Name tags and animal taming are important mechanics in Minecraft. This guide covers taming mechanics, breeding, and special behaviors for each animal.
How to Get Name Tags
Name tags are obtained from:
- Dungeon chests
- Mineshaft chests
- Woodland mansion chests
- Fishing
- Trading with villagers
The chance of getting a name tag from any source is low.
How to Use Name Tags
To use a name tag:
- Get a name tag
- Use an anvil to name it
- Right-click on an animal with the named name tag
- The animal is named and will not despawn
Named animals are persistent and will not despawn.
Taming Animals
Wolves
Wolves are tamed with bones. To tame a wolf:
- Find a wolf
- Right-click the wolf with bones until hearts appear
- The wolf is tamed
- The wolf follows you and attacks mobs
Cats
Cats are tamed with raw fish. To tame a cat:
- Find a cat
- Right-click the cat with raw fish until hearts appear
- The cat is tamed
- The cat follows you and scares away creepers
Horses
Horses are tamed by riding them. To tame a horse:
- Find a horse
- Right-click the horse to mount it
- The horse throws you off
- Repeat until the horse has hearts
- The horse is tamed
- Use a saddle to ride the horse
Donkeys and Mules
Donkeys and mules are tamed by feeding them. To tame a donkey:
- Find a donkey
- Right-click the donkey with sugar, apples, or carrots
- The donkey is tamed
- Use a saddle to ride the donkey
Llamas
Llamas are tamed by feeding them. To tame a llama:
- Find a llama
- Right-click the llama with hay bales
- The llama is tamed
- Llamas cannot be ridden but can carry chests
Parrots
Parrots are tamed with seeds. To tame a parrot:
- Find a parrot
- Right-click the parrot with seeds until hearts appear
- The parrot is tamed
- The parrot sits on your shoulder
Breeding Animals
General Mechanics
To breed animals:
- Have two tamed animals of the same species
- Feed them their favorite food
- A baby animal appears
Favorite Foods by Animal
- Wolves: any meat
- Cats: raw fish
- Horses: golden apples or golden carrots
- Donkeys: golden apples or golden carrots
- Llamas: hay bales
- Parrots: seeds
- Pigs: carrots
- Cows: wheat
- Chickens: seeds
- Sheep: wheat
- Rabbits: carrots
- Foxes: sweet berries
- Bees: any flower
Special Behaviors
Wolves
Wolves attack mobs that attack you. They follow you when tamed.
Cats
Cats give you gifts. They bring you items like string, feathers, and phantom membranes.
Horses
Horses have different stats:
- Speed
- Jump strength
- Health
The best horses have high speed, high jump, and high health.
Donkeys
Donkeys can carry chests. They are useful for transport.
Llamas
Llamas form caravans. They can carry chests and follow other llamas.
Parrots
Parrots sit on your shoulder. They dance near jukeboxes.
Pigs
Pigs can be ridden with a saddle. They cannot wear armor.
Foxes
Foxes attack chickens. They bring you items if they have a sweet berry in their mouth.
Bees
Bees pollinate flowers. They attack you if you attack them.
Common Mistakes
- Don't feed animals the wrong food. Each animal has a specific favorite food.
- Don't try to ride untamed animals. They will throw you off.
- Don't name a hostile mob. Hostile mobs cannot be named.
- Don't forget to name your animals. Named animals do not despawn.
Advanced Tips
Use Leads
Use leads to tie animals to fences. This prevents them from wandering.
Use Name Tags in Anvils
Use name tags in anvils to give them custom names. The name appears above the animal.
Use Multiple Animals
Use multiple animals for breeding. Two animals are needed to breed.
Use the Right Food
Use the right food for each animal. Wrong food does not breed animals.
FAQ: Name Tags and Taming
Q: How do I get a name tag?
A: From chests, fishing, or trading.
Q: Can I name hostile mobs?
A: No. Hostile mobs cannot be named.
Q: How do I tame a wolf?
A: Feed it bones.
Q: How do I tame a horse?
A: Ride it until it has hearts.
Q: Can I ride a pig?
A: Yes, with a saddle and a carrot on a stick.
With this guide, you will master name tags and animal taming in Minecraft. Choose the right food, use name tags, and tame your favorite animals.