Pets
"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.
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
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
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
Love them or hate them – the chihuahua is the tiniest dog in the world with the biggest attitude
Known for their small size and big personality, the chihuahua is a popular dog breed today. But did you know just how ancient they are?
How many dog breeds are there in the world?
From ancient working dogs to modern designer breeds, the world of pedigree pups is broader and more complex than you might think
Can dogs crossbreed with wolves?
It might be hard to imagine your family dog sharing much in common with a wild wolf. But these two animals are more alike than you might think – so alike, in fact, that they can breed and have healthy, fertile offspring
Think dogs don’t get sunburnt? Think again
Surprisingly, dogs can get sunburnt – and just like humans, it can be really damaging. Here’s how to protect your pooch from harmful UV rays
Can foxes and dogs crossbreed?
For a long time, scientists believed that dogs and foxes couldn’t produce offspring together — but a groundbreaking discovery in Brazil has challenged that belief.
Pharaoh companions and Viking forest dwellers: These are the oldest cat breeds in the world
From the elegant Abyssinian to the rare Korat, here’s a look at some of the cat breeds thought to be among the oldest in the world
Create your own dog friendly garden: Expert tips from Monty Don, the RHS and Battersea for a beautiful outdoor space
Having a dog doesn't mean that you have to give up on your garden entirely – but you might have to get a little creative
It has startling eyes, goes limp in your arms and steals hearts the world over: Meet the stunning ragdoll cat
Striking blue eyes, soft coats and a laid-back nature make ragdoll cats one of the best loved and most eye-catching breeds
Astonishing BBC footage shows rescue puppies helping raise adorable orphaned baby chimps in West Africa –proving dogs aren't just man's best friend
At a sanctuary in Liberia, a group of devoted dogs are stepping up as unlikely carers to help raise orphaned chimpanzees
Why do dogs lick you? What on Earth are they trying to tell you...?
Why do dogs lick you? Is it normal for dogs to lick you? Can it be a sign that something is wrong? PSDA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh explains
Massive moggies: These are the 6 biggest pet cat breeds in the world
From gentle giants to wild-looking felines, these are the biggest domestic cat breeds that bring both beauty and bulk to homes around the world
Pets make you as happy as a £70,000 pay rise, new research suggests
A pet companion is worth up to £70,000 a year in life satisfaction, compared to equal happiness obtained by meeting with friends and relatives on a regular basis