Single Object vs Multiple for Animation

Just wondering, is it better to create an asset that is completely made up into one object, or multiple objects that could be parented together to LOOK like one single object.

I’m beginning animation and was wondering what would be better.

I understand that for organic models its best to have a single object mesh, but what about a sword, or lets even say a teddy bear and the ears are seperate mesh??

thanks in advance :slight_smile: