Breeds and species
All animal breeds
Explore character, care and the everyday life you could share.
181 animals in this selection Each has a story.
Animal list
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Terrarium animals Crested Gecko
Beginner The crested gecko is a nocturnal arboreal climber from New Caledonia, 20–25 cm long including the tail. It is recognised by the eyelash-like skin crests above … 15 – 20 yrsSmall -
Rabbits New Zealand White Rabbit
Beginner The New Zealand White is a larger rabbit breed with a snow-white coat and reddish eyes that, despite its name, originates from the USA. Its calm, patient tempe… 5 – 8 yrsMedium -
Rodents Chinchilla
Active The chinchilla is an exceptionally soft, agile nocturnal rodent with the densest fur of any mammal. It is a long-lived, sensitive animal that bathes not in wat… 10 – 20 yrsSmall -
Dogs Basset Hound
FamilyApartment The Basset Hound is a French-British scent hound with short legs, long ears, and an exceptional nose, widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly yet st… 10 – 12 yrsMedium -
Aquarium Fish Molly
Beginner The molly is a hardy, medium-sized livebearer popular for community tanks. It is undemanding and peaceful, but appreciates slightly harder, mildly brackish wat… 3 – 5 yrsSmall -
Cats Norwegian Forest Cat
Apartment The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, naturally hardy landrace from Scandinavia's forests, built with a weatherproof double coat and famous for taking nearly fi… 12 – 16 yrsLarge -
Cats Toyger
ApartmentBeginnerActive The Toyger is a “toy tiger” – a domestic cat deliberately bred so its dark stripes on an orange coat evoke a tiger. Behind the wild look hides a friendly, even… 12 – 15 yrsMedium -
Rabbits Californian Rabbit
The Californian Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) is a domestic rabbit breed developed in the early 1920s in California by breeder George West, crossin… 5 – 10 yrsMedium -
Dogs Miniature Schnauzer
FamilyApartmentActive The Miniature Schnauzer is a small German terrier/pinscher breed known for its wiry coat, eyebrows and beard — an alert, smart and stubborn watchdog well suite… 12 – 15 yrsSmall -
Aquarium Fish Honey Gourami
Beginner The honey gourami is a small, gentle labyrinth fish in a honey-orange colour. It is one of the calmest gouramis and an excellent choice for a smaller community… 4 – 6 yrsMini -
Cats European Shorthair
ApartmentBeginner The European Shorthair is the pedigreed, standardized version of the ordinary European house cat – a robust, adaptable and genetically diverse breed, officiall… 12 – 18 yrsMedium -
Cats Siamese
ApartmentActive The Siamese is one of the oldest and most recognizable domestic cat breeds, originating in Thailand (historically Siam) and prized for its striking blue eyes, … 12 – 16 yrsMedium -
Rodents Roborovski Hamster
BeginnerActive The Roborovski hamster is the smallest and fastest pet hamster – barely 4–5 cm long. It is extremely lively and more for watching than cuddling, a delight for … 3 – 4 yrsMini -
Dogs Standard Poodle
FamilyApartmentActive The Standard Poodle (Koder) is the largest poodle variety - an intelligent, trainable, and friendly dog with a distinctive curly coat, originally bred to retri… 12 – 15 yrsLarge -
Cats Persian
Apartment The Persian is one of the world's most recognizable cat breeds, known for its long silky coat and completely flattened face. That head shape brings real health… 12 – 17 yrsMedium -
Cats American Curl
Apartment The American Curl is a medium-sized cat known for its distinctive backward-curling ears, the result of a natural dominant gene mutation first discovered in 198… 12 – 16 yrsMedium -
Dogs Basenji
FamilyApartmentActive The Basenji is an elegant, cat-like independent African hunting dog, best known for not barking and instead making a distinctive yodel-like sound called a "bar… 12 – 16 yrsMedium -
Aquarium Fish Guppy
Beginner The guppy is a small, colourful livebearer and one of the most popular beginner species. It is undemanding, peaceful and social, but breeds extremely fast, so … 2 – 3 yrsMini -
Dogs West Highland White Terrier
FamilyApartmentActive The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is a small, self-assured Scottish terrier with a hard white coat, popular as a family companion while retaining a stro… 12 – 16 yrsSmall -
Aquarium Fish Zebra Danio
BeginnerActive The zebra danio is a fast, extremely lively shoaling fish with zebra-like stripes and among the hardiest beginner species. It tolerates a wide range of conditi… 3 – 5 yrsMini -
Parrots Lineolated Parakeet
Beginner The Lineolated Parakeet is a tiny South American parrot with fine black barring on its plumage, regarded as one of the quietest and calmest parrots of all. It … 10 – 15 yrsMini -
Aquarium Fish Platy
Beginner The platy is a small, colourful livebearer widely considered one of the easiest fish for beginners. It is peaceful, undemanding about water and thrives in a co… 3 – 5 yrsMini -
Cats Neva Masquerade
ApartmentBeginner The Neva Masquerade is the colourpoint sister of the Siberian cat: a powerful, thickly coated Russian beauty with a dark facial “mask” and blue eyes. It is a c… 12 – 15 yrsLarge -
Aquarium Fish White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Beginner The White Cloud Mountain minnow is a small, extremely hardy shoaling fish that tolerates cooler water and needs no heater. It is peaceful, colourful and one of… 3 – 5 yrsMini
Showing 96 of 181
Load moreHow to choose the right pet or breed
Do not choose by appearance alone. Temperament, size, activity level and daily care needs matter just as much.
Think about how much time you can spend on grooming, training, play and companionship. Beginners often do best with breeds whose needs are clear and manageable.
Be careful with broad health claims: some breeds may be more prone to certain issues, so speak with a veterinarian or a responsible breeder.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right breed?
Start with your lifestyle: space, time, experience, preferred activity level and grooming commitment.
Which pet is suitable for beginners?
Beginners often do better with pets that have clear needs, a stable temperament and manageable care.
Is size the most important factor?
No. Size matters, but temperament, activity level, grooming needs and suitability for your home are just as important.
What can I find on Živalce?
A breed and species encyclopedia in Slovenian, Croatian and English, editorial care and nutrition advice with cited sources, six directories — vets, grooming salons, dog schools, hotels and boarding, shelters and breeders — the “Which pet is right for me?” quiz and a search across the whole site. A free account adds a Corner for your own animals.
Is the health content veterinary advice?
No. The content is informational and prepared under our editorial policy with sources; it does not replace an examination or treatment by a veterinarian. If your animal has a health problem, see a vet — immediately in an emergency.
How do I list my business (vet, salon, dog school, hotel, shelter, breeder) in a directory?
Through the application form of each of the six directories. Listing is free and the editors review it before publication; once claimed, you edit your listing from your account, and you can request a change or removal at any time through the contact form as well.
What does a user account give me?
In My Pets you add profiles of your animals with a photo, keep a care journal, record weight and set reminders. The records are private and visible only to you; you can delete the account at any time.