This list includes 29 Pets and domestic animals that start with W, from “Wakin goldfish” to “Wyandotte”. Many of these animals are kept as companions, for show, or for small-scale husbandry and eggs. They range from tiny aquarium fish to medium-sized birds and mammals, and include familiar pets and traditional farm breeds.

Pets and domestic animals that start with W are species people keep for companionship, utility, or food. Notably, Wyandotte chickens became widely popular in 19th-century American backyard flocks and poultry shows.

Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Size (cm), and Classification.

Common name: The everyday name helps you identify the animal quickly and match it to local shelter or store listings.

Scientific name: The Latin binomial clarifies species identity so you avoid confusion between similar breeds or regional names.

Size (cm): Typical adult size gives you a sense of space and housing needs when planning care or enclosures.

Classification: Broad category (Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Fish, Arthropod) helps you group animals by care and common traits.

Pets and domestic animals that start with W

Name Scientific name Typical adult size (cm) Classification Description
Water buffalo Bubalus bubalis 250–350 cm Mammal Large domesticated bovine used for plowing, meat and milk; needs water access, grazing and sturdy handling.
Watusi Bos taurus 120–150 cm Mammal Ankole‑Watusi cattle breed known for huge horns; kept for ornamental herds, meat and milk on farms.
White Pekin duck Anas platyrhynchos domesticus 55–65 cm Bird Friendly, heavy-bodied domestic duck common on small farms and backyard ponds; good for meat and eggs.
White Leghorn Gallus gallus domesticus 35–40 cm Bird Lightweight, prolific egg-laying chicken breed with white plumage; popular for backyard flocks.
Wyandotte Gallus gallus domesticus 35–45 cm Bird Hardy dual-purpose chicken breed kept for eggs and meat; comes in many color varieties.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow Tanichthys albonubes 3–4 cm Fish Small, hardy freshwater aquarium fish ideal for beginners and low-tech community tanks.
Wakin goldfish Carassius auratus 15–25 cm Fish Traditional Japanese fancy goldfish variety with double tail; needs roomy, well-filtered aquarium.
Wels catfish Silurus glanis 100–200 cm Fish Very large freshwater catfish sometimes kept by experienced pond or large-aquarium hobbyists; requires immense space.
Wrasse Labridae 10–20 cm Fish Diverse, colorful marine aquarium fishes; species vary in reef compatibility and care requirements.
Waxbill Estrildidae 10–12 cm Bird Small, social finches popular in aviaries; best kept in groups with ample flight space.
White’s tree frog Litoria caerulea 8–12 cm Other Docile, chubby tree frog common in the pet trade; needs warm, humid arboreal enclosure.
Waxy monkey frog Phyllomedusa sauvagii 6–8 cm Other Arboreal frog with unique skin secretions; popular among amphibian keepers but needs specialized humidity and climbing space.
Water dragon Physignathus cocincinus 60–90 cm Reptile Active semi‑arboreal lizard commonly sold in the pet trade; requires tall, humid terrarium and significant space.
Water monitor Varanus salvator 120–200 cm Reptile Very large monitor lizard sometimes kept by experienced hobbyists; demands huge enclosures and advanced care.
Western hognose snake Heterodon nasicus 40–60 cm Reptile Small, docile snake popular with beginners; notable upturned snout and bluffing behavior instead of biting.
Whip scorpion (vinegaroon) Mastigoproctus giganteus 6–12 cm Arthropod Harmless-looking arachnid kept by enthusiasts; nocturnal and needs shallow substrate and humidity.
Whip spider Phrynus marginemaculatus 3–6 cm Arthropod Flattened, leggy amblypygid sometimes kept by hobbyists; requires vertical hiding spaces and humidity.
White-rumped shama Copsychus malabaricus 20–23 cm Bird Melodious songbird popular in aviculture for its singing ability; often kept by bird enthusiasts.
Waterfowl Anseriformes 50–90 cm Bird Broad term for domestic ducks, geese and swans kept for eggs, meat or ornamental ponds on small farms.
Welsh pony Equus ferus caballus 120–147 cm Mammal Sturdy, versatile pony breed from Wales kept for riding, driving and youth equestrian activities.
West African Dwarf goat Capra aegagrus hircus 40–50 cm Mammal Small, hardy domestic goat breed common in West Africa and sometimes kept as small livestock or pets.
Weimaraner Canis lupus familiaris 56–69 cm Mammal Energetic hunting dog breed known for a silver-gray coat; needs daily exercise and training.
West Highland White Terrier Canis lupus familiaris 28–30 cm Mammal Small, friendly terrier (“Westie”) kept as a companion dog; requires regular grooming and activity.
Whippet Canis lupus familiaris 45–51 cm Mammal Slim, speedy sighthound prized as companion and racer; affectionate and needs regular running.
Wire Fox Terrier Canis lupus familiaris 35–40 cm Mammal Spirited terrier historically used for foxing; enjoys active play and regular grooming.
Wirehaired Dachshund Canis lupus familiaris 20–27 cm Mammal Short-legged scent hound with wiry coat; requires back-care, supervised exercise and grooming.
Wiener dog Canis lupus familiaris 20–27 cm Mammal Common nickname for the Dachshund; small, brave companion dog that needs spine-safe handling and moderate exercise.
White Plymouth Rock Gallus gallus domesticus 35–45 cm Bird Classic dual-purpose chicken breed with white plumage; calm, hardy and good for backyard flocks.
White Polish (chicken) Gallus gallus domesticus 30–40 cm Bird Ornamental domestic chicken breed noted for a striking crest; kept for show or backyard interest.

Descriptions

Water buffalo
Watusi
White Pekin duck
White Leghorn
Wyandotte
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Wakin goldfish
Wels catfish
Wrasse
Waxbill
White’s tree frog
Waxy monkey frog
Water dragon
Water monitor
Western hognose snake
Whip scorpion (vinegaroon)
Whip spider
White-rumped shama
Waterfowl
Welsh pony
West African Dwarf goat
Weimaraner
West Highland White Terrier
Whippet
Wire Fox Terrier
Wirehaired Dachshund
Wiener dog
White Plymouth Rock
White Polish (chicken)
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.