Find the perfect companion for you and your family
Spur-winged Plovers We visited the grounds of Sydney University, where a pair of Spur-winged plovers is nesting. The parents are very protective of their two chicks, and swoop any students who come too close. However, the plovers are unlikely to cause any harm,...
If you are too busy to walk a dog or care for a cat but would still like a pet, fish are an obvious low maintenance choice. In the past there were problems maintaining good water quality, which made large aquariums difficult to manage. The good news is that today...
Fancy Goldfish Goldfish are very popular as pets because they are attractive, cheap to buy and fairly easy to look after. You can find goldfish in most pet shops for around $2.50 each. Rare varieties of goldfish, known as fancy goldfish, are much more...
Shih Tzu Breed: Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed zoo) Temperament: devoted, spirited Maintenance: high Lifespan: 12-14 years Recommended for: older families, apartments History The name Shih Tzu is a Chinese word meaning ‘lion’, but the origin of this...
Thai Ridgeback Breed: Thai Ridgeback Temperament: independent, shy, cringing Maintenance: low Cost: not available in Australia Recommended for: not recommended History and genetic development The Thai Ridgeback dog is little known to the Western world. It is one of...
Irish Draught Horses Breed: Irish Draught Horses Temperament: well tempered, gentle Cost: $10,000+ Lifespan: up to 30 years Recommended for: ideal for adult sport riders, suitable for anyone Ireland’s soil, climate and culture makes it one of the most horse...
Breed: Quarter Horse Temperament: Willing, versatile Maintenance: Medium Lifespan: Up to 30 years Cost: $2000 – $20,000 Recommended for: Beginners to experts History The American Quarter Horse is reputed to be the oldest all-American breed. The origins of this...
Mice Breed: Mouse Temperament: Curious Maintenance: Medium Lifespan: 2-3 years Cost: $2-$20 Recommended for: 5 years+ Background Although the wide range of pet mice available these days may appear to be completely different from your average brown house mouse, they...
Breed: Appaloosa Temperament: Obedient, willing to please Maintenance: Medium Lifespan: 25-30 years Recommended for: Beginners to advanced riders The Appaloosa is known for its distinctive coat of spotted and colour splashed patterns. History The word Appaloosa is...
Suffolk Sheep Breed: Suffolk Sheep Temperament: quiet Maintenance: medium Cost: from $100-$200 (ewes); $300-500 (flock rams); $1000-$10,000 (stud rams) Lifespan: 10-14 years Recommended for: hobby farmers History The Suffolk was developed in England by crossing a...