Animals
"Razor sharp and fiercely loyal": rare dog from Hungary becomes UK’s newest breed
The Hungarian herding dog will officially join the UK’s pedigree breed list next month, says The Kennel Club.
Is a broken leg always a death sentence for horses? Contrary to common belief it doesn't always mean they have to be shot, says vet
When scientists took DNA from 280 cats they found something surprising...
A new study has found that variations in a specific gene affect a cat’s vocal behaviour more than we thought
What vaccinations dogs need and when should puppies receive their first? Veterinary nurse explains all you need to know
Just like humans, dogs need to be vaccinated against serious illness. Veterinary nurse Samantha Felton explains what vaccinations they need when
Dogs particularly at risk from deadly, toxic caterpillars – now spreading beyond London – warn experts
While the caterpillars are a known issue in parts of London and the South East, experts report that they are spreading to other parts of the country
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This is what your cat’s sleeping position tells you about how it's feeling
From belly-up to loaf-shaped, your cat's favourite snoozing pose can reveal a lot about their health, comfort and security
Is your cat being bullied? Why cats fight – and what you can do to stop them
Many of us will be familiar with the spine-tingling yowl of fighting cats, but what causes these feline fallings-out? Cats Protection behaviourist Nicky Trevorrow explains.
This is what your dog’s poop can tell you about its health
There’s a lot you can find out about your dog’s health just by taking a look at its stool
Cats can recognise their owner’s BO – and use different nostrils to sniff strangers, new research reveals
The study also showed that cats used one nostril over another, suggesting that they use different sides of their brain for different tasks
Can your dog ever escape its genes? Why your pooch has more in common with wild wolves than you realise
All dogs share DNA with their ancestor the grey wolf, but can they ever escape their genes? Sam Pyrah delves into the science of selection and the quest for the perfect canine companion
Farm animals
Alpaca vs llama – what’s the difference between these two members of the camel family?
These members of the camelid family are easily confused, but there are key differences between the alpaca and the llama. From size and temperament to fleece quality and role in farming, here’s how to tell them apart
Should Britain be eating more goat? Why this common farmyard animal could be a more ethical alternative to beef
The dairy goat industry is linked to thousands of billy goats being slaughtered each year as wastage – so is it time to add the meat to supermarket shelves?
Adorable images of newborn lambs capture the beauty and vulnerability of lambing season in Lakeland
Farmer and photographer Amy Bateman captures the new life and hard labour of lambing season in Cumbria.
Horses
Badminton Horse Trials 2025 in pictures: Spectacular photos from the world's greatest equestrian event
All the action for the world's greatest three day event
Deadliest horse diseases in the world – according to a veterinary surgeon
We take a look at some of the deadliest horse diseases in the world - and their symptoms and causes
Thinking about buying a horse? Here's what you should consider
Buying a horse is a big decision - here is what you should consider first
Pets
A new Royal favourite: how the Jack Russell Terrier has seen a surge in popularity, boosted by Queen Camilla's love for the breed
Why the loveable Jack Russell has become the most popular royal dog breed.
Scientists solve the decades-long mystery of what makes cats orange – and why ginger cats tend to be male
Scientists have solved the mystery of why ginger cats are orange and mostly male, with new evidence suggesting that their colour comes from a genetic mutation in the X chromosome.
Built for endurance: Meet the world’s toughest dog breeds
These resilient dog breeds are known for their strength, stamina and ability to handle extreme climates – but they need to be cared for and trained properly
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