What is the best pet for a family with young children?

Every parent has heard the pitch. Half of these teach a child responsibility, the other half teach them about grief on a much shorter timeline.

1

Dog

Grows up alongside the children, tolerates noise and gives them a reason to go outside.

2

Cat

Sets its own limits, which teaches a child that affection has to be earned.

3

Guinea Pig

Sturdy enough to be held, vocal enough to seem pleased about it.

4

Rabbit

Looks like the obvious children's pet and is fussier about handling than most families expect.

5

Goldfish

The classic first pet — visible, undemanding and impossible to cuddle.

6

Hamster

Cheap and small, but nocturnal and quick to nip a clumsy hand.

7

Budgerigar

Talks back, which children find far more interesting than anything in a tank.

8

Rat

Gentle, clever and clean, with a short life that makes it a hard first loss.

9

Bearded Dragon

Calm lizard that sits on an arm and turns feeding time into a science lesson.

10

Chicken

Backyard bird that pays rent in eggs and teaches routine.

11

Pony

The pet a child asks for and a parent prices out.

12

Tortoise

Slow, hardy and likely to outlive the childhood it started in.

13

Ferret

Playful and mischievous, and too fast for a toddler to supervise.

14

Hermit Crab

A starter pet that survives inattention better than most.