15 Cutest Pets

The cuties are coming! Yes, in just a few days, the 2012 Fifteen Hottest Freshman will be revealed. In the meantime, let's feast our eyes upon cuties of the non-freshmen variety.

1. The Three-Banded Armadillo

The armadillo is endearingly complex—defensively armored on the outside, but vulnerable on the inside. It curls into a ball when scared and jumps into the air when startled, but give it enough tenderness and it will show that on the inside, it's just a big softie.

2. The African Pygmy Hedgehog

This hedgehog seems prickly, but all it really wants is to be loved.

3. The Wallaby

The wallaby is an exotic pet that uses hopping as its primary means of locomotion. With hopping speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, if you're looking for a pet that can keep up with you then the wallaby is the perfect companion.

4. The Hermit Crab

The hermit crab follows a somewhat solitary itinerant life; it is a shy, gentle creature that requires time to get to know. But with enough care, you can bring it out of its shell.

5. Lemur

The lemur knows how to move it move it, and with its playful, mischievous nature it will keep you on your toes!

6. Chinchilla

One of the softest, cuddliest pets. With its dense coat of fur, the chinchilla needs a little bit of grooming but will reward you with fluffy love.

7. Golden Retriever

Friendly and giving, golden retrievers are big hearted and protective; true companions for life.

8. Toyger

The toyger is reminiscent of a tiger, but it's much more domestically appropriate—beautiful and untamed. Introduce an element of wildness into your life with a toyger!

9. Teacup Pig

Teacup pigs are tiny beings with big hearts, providing a miniature sized source of delight that will fit into (yes) teacups, flowerpots, or your pocket.

10. Fennec Fox

The fennec fox will provide the perfect listening ear for your troubles and its nocturnal sleeping habits also mean that it is able to stay up with you through the wee hours of the morning as you finish that paper!

11. Clownfish

Unfussy and colorful, clownfish are chipper creatures that will put a smile on your face!

12. Duck

From their emergence as fluffy ducklings to their growths into full-sized quacks, the duck will light up your life with its sunny nature and farm-fresh demeanor.

13. Tortoise

The tortoise is slower paced and calm—exuding zen-like grace and an air of enlightened peace—perfect for those of us who want to take it easy.

14. Chameleon

The chameleon is a bit silly and a bit tricky. It's a good social animal, however, able to fit perfectly into any environment and fantastic if you want to be more surreptitious about your pet ownership.

15. Cricket

It is said in an ancient Chinese tale that the cricket brings wisdom and luck. This chirpy insect promises to add that, and even some nighttime serenading into your life.