What's the best pet for a two year old child?

1. 89

   jpcmcposted 11 years ago

   What's the best pet for a two year old child?
   
   My daughter wants a small, brown dog.  I don't think she's ready for it.  What pet would you suggest for this age?

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2. 71

   GiblinGirlposted 11 years ago

   I'm not an expert on these things but I actually think dogs are great pets for young kids.  Smaller pets like hamsters, gerbils, fish, etc. tend to die more quickly and then you have the problem of trying to explain what happened. Plus, since these animals are so small and defenseless, it's more likely that a child might accidentally harm the pet.  Dogs - even small ones - are more "robust" (for lack of a better word) and they seem to have this sixth sense about kids.  It's like kids can pull, poke, prod, pinch, or do whatever to them and they won't retaliate.  Of course that may not be true of all dogs, but that's been my experience in seeing young kids around dogs, or hearing from friends who now have kids and also have dogs.  I would say to just make sure you do some research on dogs before you get one - what kind of demeanor does it have, how much does it shed, what kind of illnesses/injuries is it prone to.  You'll never find a "perfect" dog, but you want one that will fit your lifestyle.  Okay, that's my two cents

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   1. 89

      jpcmcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I know what you mean.  Our fighting fish Royce (named after Royce Gracie) recently died, and it was not easy explaining the concept of death to her.

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3. 79

   Diana Leeposted 11 years ago

   I believe the dog is the better choice. It is a good time to teach the child to be kind to animals. The dog will age as the child does and even though at first all the care belongs to you, your child can learn how to care for it and learn responsibilities, too.

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4. 99

   DrMark1961posted 11 years ago

   A giant dog is actually a better choice than a small, brown dog! If it is as hot there as it is here in Brazil, you probably do not have Newfoundlands available. If you do, they are your best choice. Your daughter can accidentally fall on the dog--they usually do not react and are probably not going to be hurt. A Golden Retriever would be the best "mid-size" at that age.
   When my son was that age I wanted to get a small dog that I could take to work everyday, but I waited until he was 4 so he would not hurt the dog. (It still happened anyway!)
   Just another note--try to find a good Askal if you are not into having a purebred dog. Street dogs are usually willing to put up with a lot, and the bigger the better.

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   1. 75

      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Newfoundlands are awesome!  We have a dog park here and a lady brings hers.  It fell in love with my children.  They are truly gentle giants.

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5. 75

   CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years ago

   We started off with birds.  Then adopted cats.  Then a pot-belly pig.  And now we have 3 dogs.  Any of the above work great!

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   1. 89

      jpcmcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, that's a lot of animals.  I bet you have enough space and time to care for them.

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6. 68

   Team Wisemanposted 11 years ago

   The small brown dog seems perfect! I think you already know the best option.

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