Studies Show Boys and girls love pets equally. Gender doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to loving a pet. In fact, studies have found it may be more beneficial for boys to have a pet during early childhood. In today’s world men and women share household responsibilities, caring for children and supporting the family financially, but observing boys as young as 4, pre-school teachers found that boys think playing with dolls (caring for babies) is “women’s work.” They not only avoided playing with dolls but also didn’t want to help care for younger children. Instead their preferred activities were related to sports, playing with cars and trucks and “going to work.” Pets help children develop nurturing, caring and empathy.