Less Common Pets Trivia Quiz

Answer: Gerbil

The Mongolian gerbil is the most common species of gerbil kept as a pet and originates from Asia, as you'd expect from the name. They are native to China and parts of Russia as well as Mongolia. They have been kept as pets since the nineteenth century although they are banned in California, New Zealand and Australia due to the risks of escapees causing damage to native wildlife.

The standard colour is brown although selective breeding has led to other shades including cream, black and various shades of grey. They are a popular pet, although they need to be kept in a secure cage - they are renowned escape artists.

Answer: Rabbit

This rabbit breed gets its name from the fluffy fur surrounding its face, reminiscent of a lion's mane. It was bred in Europe, in Belgium and France, although the latter country does not recognise it as a separate breed. It is an accepted breed in both the UK and USA.

As pets, lionheads are said to be easier to train than other breeds and respond to various commands. They need company and it is normally best to keep more than one at a time. They do form bonds with their owners and (mostly) enjoy being stroked and being played with.

Answer: Pony

The Connemara pony is a hardy breed from the Galway area of Ireland. It comes in a range of colours from black to cream and many shades in between. Although it is described as a pony, it is big enough and strong enough for adults to ride.

In fiction it seems most young girls dream of owning a pony, but owning one remains just a dream for most of them. Some are lucky enough to see dreams come true, with ponies being kept as pets and ridden for leisure and for competitive gymkhanas.

Answer: Mouse

Named for the stripy pattern on its coat, which also gives it the alternative name of striped grass mouse, the zebra mouse is native to Africa. Most species are found south of the Sahara with just one species known to live in the north.

Although they are listed on some sites as suitable pets, the overwhelming advice is that they are for experienced handlers of rodents only. Despite looking attractive, it seems their personalities don't match their appearance and they are hard to tame and handle. Other types of mice do make good pets, though.

Answer: Chicken

The Wyandotte is an American breed of chicken, named after a Native American people. It was originally a black and white bird but other colours have been bred over the years. Commercially, it can be kept for both eggs and meat although many Wyandottes are kept mainly for show.

Chickens are often kept as pets, although having one isn't an option. They need company and the British RSPA recommends a minimum of three, usually females. A secure run is required and the birds need to be safely housed overnight to protect them from foxes.

Answer: Goat

This breed of goat comes from the Toggenburger Valley in Switzerland and is known as an excellent dairy goat. Their home nation is mountainous, so the breed is hardy, although it has adapted to living in many other environments.

It is smaller than other dairy goats and is described as lively and inquisitive, making it a good choice for keeping as a pet. They do prefer company, though, so anyone thinking of having one will have to consider this.

Answer: Donkey

This small donkey originally came from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, located, as the name tells you, in the Mediterranean Sea. They were bred small to be used in the homes of peasants for turning millstones to grind grain. With a maximum height of 36 inches (91 cm) from the withers to the ground, this breed really is a small animal.

Because of their size, they are popular pets, particularly in the USA. Donkeys are sociable animals and shouldn't be kept alone - they need at least one other companion to keep them happy.

Answer: Sheep

Originating from an island off the coast of Brittany, France, the Ouessant sheep is the smallest breed of sheep to occur naturally - any smaller breed has been artificially bred. Having come close to extinction, they were saved by farmers in northern France. Their first appearance in the UK was in zoos or farm parks.

The breed has become popular for keeping as a pet. They are hardy and self reliant, reflecting their island heritage, and are described as easy to tame. They also love humans and need much less space than larger breeds of sheep.

Answer: Duck

The Muscovy is a breed of wild duck which is native to Central and South America in the wild. They have been domesticated for hundreds of years and can be kept commercially to produce meat and eggs.

Ducks, including Muscovies, are often kept as pets. The Muscovy is a popular choice as it is less noisy than other breeds. It's a breed which doesn't quack but communicates by hissing instead. It is also hardy and a good way to keep the insect population under control. And the bonus is fresh duck eggs.

Answer: Hamster

The Russian dwarf hamster is also known as the winter white dwarf hamster as it changes its fur colour in the wild for camouflage in snowy conditions. This breed is about half the size of the far more common Syrian hamster, which is the choice of many of those who keep hamsters as pets.

Hamsters generally have a short lifespan of between one and two years and are nocturnal, so aren't necessarily to best pet to choose for young children. Despite this, they remain one of the most popular small pets for many families.