Animals That Start With D | List & Examples

When people search for animal names alphabetically, they might be working on school projects, playing trivia games, or simply exploring nature’s diversity.

This comprehensive guide covers all the fascinating animals that start with the letter D, organized into domestic animals that start with D and wild animals that start with D.

Whether you’re looking for common pets or exotic wildlife, you’ll find detailed descriptions, habitats, and surprising facts about each creature.

Here’s a simple list of animals that start with d :

Dog
Donkey
Duck (Domestic)
Dwarf Hamster
Dexter Cattle
Devon Rex Cat
Dutch Rabbit
Dorking Chicken
Dachshund (Dog breed)
Dalmatian (Dog breed)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Danish Swedish Farmdog
Donskoy Cat (Hairless breed)
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Dutch Smoushond
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Drever (Swedish hunting dog)
Dunker (Norwegian hound)
Dutch Landrace Goat
Derbyshire Redcap Chicken
Dominique Chicken
Dutch Bantam Chicken
Dutch Hookbill Duck
Danish Protest Pig
Dartmoor Pony
Dales Pony
Dutch Warmblood Horse
Donkey (Mammoth Jack breed)
Damascus Goat
Dorper Sheep
Drysdale Sheep
Damara Sheep
Dutch Landrace Pig
Duroc Pig
Danish Landrace Pig
Dolphin
Deer
Dingo
Dhole
Dugong
Drill
Darwin’s Fox
Dibatag
Dik-dik
Desman
Duiker
Dormouse
Degu
Dibbler
Douroucouli (Night monkey)
Dusky Leaf Monkey
Diana Monkey
De Brazza’s Monkey
Delacour’s Langur
Douc Langur
Dorcas Gazelle
Dama Gazelle
Dall’s Sheep
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Desert Kangaroo Rat
Dusky-footed Woodrat
Dwarf Mongoose
Desert Hedgehog
Dayak Fruit Bat
Duck (Wild)
Dove
Drongo
Dunnock
Dipper
Darter
Dollarbird
Dwarf Cassowary
Demoiselle Crane
Dalmatian Pelican
Double-wattled Cassowary
Dusky Grouse
Dark-eyed Junco
Downy Woodpecker
Desert Sparrow
Diamond Dove
Dwarf Fruit Dove
Dusky Lory
Eclectus Parrot (sometimes called Dusky Parrot)
Derbyan Parakeet
Dragon
Desert Tortoise
Diamondback Terrapin
Dwarf Crocodile
Death Adder
Desert Horned Viper
Dumeril’s Boa
Diamond Python
Dwarf Gecko
Day Gecko
Desert Iguana
Dabb Lizard
Darwin’s Frog
Desert Rain Frog
Dyeing Poison Frog
Darwin’s Ground Frog
Dwarf Siren
Danube Crested Newt
Damselfish
Discus Fish
Dogfish
Dory (John Dory)
Dragonfish
Darter Fish
Danio
Dwarf Gourami
Dusky Shark
Devil Ray
Deepsea Lizardfish
Drum Fish
Dace
Dwarf Pygmy Goby
Dusky Grouper
Dragonfly
Damselfly
Dung Beetle
Death’s-head Hawkmoth
Darkling Beetle
Diving Beetle
Dobsonfly
Deer Tick
Desert Locust
Dwarf Spider
Dancing White Lady Spider
Desert Recluse Spider
Dumbo Octopus
Decorator Crab
Deep-sea Cucumber
Daggerblade Shrimp
Dwarf Cuttlefish
Deep-sea Squid
Darkfin Scad
Disk Abalone
Donkey’s Ear Abalone
Deep-sea Anglerfish
Deep-sea Jellyfish
Dwarf Seahorse
Dodo Bird
Dinosaurs (many species starting with D)
Deinonychus
Diplodocus
Dimetrodon
Dunkleosteus
Diprotodon
Darwin’s Fox (Falkland Islands Wolf)
Dwarf Elephant
Dwarf Hippopotamus

See the full list of animals beginning with E

Domestic Animals That Start With D

Here’s a simple list of domestic animals that start with d :

