basic stat line for pets is ridiculous
I like to avoid broken shit on principle because it makes for boring play, which now of course you'll jump on to say aha told you they were better but broken isn't always even better. If it's narrow and takes you away from what a class/character does uniquely well it really isn't.
Tank Seelah (using Divine Weapon Bond along with Smite to overcome Defensive Maluses and the Dodge + Shield Focus she comes with) plays a lot more effective role for the rest of my team this run than Mounted Seelah did wasting all her defensive Feats and abilities and sucking up items and resources on her Mount. Yeah Mounted she did more damage but I've got three other characters for that and I've been surprised how much she's still doing. As with Leopard pet having a very hard target is a uniquely valuable asset on higher difficulties.
Obv DLC is different but the general principle of designing to a character's strengths and role in the party is a sound one and one that gets lost in the solo-focused rush to the broke.