Animals That Start With S | List & Examples
Many people look for animals by their first letter for different reasons. Students might need these lists for school projects. Teachers use them for classroom activities. Parents and kids enjoy learning about new animals together. Pet owners sometimes want name ideas that start with specific letters. This article covers many different animals that start with the letter S.
You’ll find examples of both domestic and wild animals in this list. Some are common pets you might see every day. Others are rare creatures that live in faraway places. Each animal has its own special traits and habits.
Here’s the simple list of animals that start with S :
- Shark
- Sheep
- Sloth
- Snake
- Squirrel
- Seal
- Siamese Cat
- Salamander
- Sparrow
- Spider
- Starfish
- Swan
- Swordfish
- Scorpion
- Skunk
- Salmon
- Seahorse
- Stingray
- Squid
- Snail
- Shrimp
- Stork
- Swallow
- Serval
- Snow Leopard
- Sea Turtle
- Slug
- Sunfish
- Springer Spaniel
- Scottish Fold
- Siberian Husky
- Shih Tzu
- Sphynx Cat
- Setter
- Sheepdog
- Shorthorn Cattle
- Suffolk Sheep
- Shetland Pony
- Standardbred Horse
- Sardine
- Sable
- Samoyed
- Saint Bernard
- Sandpiper
- Sawfish
- Scarlet Macaw
- Sea Lion
- Seagull
- Secretary Bird
- Serval Cat
- Shark Ray
- Shearwater
- Shoebill
- Sidewinder
- Silkie Chicken
- Silver Fox
- Skate
- Slender Loris
- Slow Worm
- Smooth Snake
- Snow Goose
- Snowy Owl
Check out the animals that start with the letter T
Domestic Animal Names That Start With S
Here’s a list of domestic animals that start with S :
- Siamese Cat
- Siberian Husky
- Saint Bernard
- Shih Tzu
- Scottish Fold
- Sphynx Cat
- Springer Spaniel
- Setter
- Sheepdog
- Sheep
- Shorthorn Cattle
- Suffolk Sheep
- Shetland Pony
- Standardbred Horse
- Silkie Chicken
1. Siamese Cat
The Siamese cat is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. These cats come from Thailand, which used to be called Siam. That’s where they got their name. Siamese cats are known for their blue eyes and pointed coat pattern.
These cats have light-colored bodies with darker points on their ears, face, legs, and tail. The points can be different colors like seal, chocolate, blue, or lilac. Siamese cats are very social and love to talk to their owners with loud meows.
Siamese cats make great pets because they are smart and friendly. They like to follow their owners around the house and be part of family activities. These cats can live 12 to 15 years with proper care.
2. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed. These dogs were first bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia to pull sleds across long distances. Huskies have thick double coats that keep them warm in cold weather.
Siberian Huskies are known for their striking blue or multicolored eyes. They can also have brown eyes. These dogs are very active and need lots of exercise every day. They love to run and play in snow.
Huskies are pack animals and do well with other dogs. They can be escape artists and might try to dig under fences or jump over them. These dogs are not good guard dogs because they are usually friendly with strangers.
3. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a giant dog breed that comes from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were originally bred by monks to help rescue travelers lost in the mountains. Saint Bernards can weigh between 120 to 180 pounds or more.
These gentle giants have thick coats that can be short or long. They come in colors like red and white, brown and white, or brindle and white. Saint Bernards are known for being calm and patient with children.
Saint Bernards drool quite a bit and shed their fur regularly. They don’t need as much exercise as smaller dogs, but they still enjoy daily walks. These dogs usually live 8 to 10 years.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small toy dog breed that comes from Tibet and China. The name means “lion dog” in Chinese. These dogs were bred to be companions for Chinese royalty. Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that need regular grooming.
These small dogs weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. They have flat faces and big round eyes. Shih Tzus come in many different colors including gold, white, brown, and black combinations.
Shih Tzus are friendly dogs that get along well with children and other pets. They don’t need a lot of exercise but enjoy short walks and playtime. These dogs can live 10 to 18 years with good care.
5. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a cat breed known for its unique folded ears. These cats were first found in Scotland in the 1960s. The fold in their ears comes from a genetic change that affects the cartilage.
Scottish Folds have round faces and big eyes that give them a sweet expression. They come in many colors and patterns including solid, tabby, and bicolor. These cats have medium-length coats that are easy to care for.
