Dogs are popular pets throughout the world. At least 12,000 years ago, dogs became the
first animals to be tamed. Today, these affectionate and obedient animals can be found almost
anywhere there are people to love and serve.
	Dogs vary in size. The smallest breed is the Chihuahua. Chichuachuas weigh only about
2 kilograms and stand about 13 centimetres.The tallest breed is the Irish wolfhound, which
may grow up to 86 centimeters. The St. Bernard ranks as the heaviest dog which weigh about 90
kilograms.
	Cats are favorite pets of people. Cats are intelligent and have an indipendent
nature. These animals can also be playful and entertaining. Many cats make affectionate,loyal
pets, providing companionship for people of any age.
	Cats vary in personality and in certain physical features, such as the lenght and 
colour of their coats. There are many breeds of cats. Special characteristics set each breed
apart from all others.
	Fishes are considered pets to some people. They have one advantage over other pets.They
can be left alone for a day or two without being fed. There are various kind of fish. They di-
ffer greatly in shape, colour, and size. The smallest fish is the pygmy goby of the Phillipines
and the largest fish is the whale shark.
	Birds are  taken as pets by most people. Children are facinatedby birds, but most bird
they come across are shy and they fly away. Budgies are different. They are friendly pets.
Parakeets that are loved and well cared for are treated as part of the family and companion
for its master.
	Hamsters are popular pets. They should be kept in metal cages or in glass or plastic en-
closures. Wood shaving, dried grass, or some other absorbent material should line the cage floor.
Hamsters may be given any kind of food like fruits, raw vegetables, small grains, whole oats and
some meat. They also need fresh water.
	One favorite in the breed of hamsters is the golden hamster which measures about 18 centi-
meters long and have a short tail that is 13 millimeters. They weigh about 110 grams. Common ham-
sters are called black-bellied hampsters and they measure about 28 centimeters long and weigh up
to 900 grams.

	

	
Pet Ownership 
in US 2004
ANIMAL
DOG
CAT
FRESHWATER FISH
BIRD
SMALL ANIMAL
REPTILE
	
	
% OF U.S.
HOUSEHOLDS
OWNING A PET
39%
34%
13%
6%
5%
4%
	

	
NUMBER OF
PETS IN
THE U.S.
74 MILLION
91 MILLION
139 MILLION
17 MILLION
18 MILLION
11 MILLION