Adopting an Older Dog vs a Puppy: Pros and Cons
November 27th, 2018 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic
Getting a dog will change your life!
To help you choose the best dog for your family, here are some pros and cons of adopting an older dog vs. a puppy.
PROS of adopting an older dog…
You’ll skip the crazy puppy phase
Puppies are A LOT OF WORK.
It’s like welcoming a toddler into your house — except this toddler may chew up your shoes.
There’s house training… and teaching basic commands… and the responsibility of socializing your puppy… and the joys of teething… the everyday chaos that comes with having a highly energetic, very curious, rapidly growing dog.
Accidents on the floor!
Half-swallowed socks!
Shredded toilet paper rolls!
It requires time, energy, and endless patience.
This time-intensive period can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the pup.
In contrast, when you get an adult dog, your dog has already gone through this phase.
He (or she) is likely to be house trained and know basic commands.
While certain breeds have higher energy levels than others, he’s likely through the frenetic phase of puppyhood.
If your life is busy or you just don’t want to start from scratch, an adult dog may help you keep your sanity intact.
You won’t have to pay the first-year veterinary costs of having a puppy
The first year of having a puppy can add up: wellness exams, puppy shots, spaying or neutering, and more.
The first year of puppyhood can range from $500-$1000 in veterinary care.
Adult dogs may simply need annual, routine care.
(Though, if you’re adopting an older dog and his health has been neglected, your dog may need some attention. More on that down below!)
You can learn your dog’s health history, behavior and full-grown size BEFORE adoption
If you’re adopting an adult dog from a reputable shelter or rescue group, they’ll have your dog’s medical history (if it’s available) and be able to share the dog’s personality.
They’ll also appreciate you asking why the dog was surrendered. (An important question to ask!)
And yes, you’ll know how big your dog is as a full-grown dog.
No surprises!
All of this information can help you make a logical adoption decision, rather than one based solely on emotion.
In contrast, with a puppy, it can be difficult to predict what a dog’s long-term personality will be like.
There are many factors that can influence a dog’s personality. It isn’t possible to predict them all with a puppy aptitude test.
Not to mention, estimating a puppy’s full-grown size isn’t an exact science, particularly if your dog is a mixed breed.
We have clients who were told that their puppies would grow to be 40-50 pounds… only to discover that their dogs ended up being dramatically bigger.
You can more easily fit an adult dog into an active lifestyle
With puppies, there’s a period in which your pup gets all his shots and builds up his bone strength.
To help protect your pup, it’s helpful to be more selective on where you take your dog for a while.
You also may need to wait for your puppy’s joints to get strong enough for strenuous activity.
If you’re getting an adult dog that is socially well adjusted and is up-to-date on his shots, you can take him just about wherever you go.
As you get to know an adult dog, pace yourself with activities that could give your dog some anxiety, though. (This includes trips to the dog park where your dog will be surrounded by new dogs.)
Make sure you’ve gotten a “green light” from a dog trainer or behaviorist.
CONS of adopting an older dog…
You may need to invest in your dog’s health (particularly dental care)
Whether you’re adopting a middle-aged dog or an old dog, your furry friend may not have had the best healthcare in his previous home.
For example, your dog’s teeth may have been neglected.
It’s estimated that periodontal disease affects as many as four out of five dogs. This disease can make it painful for your dog to eat and put your dog at risk for more serious health issues.
Be prepared to invest in dental care (particularly if your dog is four years old or older).
Your dog may simply need routine cleanings… or you may need to address broken or rotting teeth.
Another health consideration for older dogs: Dogs that are seven years old and up can suffer from arthritis.
Here’s how you can help a dog with arthritis.
You may want to consider how many years you’ll be able to spend with your dog
Look into the average life expectancy of the breed you’re considering (or breeds, if the dog is a mix).
You may not have a lot of years together.
Though, as our veterinarian, Dr. Jeff, shares:
“I’ve never had a client make the decision to adopt an older dog and regret it because their time together was too short. They’ll tell you, every day together is worth it!”
You may miss the chance to bond early and help shape your dog
If you have a puppy, you’re the one who gets to bond with the dog, train him and try to influence whether your pup has good or bad experiences.
For example, giving your puppy the right socialization experiences when he’s young can help make him a more socially adjusted dog later.
When you get an adult dog, these experiences, mindsets and habits have already been imprinted.
Know that you may be adopting a dog that has some long-held, deeply ingrained habits and behaviors.
Related articles:
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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.
This article is intended to provide general guidance on adopting an older dog vs a puppy. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call.)
© 2018, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic