Do Buffalos Make Good Pets?

It's hard to believe that 20,000 years ago buffalo dominated the wilderness. Today, the majority of American buffalo are most commonly seen from the opposite side of a fence while some still graze the wild.

Wild buffalo have an average life span of 15 years with captivity increasing longevity by 10 years and mature buffalo can weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. How could such a beasty animal make a good pet?
Although a baby buffalo can be kept indoors for short periods of time, the lack of being able to house train them make them more suitable to keep primarily outside.
Most American buffalo are crossbreeds of domesticated varieties and can be tamed easily when they're young. They are affectionate and loyal, much like that of a dog as Veryl Goodnight and Roger Brooks of Santa Fe learned when they adopted an orphaned baby buffalo. The book, "A Buffalo in the House: The True Story about a Man, an Animal, and the American West" by Richard Rosen, tells Veryl and Roger's story of raising a young buffalo as a pet as well as its challenges and rewards.
This couple can honestly say "been there, done that" and will quickly tell you that although a buffalo makes a good pet, they are not recommended as house pets.
The main factor to consider before acquiring a buffalo is to make sure you have a suitable area to house the animal and property where it can graze and feed. Individuals living in the country with access to pasture land are better candidates for keeping a buffalo as a pet.
Even though buffalo can be gentle creatures when tamed, buffalo are not recommended as pets for young or small children. The animal's heavy weight should also be a consideration and concern in and around young children.
Overall, domesticated buffalo do make interesting pets. However, buffalo are not recommended as pets for small children. Additionally, if you want a pet that can stay indoors and bond with the family, a buffalo may not be the right choice. On the other hand, if an outdoor pet that requires love, but less immediate attention appeals to you and you can provide appropriate living conditions, a buffalo may be the perfect pet for you.
Sources: WildAboutPets.net; PBS.org - American Buffalo: Spirit of a Nation; Wikipedia.com