Dog
Donkey
Duck (Domestic)
Dwarf Hamster
Dexter Cattle
Devon Rex Cat
Dutch Rabbit
Dorking Chicken
Dachshund (Dog breed)
Dalmatian (Dog breed)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Danish Swedish Farmdog
Donskoy Cat (Hairless breed)
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Dutch Smoushond
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Drever (Swedish hunting dog)
Dunker (Norwegian hound)
Dutch Landrace Goat
Derbyshire Redcap Chicken
Dominique Chicken
Dutch Bantam Chicken
Dutch Hookbill Duck
Danish Protest Pig
Dartmoor Pony
Dales Pony
Dutch Warmblood Horse
Donkey (Mammoth Jack breed)
Damascus Goat
Dorper Sheep
Drysdale Sheep
Damara Sheep
Dutch Landrace Pig
Duroc Pig
Danish Landrace Pig

1. Dog

Dogs are humanity’s oldest and most loyal companions, with over 340 recognized breeds worldwide. From the tiny 4-pound Chihuahua to the massive 200-pound English Mastiff, dogs come in an incredible variety of shapes and sizes. They serve many roles including pets, service animals, police dogs, and herders.

Modern dogs descended from wolves and were domesticated between 20,000-40,000 years ago. They live in homes across the globe and adapt to nearly every climate. An amazing fact: dogs can understand up to 250 words and gestures, with border collies being the smartest breed capable of learning over 1,000 words.

2. Donkey

Donkeys are sturdy, hardworking members of the horse family known for their long ears and loud braying calls. There are three main sizes: miniature (under 36 inches), standard (36-54 inches), and mammoth (over 54 inches). Donkeys excel at carrying heavy loads in rough terrain.

Originally from Africa, donkeys now live on farms worldwide. They’re more independent than horses and have excellent memories. A surprising fact: donkeys have incredible strength for their size and can carry up to 20% of their body weight comfortably.

3. Duck (Domestic)

Domestic ducks come in many breeds developed for eggs, meat, or ornamental purposes. The white Pekin duck is the most common commercial breed, while Call ducks are tiny and vocal. Muscovy ducks are unique for their red facial markings and quiet nature.

These waterfowl thrive on farms and in backyard ponds. Their waterproof feathers come from oil produced by a gland near their tails. Interesting fact: ducks have a special circulatory system in their legs that prevents them from losing too much heat in cold water.

4. Dwarf Hamster

These tiny rodents include several species like the Roborovski, Campbell’s, and Winter White hamsters. They typically grow 2-4 inches long and live 2-3 years. Unlike Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters can sometimes live together in pairs.

Native to desert regions, they now live as popular pets worldwide. Their cheek pouches can stretch to hold food equal to half their body weight. Fun fact: they take dust baths to keep their fur clean since water baths would be dangerous in their natural dry habitat.

5. Dexter Cattle

This Irish breed is one of the smallest cattle varieties, standing just 36-44 inches tall. They come in black, red, or dun colors and are prized for both milk and meat production. Dexters are exceptionally hardy and efficient grazers.

They thrive on small farms and can adapt to harsh climates. An unusual trait: about 25% of Dexters carry a gene for chondrodysplasia, resulting in extremely short legs.

6. Devon Rex Cat

This unique cat breed has large ears, wavy fur, and an elf-like appearance. Their curly coat feels soft like suede and sheds very little. Devon Rex cats are known for their playful, mischievous personalities.

Originally from England, they now live as pets worldwide. Their large ears help regulate body temperature. Interesting fact: many Devon Rex cats enjoy playing fetch like dogs.

7. Dutch Rabbit

Recognizable by their distinctive color pattern (white with colored “saddle”), these medium-sized rabbits weigh 4-5 pounds. They’re one of the oldest domestic rabbit breeds, dating back to the 1800s.

Popular as pets and show animals, they need spacious enclosures. A fun fact: rabbits can rotate their ears 270 degrees to detect sounds from all directions.

8. Dorking Chicken

This ancient chicken breed has five toes instead of the usual four and comes in several color varieties. They’re excellent table birds known for their tender, flavorful meat.

Originating in England, they’re now rare but kept by heritage breeders worldwide. Unique fact: Dorkings are one of the few chicken breeds mentioned by Roman writers nearly 2,000 years ago.

