Breeds and species
All animal breeds
Explore character, care and the everyday life you could share.
108 animals in this selection Each has a story.
Animal list
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Parrots Bourke's Parrot
Beginner Bourke's Parrot is a small Australian parrot in soft pinkish-brown colours, regarded as one of the quietest and calmest parrots of all. It is most active at da… 10 – 15 yrsSmall -
Dogs Maltese
FamilyApartmentBeginner The Maltese is a toy companion breed with a pure white, silky, floor-length coat and roots in the central Mediterranean, where similar small dogs are believed … 12 – 15 yrsSmall -
Cats American Shorthair
ApartmentBeginner The American Shorthair is a muscular, even-tempered North American breed descended from working cats brought by settlers and kept on farms, not from British sh… 14 – 18 yrsMedium -
Dogs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
FamilyApartmentBeginner A gentle, affectionate royal companion devoted to human company, but burdened with two of the most extensively documented inherited conditions in dogdom: heart… 9 – 14 yrsSmall -
Aquarium Fish Goldfish
Beginner The goldfish is one of the oldest domesticated fish, cold-water and long-lived. Despite the popular image of a small round bowl, it needs a large tank or pond … 10 – 20 yrsSmall -
Terrarium animals Ball Python
Beginner The ball python is the most popular terrarium snake – calm, slow and rarely aggressive. When alarmed it curls into a tight ball, which is how it got its name. 20 – 30 yrsMedium -
Terrarium animals Bearded Dragon
Beginner The bearded dragon is the most popular terrarium lizard – active by day, placid and used to people. It does, however, need a large enclosure with strong UVB an… 8 – 12 yrsSmall -
Rabbits English Lop
Beginner The English Lop is the largest and oldest lop-eared rabbit breed, known for record-breaking ears and an exceptionally calm temperament. 5 – 8 yrsLarge -
Dogs Miniature Poodle
FamilyApartmentBeginner The Miniature Poodle is a scaled-down but equally sharp version of the Poodle - an adaptable, highly trainable apartment-friendly companion whose smaller size … 13 – 16 yrsSmall -
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 -
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 -
Dogs Weimaraner
FamilyBeginnerActive The Weimaraner, nicknamed the "Grey Ghost," is a versatile German hunting breed known for its silver-gray coat, amber eyes, and intense attachment to its owner… 10 – 13 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Rabbits Blanc de Hotot
Beginner The Blanc de Hotot is a French rabbit breed with a snow-white coat and distinctive dark rings around the eyes, known for its calm, friendly temperament. 7 – 10 yrsMedium
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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.