Pet ownership and attachment are central to the experience of many children, but until recently, little was known about the influence of social and cultural factors. Westgarth and colleagues (2013) surveyed over 1,000 children aged 9–10 years in Liverpool, UK, to investigate the relationships between family background, dog types, and the strength of attachment to pets.
The findings revealed that dogs were the most common pets, the most frequently chosen favorite animals, and the species to which children felt the strongest bond. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the most popular breed, with many children in deprived areas reporting ownership of ‘Bull Breed’ dogs, including Pit Bulls and crosses.
Girls were more likely to own pets of many types, although attachment levels did not differ by gender. Children of white ethnicity were more likely to own dogs and small pets, while non-white children were more likely to report owning Pit Bulls or crosses. Interestingly, sibling dynamics also influenced the bond: single and youngest children showed greater attachment to their pets compared to those with siblings.
The study highlights that pet ownership patterns are intertwined with social deprivation, cultural background, and family structure. These factors must be considered when evaluating both the potential health benefits and risks of children growing up with pets.
Source: Westgarth, C., Boddy, L., Stratton, G., German, A., Gaskell, R., Coyne, K., Bundred, P., McCune, S., & Dawson, S. (2013). Pet ownership, dog types and attachment to pets in 9–10 year old children in Liverpool, UK. BMC Veterinary Research, 9, 102–102.