Wild Animals That Start With D

Here’s a simple list of wild animals that start with d :

Dolphin
Deer
Dingo
Dhole
Dugong
Drill
Darwin’s Fox
Dibatag
Dik-dik
Desman
Duiker
Dormouse
Degu
Dibbler
Douroucouli (Night monkey)
Dusky Leaf Monkey
Diana Monkey
De Brazza’s Monkey
Delacour’s Langur
Douc Langur
Dorcas Gazelle
Dama Gazelle
Dall’s Sheep
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Desert Kangaroo Rat
Dusky-footed Woodrat
Dwarf Mongoose
Desert Hedgehog
Dayak Fruit Bat
Duck (Wild)
Dove
Drongo
Dunnock
Dipper
Darter
Dollarbird
Dwarf Cassowary
Demoiselle Crane
Dalmatian Pelican
Double-wattled Cassowary
Dusky Grouse
Dark-eyed Junco
Downy Woodpecker
Desert Sparrow
Diamond Dove
Dwarf Fruit Dove
Dusky Lory
Eclectus Parrot (sometimes called Dusky Parrot)
Derbyan Parakeet
Dragon
Desert Tortoise
Diamondback Terrapin
Dwarf Crocodile
Death Adder
Desert Horned Viper
Dumeril’s Boa
Diamond Python
Dwarf Gecko
Day Gecko
Desert Iguana
Dabb Lizard
Darwin’s Frog
Desert Rain Frog
Dyeing Poison Frog
Darwin’s Ground Frog
Dwarf Siren
Danube Crested Newt
Damselfish
Discus Fish
Dogfish
Dory (John Dory)
Dragonfish
Darter Fish
Danio
Dwarf Gourami
Dusky Shark
Devil Ray
Deepsea Lizardfish
Drum Fish
Dace
Dwarf Pygmy Goby
Dusky Grouper
Dragonfly
Damselfly
Dung Beetle
Death’s-head Hawkmoth
Darkling Beetle
Diving Beetle
Dobsonfly
Deer Tick
Desert Locust
Dwarf Spider
Dancing White Lady Spider
Desert Recluse Spider
Dumbo Octopus
Decorator Crab
Deep-sea Cucumber
Daggerblade Shrimp
Dwarf Cuttlefish
Deep-sea Squid
Darkfin Scad
Disk Abalone
Donkey’s Ear Abalone
Deep-sea Anglerfish
Deep-sea Jellyfish
Dwarf Seahorse
Dodo Bird
Dinosaurs (many species starting with D)
Deinonychus
Diplodocus
Dimetrodon
Dunkleosteus
Diprotodon
Darwin’s Fox (Falkland Islands Wolf)
Dwarf Elephant
Dwarf Hippopotamus

1. Dolphin

Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals with streamlined bodies and curved dorsal fins. There are nearly 40 species, from the huge orca (technically a dolphin) to the tiny Maui’s dolphin. They use echolocation to hunt and complex vocalizations to communicate.

Found in oceans worldwide, some species even inhabit rivers. Amazing fact: dolphins have names (unique signature whistles) and can recognize themselves in mirrors, showing self-awareness.

2. Deer

This family includes over 90 species worldwide, from the massive moose to the tiny pudu. White-tailed deer are common in North America, while red deer dominate Europe. Males grow antlers annually that they use in mating season battles.

Deer inhabit every continent except Antarctica. Surprising fact: deer see in ultraviolet light, helping them spot predators and urine trails invisible to humans.

3. Duck (Wild)

Wild ducks include familiar species like mallards and wood ducks, plus exotic varieties like the colorful Mandarin duck. They have specialized bills for filter-feeding or catching fish and webbed feet for swimming.

They live on every continent except Antarctica. Interesting fact: the merganser duck has saw-like bill edges to help grip slippery fish.

4. Dingo

Australia’s wild canines have lean, athletic builds and golden-red coats. Unlike domestic dogs, they rarely bark, instead communicating with howls and growls. Dingoes play a crucial role in controlling invasive species like rabbits.

They inhabit nearly all Australian habitats except Tasmania. Unique fact: pure dingoes can rotate their heads 180 degrees in each direction.

5. Dragonfly

These ancient insects have existed for 300 million years, with prehistoric species having wingspans over 2 feet. Modern dragonflies are aerial predators that catch other insects mid-flight with their basket-like legs.

Found near freshwater worldwide. Amazing fact: dragonflies have nearly 360-degree vision and can see colors beyond human perception.

6. Dugong

These gentle sea cows grow up to 10 feet long and weigh 500-1,000 pounds. Unlike manatees, they have fluked tails like whales. Dugongs graze on seagrass for up to 10 hours daily.

