Curious Question: Do goldfish really have a three-second memory?
Martin Fone wonders whether everyone's favourite pet fish has greater cognitive abilities than we give it credit for.
Dogs & Animals
From perfect pedigrees to loveable canine scamps of unknown origin, we celebrate man’s best friend.
Looking for a new dog? Head straight for our article on how to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home.
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The six types of deer in Britain
Joe Gibbs takes a look at the six types of deer in Britain, and how they came to the nation before living wild across the country.
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The tale of how London Zoo survived and thrived through lockdown
ZSL London Zoo is open to the public once again. Eleanor Doughty was first in through the gates to greet some of the residents and go behind the scenes of the charity’s conservation programmes.
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How to tell if a dog is about to bite
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How dogs read our minds, spot when we're lying, and fall in love with their owners
Capable of feeling jealousy and grief, as well as the love and adoration we’ve basked in for centuries, the dog is a creature like no other for John Lewis-Stempel.
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The secret life of toads, from frenzied procreation to hunting snakes in the night
Despite their semi-webbed feet, warty skin and bulging eyes, toads are more endearing than Shakespeare’s witches would have us believe, says Simon Lester.
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Golden retrievers: The gorgeous dogs that bring friendship, loyalty and love
Some call the golden retriever the ‘dumb blonde’ of the dog world, but those who know them know differently. Here's what you need to know about this wonderful breed.
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Curious Questions: How does a bumblebee fly?
Scientists only discovered the humble pollinator's secret in 2005, says Martin Fone.
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How to ease your dog out of lockdown
After spending a year with us at home, our dogs will have to re-learn independence. Katy Birchall finds out how we can help.
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The secret life of chickens: It turns out the humble pecker is something of an egghead
Assumed to be the lowest in the avian-intelligence pecking order, chickens are, in fact, more like feathered imitators of Sherlock Holmes, says John Lewis-Stempel.
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Why we love swallows, the heralds of spring
All around the country, we’re keeping an eye on the skies, waiting for the first swallows of the year to make a welcome reappearance. Stephen Moss considers what it is about these birds that captivates and baffles us in equal measure.
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The £11,000 dog sofa, the £640 water bowl and other extraordinary things for pampered pets
Nothing is too good for our furry friends, as this pick of utterly marvellous — if slightly unhinged — shopping options demonstrates perfectly.
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Curious Questions: Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs?
Chocolate is potentially life-threatening to dogs and other animals throughout the year, but more issues crop up around Easter, when chocolate is in high supply. Alexandra Fraser, with the help of veterinary doctor Jessica May, explains how to act if you suspect your pet had been poisoned.
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Labradors: The all-action dogs that are just as happy lazing on the sofa as saving lives
An all-action working dog that's never happier than when lazing on the sofa? That's the labrador for you. We take a look at one of the world's most beloved dog breeds.
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The best news of the year about puppies, just in time for National Puppy Day
Almost nine out of ten puppy owners agree their new pets helped them get through the pandemic — and almost eight out of ten admitted that spending time with their new furry friend was the best thing about lockdown. On National Puppy Day, we take a look at the latest Kennel Club statistics.
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The best chicken breeds for first-time owners
If you are considering keeping chickens in your garden, here are the top six breeds for absolute beginners. Chris Lesley, owner of Chickens & More and a chicken keeper for 20 years, shares her expert advice.
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Curious Question: Do dogs go through a stroppy teenage stage?
Martin Fone investigates the behaviour of dogs as they grow up and reminds prospective owners that a dog is a lifetime commitment.
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Dog theft: Why it's rising, and what you can do to protect your pet
Lockdown brought with it a huge demand for people wanting dogs, to keep them company in long hours spent alone at home. Sadly, that's sparked a huge rise in dog theft. Katy Birchall reports on a ‘low-risk, high-reward’ crime and gets suggestions on how you can protect your pooch – or get him or her back if the worst happens.
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The Lakeland terrier: 'A hard-working handful'
Defining what makes a Lakeland or a fell terrier can be a challenge, but, whichever it is, it'll be a hard-working handful, advises Adrian Dangar.
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The top 20 cutest dog breeds in the world, ranked according to science
Ranking the cuteness of dogs? You might as well rank the beauty of flowers. Yet a study has claimed to find a pattern which suggests which are the best-looking dogs in the world. Toby Keel takes a look.
