A study has revealed which are the five longest-lived dog breeds

The work of the architect is not exclusive to humans as there are plenty of animals that can think and build objects or their own dwellings.

Animals that are 'architects' are all those that are capable of using materials and executing both temporary and permanent constructions. Just think of birds building their nests or beavers setting up dams. But not only that. 

Many animals build their dens while others make traps to catch prey that they then feed on.

Cats without hair or with tails and paws too short: here are some of the funniest and strangest cats in the world. Cats are incredible animals that fill our lives, giving us so much affection, making us laugh and smile with their habits so weird and at the same time adorable.

There are about 100 officially recognized cat breeds in the world but, unless we are talking about experts, it is really very difficult to know more than half of them.

If you are looking for a kitten with unique and very particular characteristics, below you can discover the strangest breeds of all.

In nature, many animals are often faced with the dangers posed by predators. Many animal species, when faced with danger, adopt curious strategies to avoid being preyed upon and to defend themselves: one of these strategies is to fake their own death. This strategy can be useful to ward off a distracted predator, to stall and escape, or to avoid direct attack.

This is a strategy that can help some animals survive, as some predators may be disinterested in an immobile prey, believing it to be already dead, and in this way the animal has a chance to escape.

Let's discover together five animal species that use this tactic!

Medical practices are evolving to give more and more space to the emotional component in healing. Pet therapy fits right into this new space. It is a therapy that uses companion animals, mainly dogs of specific breeds, as a support to regular traditional therapies.

Pet Therapy is used in so many areas: for example, it is useful in cases of hospitalized and long-term patients to improve mood and combat depression. It is also used to help sick children establish a better communication channel with doctors. Elderly care is also becoming very focused on pet therapy.

It has already been scientifically proven that pet therapy improves mood, lowers stress, and promotes better patient recovery, despite the fact that it is simply an accompanying therapy and not an actual cure.

We are surrounded by many myths and popular beliefs about cats that, moreover, do not always correspond to reality.

In this photogallery we explore 10 of these myths about cats, dismantling each false assumption one by one and instead revealing the truth behind the behaviour of our feline friends.

From the common belief that cats are nocturnal creatures, to the idea that they can only feed on milk, we will discover how they have been disproved by science. 

This photo gallery will surprise you with interesting facts about cats and help you learn more about these wonderful animals that share a domestic life with us. (source: cats.com)

In nature, many animals are often faced with the dangers posed by predators. Many animal species, when faced with danger, adopt curious strategies to avoid being preyed upon and to defend themselves: one of these strategies is to fake their own death. This strategy can be useful to ward off a distracted predator, to stall and escape, or to avoid direct attack.

This is a strategy that can help some animals survive, as some predators may be disinterested in an immobile prey, believing it to be already dead, and in this way the animal has a chance to escape.

Let's discover together five animal species that use this tactic!

Ticks can carry bacteria and parasites that can cause serious health problems in dogs. In this photo gallery we explore the signs and symptoms of the most common diseases transmitted by ticks to our four-legged friends.

You will discover how these parasites can affect dogs' appetite, body temperature, lymph nodes and joints. This overview aims to help you recognise early signs of these diseases in your furry friends, thanks to the information provided by 'pets.webmd.com'.

We hope that this photo gallery is informative and educational, enabling you to protect and care for the health of your dogs. Remember to always consult a vet for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Hybrid animals are the result of crossing organisms belonging to two different breeds or species. Hybrids are born between species that are quite similar, from a biological point of view, so as to be able to overcome all reproductive barriers.

These matings occur very rarely in the wild, although the two species share the same habitat.

The story, however, changes when man is involved, who for utilitarian reasons or for having randomly approached two different species, has given way to some very special hybrid animals: some are very famous, others a rarity.

Establishing primates in the animal world is by no means simple, given the variety of species in terms of size and different ecosystems. 

From giant to smaller sizes, from the sea to the land to the skies: many animals make speed their strong point.

Here, in relation to their weight and the ecosystem in which they live, are the ten fastest animals in the world.

To hunt, sometimes it is not enough to be faster, stronger, or have the sharpest teeth.

In many cases, the winning weapon of predators turns out to be cunning: camouflage, knowledge of the prey's weak points, the ability to wait patiently - the most creative hunting methods require all of these.

Here are five cunning animal hunting methods.

There are animals with a very sensitive hearing capacity, able to perceive sounds at very high or low frequencies. There are insects that even have their hearing organs on their antennae. 

Humans perceive sounds within a range of 40 (very low) to 20,000 hertz. For comparison: bats are able to perceive frequencies of up to 300,000 hertz.

Let's find out together which other animals have the most developed hearing.

One of the easiest ways to recognise a viper is to look at its head as it appears triangular and wider than its body.

If you are bitten by an adder, there are a number of things to pay attention to, both to recognise the bite and to know how to intervene in the right way. It is also important to take precautions to avoid being bitten.

Let us therefore find out how to prevent a bite, what to do in the event of a viper bite and how best to act to avoid the worst effects.

The animal world is dominated by the most colourful colours and the strangest and most interesting shapes. However, there are also specimens that can change their physical conformation so much that they are practically unrecognisable. 

These transformations can be instantaneous or can take weeks or even several years to complete. All, however, have a purpose. Some serve to defend themselves from predators, or to better adapt to their surroundings, or even to attract a partner to mate. 

The wonders of nature are yet to be discovered in their entirety, but in the meantime, take a good look at how some animals are able to... change themselves.