They inhabit warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia. Interesting fact: dugongs may live 70+ years, among the longest-lived marine mammals.

7. Dhole

Also called Asiatic wild dogs, dholes live in packs of 5-12 members. They have reddish coats, black tails, and unique vocalizations including whistles, clucks, and screams.

Found in forests across Asia. Surprising fact: dholes can jump over 7 feet straight up from standing position.

8. Dik-dik

These miniature antelope stand just 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder. They have elongated snouts with bell-like noses that help cool their blood in hot climates.

Native to eastern and southern Africa. Unique fact: dik-diks mark their territory with sticky eye secretions.

9. Desert Tortoise

These armored reptiles can live 50-80 years in the harsh deserts of the American Southwest. They spend 95% of their lives underground in burrows to escape extreme heat.

Found in Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Amazing fact: they can store water in their bladders for over a year during droughts.

10. Darwin’s Frog

This unusual amphibian from Chile carries its tadpoles in its vocal sac until they emerge as fully formed froglets. Males develop a pouch-like structure after fertilizing the eggs.

Inhabits temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. Unique fact: when threatened, these frogs play dead by lying on their backs with legs stiffened.

11. Death Adder

This highly venomous Australian snake uses worm-like tail lures to attract prey. Unlike most snakes that flee, death adders freeze and rely on camouflage when threatened.

Found throughout Australia and New Guinea. Interesting fact: they have the fastest strike of any snake – just 0.15 seconds from rest to bite.

12. Drill

These rare primates are closely related to baboons and mandrills. Males develop colorful rumps and faces when mature. Drills live in complex social groups of 20+ individuals.

Only found in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea. Surprising fact: drills have opposable thumbs on all four hands for superior climbing ability.

13. Dwarf Crocodile

The smallest crocodile species reaches just 5 feet long. They have heavily armored backs and spend more time on land than most crocodilians.

Inhabit tropical West African forests. Unique fact: they can climb low branches and bushes to bask or escape danger.

14. Damselfish

These colorful reef fish maintain algae gardens that they aggressively defend. Some species farm specific algae types, weeding out undesirable varieties.

Found in tropical oceans worldwide. Interesting fact: certain damselfish can change sex from female to male when needed.

15. Darwin’s Fox

This critically endangered fox lives only on Chiloé Island and mainland Chile. They have dark fur, short legs, and a bushy tail adapted to temperate rainforests.

With only about 250 adults remaining. Unique fact: they’re one of the few fox species that frequently climbs trees.

16. Diademed Sifaka

These striking lemurs have silky fur with orange, white, and gray markings. They move through trees with incredible vertical leaps of up to 30 feet.

Endemic to Madagascar’s rainforests. Amazing fact: on ground, they hop sideways with arms raised like dancers.

17. Desert Rain Frog

This plump, short-legged frog from Namibia makes an unusual high-pitched squeak when threatened. Its translucent belly skin shows internal organs.

Inhabits coastal dunes in Namibia and South Africa. Unique fact: unlike most frogs, it cannot swim and will drown in deep water.

18. Dusky Dolphin

Known for spectacular acrobatics, these small dolphins frequently leap 20 feet out of water. They have complex social structures and hunting strategies.

Found off New Zealand, South America, and South Africa. Interesting fact: they coordinate attacks on fish schools by communicating with signature whistles.

19. Diamondback Terrapin

These handsome turtles inhabit brackish coastal marshes. Their shell patterns range from concentric circles to striking geometric designs.

Live along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Unique fact: they have salt glands near their eyes to excrete excess salt from brackish water.

20. Dibatag

This unusual antelope from East Africa holds its long, thin tail upright when running. Their name means “erect tail” in Somali.

Found in Ethiopia and Somalia. Interesting fact: dibatags can go their entire lives without drinking water, getting moisture from plants.

Conclusion

From the beloved domestic animals that start with D like dogs and ducks to incredible wild animals that start with D such as dolphins and dholes, this list showcases nature’s diversity.

Whether you’re researching for school, preparing for trivia night, or just satisfying your curiosity, these animals offer endless fascination. Each species has unique adaptations that help it thrive in its environment, reminding us how amazing the animal kingdom truly is.

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Animals That Start With D | List & Examples