The Best Pet for Your Child

Can't decide whether your family should get a dog or a cat? Bird or hamster? Use our cheat sheet to help pick the perfect pet for your family.

By Bill Strickland

Kim Cornelison

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Dog

Your child runs with the gang, romps around the house, and steals treats off the table -- and he'll love having an accomplice in the fun.

Ideal for: Children who develop strong bonds. The animal-human relationship is particularly intense with canines. Think "man's best friend."

But remember: In general, dogs require the most care of any domestic animal. Promises like "I'll walk him and feed him every day" are usually broken quickly, even by the best-intentioned kid. Also, beware of bites. Never leave a pet and baby or young child together unattended.

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