishAn elegant, disc-shaped cichlid from the Amazon with long, sweeping fins. It needs a tall tank and grows big enough to eat small tankmates such as neon tetras.
8–12 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $11–25/mo
Golden Retriever
Golden RetrieverA Scottish gundog bred to retrieve game, now the classic gentle family dog. It is a large breed that needs plenty of exercise, sheds a lot and has notable cancer and joint risks.
10–12 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $140–290/mo
Goldfish
GoldfishBred by people for over a thousand years, the goldfish grows far larger and lives far longer than its fairground reputation suggests, and it needs a filtered tank rather than a bowl.
10–15 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $7–18/mo
Green iguana
Green iguanaA large plant-eating lizard from Central and South American forests that can top 1.5 m with its tail. Sold cheaply as hatchlings, it is really an expert-level pet needing room-sized housing.
12–20 yearsDifficulty 5/5β‰ˆ $57–110/mo
Guinea Pig
Guinea PigGentle, chatty rodents from South America that rarely bite. They are herd animals best kept in pairs, and they need vitamin C from their diet every single day.
5–8 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $36–64/mo
Guppy
GuppyA small, hardy livebearer from South America that comes in endless colour strains. Easy to keep, but it breeds so fast that population control needs a plan from day one.
1–3 yearsDifficulty 1/5β‰ˆ $6–14/mo
Hamster
HamsterPopular as a first pet because they fit a small home, hamsters are actually solitary night owls. A large enclosure, deep bedding and a big wheel matter more than toys.
2–3 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $11–25/mo
Hedgehog
HedgehogPet hedgehogs are almost always African pygmy hedgehogs: quiet, solitary and nocturnal. Keeping them warm, around 24–28Β°C all year, is the single most important part of their care.
4–6 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $21–43/mo
Horned Frog (Pacman Frog)
Horned Frog (Pacman Frog)A round South American frog that seems to be half mouth, sitting buried in substrate to ambush whatever wanders past. It barely moves, so a small enclosure is enough.
8–12 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $11–25/mo
Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle
Japanese Rhinoceros BeetleKorea’s best-loved horned beetle. You can watch the full life cycle at home, from fat white grub to pupa to adult, which makes it a classic family project.
1–1 yearsDifficulty 1/5β‰ˆ $2–7/mo
Java Sparrow
Java SparrowA finch from Java and Bali with a chunky pink-red bill and crisp white cheeks. Hand-raised birds can become remarkably tame, and all of them are passionate bathers.
7–10 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $11–25/mo
Korean Jindo
Korean JindoKorea's best-known native breed from Jindo Island, protected as a natural monument. Loyal, clever and famous for finding its way home, but independent and wary, needing socialisation and lots of exercise.
12–15 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $110–200/mo
Korean Shorthair
Korean ShorthairNot a registered breed but Korea's everyday domestic cat. Most come from shelters or the street, in every colour and personality, and they are generally robust.
12–18 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $43–93/mo
Labrador Retriever
Labrador RetrieverA retriever descended from Newfoundland fishermen's dogs and refined in Britain, now the world's leading guide dog. Friendly and tireless, but so food-driven that weight control is a lifelong job.
10–12 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $140–290/mo
Land Hermit Crab
Land Hermit CrabLand hermit crabs live in borrowed snail shells and can reach well past ten years when kept properly, with humid air, deep sand, both fresh and salt water, and companions.
5–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $7–18/mo
Leopard Gecko
Leopard GeckoA ground-dwelling gecko with real eyelids and no sticky toes, prized as the classic starter reptile for its calm temperament and simple needs. It wakes up around dusk, just when most owners get home.
15–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $21–43/mo
Lovebird
LovebirdSmall, stocky African parrots named for the close bonds pairs form. Big personalities in compact bodies, they can be fiercely loyal and just as fiercely territorial.
10–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $18–36/mo
Maine Coon
Maine CoonThe 'gentle giant' from Maine: a big, shaggy, sociable and clever cat that needs room, oversized equipment and regular grooming.
11–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $71–140/mo
Maltese
MalteseA tiny 2-4 kg companion with a pure white coat and dark eyes. Devoted and cuddly, but prone to barking, separation anxiety, tear stains and kneecap problems.
12–15 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $71–140/mo
Mini pig
Mini pigClever and affectionate, but despite the name, adult 'mini' pigs commonly weigh dozens of kilograms. Space, noise and livestock rules all need careful thought.
12–18 yearsDifficulty 5/5β‰ˆ $110–210/mo
Mongolian gerbil
Mongolian gerbilA small rodent from the Mongolian steppe that barely smells and is lively by day as well as night. Gerbils are social, so a same-sex pair is the usual starting point.
