What animals make the best and worst pets?
When people ask me this, my heart always goes straight to the Great Dane. They are the ultimate “gentle giants” and have a way of healing your soul just by being near you. However, my perspective comes from a place of deep, hands-on experience across the animal kingdom.
Before focusing on my Danes, I spent over 10 years raising and living with high-content wolfdogs. I have also worked extensively with exotic cats—including Caracals, Servals, Bobcats, and Canadian Lynx—as well as Kinkajous, Coatimundis, Muntjac deer, and Fennec foxes.
While these animals are undeniably beautiful and fascinating, they are not for everyone. There is a level of dedication, financial investment, and specialized containment required that most people simply cannot grasp. They are not like a typical dog or cat by any means. My years with high-content wolfdogs taught me that there are real dangers and intense daily challenges involved when dealing with animals that have those wild instincts. Without the proper environment and a deep understanding of their needs, it can quickly become an overwhelming situation for both the owner and the animal.
A “best” pet should be a companion that brings balance and joy to your home, not a constant state of high-stakes management. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to the Great Dane—they offer that incredible, deep bond and majestic presence while being a loving fit for a family environment.
I’m curious to hear your take—have you ever had an experience with an animal that was more of a challenge than you expected, or do you think some species are just meant to stay in the wild?