Scottish Folds are calm and gentle cats that make good pets for families. They get along well with children and other animals. These cats are not very active but enjoy playing with toys and climbing cat trees.
6. Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx cat is a hairless breed that looks very different from other cats. These cats were first bred in Canada in the 1960s. Even though they look hairless, Sphynx cats actually have a thin layer of fuzz on their skin.
Sphynx cats feel warm to the touch because they don’t have fur to insulate their body heat. They come in many colors and patterns that show on their skin. These cats need protection from both cold and hot weather.
Sphynx cats are very social and love attention from their owners. They are playful and energetic cats that like to climb and explore. These cats need regular baths to keep their skin healthy and clean.
7. Springer Spaniel
The Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog breed. There are two main types: the English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were bred to flush out birds for hunters.
Springer Spaniels have medium-length coats that are usually white with liver or black markings. They have long, floppy ears and friendly expressions. These dogs are very active and need lots of exercise every day.
Springer Spaniels are smart dogs that are easy to train. They love to swim and retrieve things. These dogs make great family pets because they are gentle with children and get along well with other animals.
Wild Animal Names That Start With S
Here’s a list of wild animals that start with S :
- Shark
- Sloth
- Snake
- Squirrel
- Seal
- Salamander
- Sparrow
- Spider
- Starfish
- Swan
- Swordfish
- Scorpion
- Skunk
- Salmon
- Seahorse
- Stingray
- Squid
- Snail
- Shrimp
- Stork
8. Shark
Sharks are fish that have lived in the oceans for over 400 million years. There are more than 400 different types of sharks in the world. They range in size from the tiny dwarf lanternshark to the massive whale shark.
Most sharks have cartilage instead of bones, which makes them lighter in the water. They have multiple rows of teeth that fall out and grow back throughout their lives. Sharks can lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime.
Sharks are important for keeping ocean ecosystems healthy. They eat sick and weak fish, which helps keep fish populations strong. Most sharks are not dangerous to humans and only a few species have ever attacked people.
9. Sloth
Sloths are slow-moving mammals that live in the rainforests of Central and South America. There are two main types: two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths. These animals spend most of their time hanging upside down from tree branches.
Sloths move so slowly that algae grows on their fur, which helps them blend in with the trees. They only come down from trees about once a week to go to the bathroom. This slow lifestyle helps them save energy.
Sloths have long claws that help them grip tree branches tightly. They eat mainly leaves, which don’t give them much energy. That’s why they move so slowly and sleep up to 20 hours a day.
10. Snake
Snakes are reptiles that don’t have legs or arms. There are about 3,000 different types of snakes in the world. They live on every continent except Antarctica. Snakes come in many different sizes, colors, and patterns.
Snakes are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature changes with their surroundings. They shed their skin several times a year as they grow. Some snakes are venomous, but most are harmless to humans.
Snakes eat their food whole without chewing. They can unhinge their jaws to swallow prey much larger than their head. Different snakes eat different things like mice, birds, eggs, fish, or insects.
11. Squirrel
Squirrels are small rodents that live in trees and on the ground. There are over 200 different types of squirrels around the world. The most common types are tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.
Tree squirrels are great climbers and can run up and down trees very quickly. They have bushy tails that help them balance when jumping from branch to branch. Squirrels collect nuts and seeds to eat during winter.
Squirrels have sharp claws and strong legs that help them climb. They can rotate their back feet 180 degrees to help them climb down trees headfirst. Flying squirrels don’t actually fly but glide from tree to tree using flaps of skin.
12. Seal
Seals are marine mammals that live both in water and on land. There are many different types of seals including harbor seals, elephant seals, and leopard seals. They have flippers instead of legs and are excellent swimmers.
Seals have thick layers of fat called blubber that keep them warm in cold water. They can hold their breath for a long time when diving for food. Some seals can dive deeper than 1,000 feet.
Seals eat fish, squid, and krill. They come onto beaches or ice to rest and have their babies. Baby seals are called pups and they drink their mother’s milk until they’re old enough to hunt for themselves.
13. Salamander
Salamanders are amphibians that can live both on land and in water. There are over 600 different types of salamanders in the world. They have smooth, moist skin and four legs. Most salamanders are small, but some can grow quite large.