3–4 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $11–21/mo
Munchkin
MunchkinA curious, playful cat with short legs caused by a dominant dwarfism gene. Friendly and lively, but the breed itself remains a subject of welfare debate.
12–15 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $50–110/mo
Neon tetra
Neon tetraA tiny South American schooling fish with an electric blue stripe and a red tail. Kept in a group of ten or more, it turns a planted tank into a moving ribbon of colour.
4–8 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $6–14/mo
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh CorgiA short-legged, big-eared herding dog from Wales with a famously fluffy rear. Bright and lively, but it sheds heavily and needs careful weight and back management.
12–14 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $86–160/mo
Persian
PersianA calm, gentle cat famous for its flowing coat and round face. Expect daily grooming and eye cleaning, and close attention to breathing, eye and kidney health.
12–16 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $71–140/mo
Pomeranian
PomeranianA 1.5-3.5 kg toy spitz with a huge double coat and a fox-like face. Bold and lively, but it barks and sheds a lot and is prone to windpipe and kneecap problems.
12–16 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $64–140/mo
Poodle
PoodleA highly intelligent breed with a curly, low-shedding coat. In Korea the 2-4 kg Toy is most common; all sizes need regular grooming and mental exercise.
12–17 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $71–160/mo
Rabbit
RabbitQuiet, clever and litter-trainable, rabbits make charming house pets. They live 8–12 years, eat mostly hay and need far more space than a traditional hutch provides.
8–12 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $36–71/mo
Ragdoll
RagdollA large, blue-eyed, semi-longhaired cat with pointed colouring, famous for going limp in your arms and following its people from room to room.
12–17 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $57–110/mo
Russian Blue
Russian BlueAn elegant cat with a plush, silver-tipped blue coat and green eyes. Quiet and reserved with strangers, it is often deeply devoted to its own family.
14–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $50–100/mo
Scottish Fold
Scottish FoldA gentle, round-faced cat famous for its forward-folded ears. The same gene that folds the ears also affects cartilage, so joint health needs lifelong attention.
11–14 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $57–130/mo
Shiba Inu
Shiba InuA small, fox-faced Japanese hunting dog with a curled tail. Clean and independent, but stubborn and often touchy with strangers and other dogs, so not an easy first dog.
12–15 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $71–140/mo
Shih Tzu
Shih TzuA 4-7 kg descendant of China's imperial lion dogs, easygoing and not much of a barker. As a flat-faced breed it needs care around heat, breathing, eyes and spinal discs.
10–16 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $71–140/mo
Siamese
SiameseThe talkative, people-obsessed pointed cat from Thailand with sapphire eyes. Thrives on company and struggles when left alone for long.
13–18 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $50–100/mo
Siberian chipmunk
Siberian chipmunkThe striped native rodent of Korean forests, the Siberian chipmunk is an animal to watch rather than cuddle. It needs a tall, roomy enclosure and some understanding of its winter torpor.
5–8 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $14–29/mo
Stag Beetle
Stag BeetleBeetles with antler-like jaws. Popular species such as Dorcus titanus and Dorcus hopei can live two or more years as adults, but most must be housed alone because they fight.
1–3 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $4–11/mo
Sugar Glider
Sugar GliderA tiny gliding marsupial from Australia and New Guinea that sails between branches on a furred membrane. Nocturnal, colony-minded and fussy about diet, it rewards owners who can commit real evening time.
10–15 yearsDifficulty 4/5β‰ˆ $36–79/mo
Sun conure
Sun conureA medium parrot loved for its blazing yellow and orange plumage and cuddly personality. Its call is extremely loud, which matters a great deal in shared housing.
20–30 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $29–57/mo
Tarantula
TarantulaLarge, hairy spiders whose beginner species, such as Brachypelma and Grammostola, are calm and live quietly in a small enclosure. Females can live more than 20 years.
5–25 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $4–11/mo
Tortoise
TortoiseLand tortoises such as Hermann’s and Russian tortoises are grazing herbivores that can outlive their owners. They need floor space, strong UVB and a high-fibre weed diet.
40–80 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $21–43/mo
White's tree frog
White's tree frogA plump, sleepy-looking tree frog from Australia and New Guinea with a permanent grin. Hardy and long-lived, it is a classic first frog, though prone to obesity.
12–20 yearsDifficulty 2/5β‰ˆ $14–29/mo
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire TerrierA tiny terrier with a silky coat and a big personality. It sheds little, but needs steady grooming, dental care and help keeping the barking in check.
13–16 yearsDifficulty 3/5β‰ˆ $71–140/mo
Zebra finch
Zebra finchA tiny Australian finch with a coral-red beak and, in males, bright orange cheeks. It is a bird to watch in pairs or groups rather than one to handle.
5–8 yearsDifficulty 1/5β‰ˆ $7–18/mo