Animals
Are dog DNA kits worth their expensive price tags – and can you trust them? We test the best 3 available today
Guess the dog breed – do you know better than these top-selling dog DNA kits? We take one mixed up dog and 3 tests to find out what they can tell us...
This gentle giant survived extinction after two world wars nearly wiped it out – and today is a devoted family pet
These gentle giants were brought back from the brink after WW2 – with all Leonbergers today traced back to these tiny numbers of survivors
Supermodel dogs: the 10 most beautiful breeds in the world. But does your favourite make the cut?
These supermodels of the dog world are undeniably stunning, from the elegant and willowy Saluki to the broad, cuddly frame of the Bernese mountain dog
Chris Packham is moving his dogs to a plant-based diet – should you? Here’s what the research says
Chris Packham has explained why he's transitioning his dogs onto a vegan diet
Is it normal for cats to play with their prey? Vet nurse says it's not for entertainment
Why do cats play with their prey? Is it sadistic or grounded in deep-rooted instinct? PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick investigates...
What's new?
England’s red squirrels at serious risk of extinction due to North American invader
The beloved red squirrel could disappear from England within a generation, warn campaigners
What are the best dog walks in the UK? Explore our 9 favourite trails and routes with your dog
Grab your lead, treats and poo bags and take your dog on one of these expert-approved UK dog walks and locations around some of the most stunning spots in the UK.
Cycling with your dog could lead to a £2.5k fine if you don't follow these key rules
A two-wheeled adventure with your pup might seem harmless, but without the right precautions, it could quickly turn into a costly legal mistake
Is your dog autistic? Canine expert explores the brilliant mind of the Border collie
Could the genius of the world’s most successful and tenacious sheepdog be explained by a form of canine autism? Dog behaviour expert Carol Price explains
What is an axolotl? The extraordinary 'walking fish' that looks like a Pokémon and can regrow its limbs
Native to Mexico but curiously found in a Welsh river last week, the axolotl has become a TikTok star and gaming hero in recent years. Here's what we know about the rare and otherworldly species
Farm animals
Mind the poultry gap: 25 million unreported chickens spark fresh pollution concerns across the UK
The findings hint at a disturbing domino effect on river pollution and damage to wildlife
Can sheep and goats cross-breed?'
Can sheep and goats crossbreed? There’s considerable debate, with evidence and claims on both sides.
What’s the tallest cow in the world? At over 6ft tall, she would tower over many people
Discover the record-breaking cow, named Blosom
Horses
How do racehorses get their names?
Why do racehorses sometimes have ridiculous names? Naming conventions for racehorses can get creative at times. Here's how the monikers are chosen...
The silent architects: How horses have sculpted the British countryside over centuries
The countryside would look very different were it not for horses. Tiffany Francis- Baker reveals some of the surprising ways horses have sculpted our landscapes.
With just 300 left in the world, is this the rarest horse on the planet?
Once the lifeblood of Scotland’s island communities, this rare pony now faces a fight for its future
Pets
What's the best dog breed for your family? Experts share the top 10 child-friendly dogs
Which dog breeds are best with kids? We've rounded up the best family dogs of all shapes and sizes
Which vegetables can dogs eat? Vet experts explain the safest choices
From carrots and cucumbers to onions and wild mushrooms, not every vegetable is safe for dogs to eat. Veterinary nurse reveals which common foods are safe and which are risky for your pup
Cats vs dogs: Science finally reveals which pet is smarter
Both cat and dog owners tend to claim that their pet is the more intelligent animal – but who's correct? Fergus Collins weighs up the evidence
poultry
Mike the Headless Chicken: the real-life chicken that lived for 18 months without a head
After a failed decapitation in 1945, a chicken in Colorado stunned the world by surviving for 18 months without a head
Meet the bizarre blue-egg laying chicken taking over British backyards
Bird flu: what is it, which populations are affected and what are the long-term impacts?
As bird flu hits the headlines again, we take a look at what it is, the long-term impacts and what to do if you find an infected bird
