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,...
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...
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...
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: Australian Stock Horse Temperament: quiet, intelligent, easy to train Cost: $2000+ Lifespan: 20-30 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: anyone Background Horses arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. Only the strongest and most enduring...
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...
Breed: Australian Scorpions Temperament: varies according to species Cost: $40-$70 (around $140+ for full set-up) Lifespan: 2+ years Recommended for: anyone 12+ Maintenance: low In Australia there are thought to be more than 100 species of scorpion and although they...