Many salamanders can regrow their tails if they lose them to predators. Some can even regrow entire limbs. Salamanders breathe through their skin as well as their lungs. They need to keep their skin moist to breathe properly.
Salamanders eat insects, worms, and small creatures. They are most active at night when it’s cooler and more humid. Some salamanders live their whole lives in water, while others live mainly on land.
14. Sparrow
Sparrows are small birds that live all over the world. There are many different types of sparrows, including house sparrows, song sparrows, and white-crowned sparrows. These birds are usually brown or gray with darker markings.
Sparrows eat mainly seeds, but they also eat insects and fruits. They are social birds that often live in flocks. House sparrows are common in cities and towns where they build nests in buildings and trees.
Sparrows are good at adapting to different environments. They can live in many different climates and habitats. These birds usually lay 3 to 5 eggs at a time and can have several broods per year.
15. Spider
Spiders are arachnids, not insects. They have eight legs and two body parts. There are over 45,000 different types of spiders in the world. They live almost everywhere on Earth except in the ocean and Antarctica.
All spiders can make silk, but not all spiders build webs. Some spiders hunt by jumping on their prey or chasing it down. Spider silk is stronger than steel wire of the same thickness.
Most spiders are helpful because they eat insects that can damage crops or spread disease. Only a few types of spiders are dangerous to humans. Female spiders are usually larger than males and sometimes eat the males after mating.
16. Starfish
Starfish are not actually fish at all. They are echinoderms, which means they’re related to sea urchins and sand dollars. Most starfish have five arms, but some can have up to 40 arms. They live in oceans all over the world.
Starfish can regrow their arms if they lose them. Some types can even regrow their entire body from just one arm. They don’t have blood or brains. Instead, they have a water vascular system that helps them move and breathe.
Starfish eat by pushing their stomach out of their mouth and around their food. They mainly eat clams, oysters, and other shellfish. Starfish move very slowly using hundreds of tiny tube feet on the bottom of their arms.
17. Swan
Swans are large water birds that are closely related to geese and ducks. There are six or seven different types of swans in the world. They are known for their long necks and graceful movements on water.
Swans are some of the largest flying birds. They have strong wings and can fly long distances during migration. Swans mate for life and both parents help take care of their babies, called cygnets.
Swans eat mainly plants that grow in water. They use their long necks to reach underwater plants that other birds can’t get to. Swans are found on every continent except Africa and Antarctica.
18. Swordfish
Swordfish are large fish that live in warm ocean waters around the world. They get their name from their long, flat bill that looks like a sword. This bill can be up to one-third of their total body length.
Swordfish use their sword-like bill to slash at schools of fish and squid. They are fast swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Swordfish are warm-blooded, which is unusual for fish.
Adult swordfish have no teeth and no scales. They can grow to be over 14 feet long and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Swordfish are popular game fish and are also caught commercially for food.
19. Scorpion
Scorpions are arachnids that are related to spiders. They have eight legs, two large claws, and a tail with a stinger at the end. There are about 2,000 different types of scorpions in the world.
Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, but scientists aren’t sure why. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Most scorpions live in deserts, but some live in forests and grasslands.
Scorpions eat insects, spiders, and other small animals. They grab their prey with their claws and then sting it with their tail. Only about 25 types of scorpions have venom that can be dangerous to humans.
20. Skunk
Skunks are small mammals that are famous for their ability to spray a bad-smelling liquid when they feel threatened. There are several different types of skunks, including striped skunks, spotted skunks, and hog-nosed skunks.
Most skunks are black with white stripes or spots. The spray comes from glands under their tail and can be smelled from far away. Skunks usually give warning signs before they spray, like stomping their feet or raising their tail.
Skunks are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They eat insects, small rodents, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Skunks are mostly active at night and sleep during the day in dens or burrows.
Animals that start with the letter S include many different types of creatures from all over the world. This list covered both domestic animals that start with S and wild animals that start with S. You learned about pets like Siamese cats and Siberian Huskies, as well as wild creatures like sharks and sloths.
Each animal that starts with S has its own special features and ways of living. Some are tiny like spiders, while others are huge like swordfish. Some live in water, others live on land, and some can do both.
Learning about different animals helps us understand the amazing variety of life on Earth. If you enjoyed reading about these animals, you might want to explore animals that start with other letters too.
