The 10 most popular animals with children

Most kids love animals: from "real" horses to imaginary unicorns! Books and movies fuel this passion. Here we turn our attention to the real creatures that are most popular with children. Do you remember which was your favorite animal as a child?

1. horses

This passion is not only about riding, but also about caring, grooming, feeding and looking after the horse. The child can get rid of their worries with their horse or foster horse and feel secure and safe with their animal.

2. turtles

You may be wondering now, but turtles being many children's favorite animals is not that uncommon. While children are not as good at cuddling and playing with them, children are fascinated by turtles.

The fascination may lie, on the one hand, in the calm and serenity that these animals exude. On the other hand, they grow very old and then look like little dragons with their shells.

Turtles also play an important role in movies from time to time, for example in "Sammy's Adventure" or in "Ninja Turtles".

3. tigers and lions

Tigers and lions are usually the favorite animals of children because they are strong and fast. They look majestic, imposing and exude a certain power. One of the most popular Walt Disney movies, "The Lion King", is about the little lion cub Simba who is searching for his place in life.

4. whales and dolphins

Whales and dolphins are also among the favorite animals of children. The passion for these animals is also influenced by movies like "Free Willy" and series like "Flipper". Dolphins are very intelligent, helpful, friendly animals and are therefore also popular for training and therapy purposes with children with behavioral or movement disorders. While whales were hunted in the last centuries because they were considered dangerous, today they are known and loved as peaceful and intelligent animals.

5. dogs and cats

Dogs and cats are among the favorite animals for many children. These animals are the classic pets and the animals that children come into contact with the most. However, you should be careful with dogs, because not every dog breed is suitable for children. For example, bassets are perfect for children because of their good nature, friendliness and calmness, as well as beagles, which are considered playful and energetic, but also like to be cuddled.

As you know him from the series "Lassie", the Collie is also good for your child, although he is not such a cuddly dog as the St. Bernard.

6. rabbits and hares

Rabbits and rabbits are regular cuddly animals for your children and that is exactly why these animals are often mentioned as children's favorites.

However, you should teach your child that it is a real living creature and they need to be careful with it. When buying, make sure that the rabbit is calm, serene and cuddly, such as dwarf ram rabbits.

7. penguins

In many cases, children also name penguins as their favorite animals, probably because of their cute appearance and awkward walk on land. There are also some TV series and TV movies on the subject of penguins, such as "Happy Feet".

8. monkeys

The question of why the monkey is one of the favorite animals of children is not difficult to answer. Every child who sees Pipi Longstocking would like to have a little monkey like "Mr. Nilsson" (genus Meerkatze) at home. It is the humanity of monkeys that fascinates children and adults alike.

9. parrot

Parrots inspire children because, depending on the species, they can teach them to talk and some of them have unusually colored feathers. However, the parrot is not mentioned in the first place of favorite animals, because most children would like to have an animal with which they can romp, play and cuddle more.

10. fish

Through "Finding Nemo" clownfish became world famous and popular with children. Aquariums, the bigger the better, children find impressive and they can spend hours watching the animals swim.

However, it also depends on your child: children who need a lot of exercise and like to play in the fresh air may enjoy a dog more than an aquarium.

Original text from the veterinary portal.