Small Animal Encyclopedia — 78 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular small animal species with care guides, traits, and pricing.
Featured Small Animal
Showing 22 of 78 species
African Dormouse
Palm-sized tiny rodent with large eyes and a bushy tail. Nocturnal and quick, best enjoyed as an exotic pet to watch.
© Ross Little / CC BY-SA 2.0Angora Rabbit
Angora rabbit
Large rabbit with extremely long, fluffy wool-like coat. Strikingly fluffy appearance but requires daily grooming — for experienced owners.
Baldwin Guinea Pig
Cavia porcellus
Rare hairless guinea pig that loses all fur within weeks of birth. Different genetics from Skinny pigs. Temperature management is critical.
© Hagen Graebner / CC BY-SA 3.0Belgian Hare
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Athletic rabbit resembling a wild hare with a lean body and rich chestnut coat. Very active and best suited for experienced owners.
© Noodle snacks ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/)Bennett's Wallaby) / CC BY-SA 3.0Bennett's Wallaby
Small kangaroo family member from Australia. Bennett's wallaby is most common as pets. Tame individuals bond with owners but need vast space.
© Chuck Homler, Focus On Wildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0Coatimundi
Raccoon family member with a long snout and banded tail. Curious, intelligent, and social but strong — for experienced owners.
Coronet Guinea Pig
Cavia porcellus
Guinea pig with a single rosette on the head and long flowing coat. Sheltie-type with an added crest for an elegant look.
© Drew Avery / CC BY 2.0Fennec Fox
Fennec fox
World's smallest fox from the Sahara Desert. Large ears serve as heat regulators. Active and curious but can be nervous. For experienced owners.
© Hecke / CC BY-SA 3.0Harvest Mouse
Micromys minutus
One of Europe's smallest mice, also native to Japan. Adorable climbers using their prehensile tail. Best as a pet to watch.
Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel
Adorable gliding squirrel with large eyes and fluffy fur. Nocturnal and shy but bonds with patient owners.
© Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada / CC BY 2.0Kinkajou
Potos flavus
A raccoon-family mammal native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. An arboreal, nocturnal mammal with a prehensile tail and large eyes that loves sweet foods. Very long-lived, with a lifespan of 20-25 years.
© Wilfried Berns www.Tierdoku.com / CC BY-SA 2.0 deLesser Hedgehog Tenrec
Echinops telfairi
Small Madagascar mammal resembling a hedgehog but actually a tenrec, an entirely different order. Has a hibernation instinct in cooler months.
Lunkarya Guinea Pig
Cavia porcellus
Long-haired curly guinea pig from Sweden, a Peruvian mutation. Covered in coarse, voluminous curls giving a unique wild appearance.
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
Highly social mongoose from southern Africa. Known for their upright sentinel posture. Live in groups, so keeping multiples is recommended.
© Fcobmz / CC BY-SA 4.0Micro Pig
Miniature pig
Selectively bred miniature pig. Highly intelligent, can be litter trained. Social and bonds with owners, though may grow larger than expected.
© Hugo Hulsberg / CC0Patagonian Mara
Patagonian mara
Large South American rodent resembling a cross between a rabbit and a small deer. Forms strong monogamous pair bonds. Requires ample space.
Peruvian Guinea Pig
Cavia porcellus
The oldest long-haired guinea pig breed. Coat grows 30cm+, daily brushing required, trimming every 3–4 months. 20–30cm, 5–7yr lifespan, 18–26°C. Gentle temperament; watch for fur impaction and vitamin C deficiency.
Prairie Dog
Prairie dog
Grassland-dwelling ground squirrel from North America. Highly social with complex vocalizations and dog-like affection toward owners.
© John Gould / Public domainPygmy Possum
Pygmy possum
Tiny marsupial from Australia with large dark eyes and fluffy fur. Nocturnal, feeds on insects and nectar. Rare exotic pet.
Siberian Chipmunk
Siberian chipmunk
Small striped squirrel with beautiful back markings. Active and fast-moving, entertaining to watch. May become aggressive in autumn/winter.
Silkie Guinea Pig
Cavia porcellus
Guinea pig with silky long fur flowing backward. Also called Sheltie. Gentle, friendly, and admired for beautiful coat.
© Christine from Washington State, USA / CC BY 2.0Texel Guinea Pig
Cavia porcellus
Gorgeous guinea pig with long curly hair covering the entire body. Silky curls make it popular in shows.
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Small Animal FAQ
- Can beginners keep small animals?
- Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.
- How much do small animals cost?
- Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.
- How long do small animals live?
- Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.
- What supplies do small animals need?
- Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).
- What should I check when buying small animals?
- Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.