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Counting stars asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

Adopting a dog, what age?

Hi everyone,

we are going to adopt a dog after Christmas from a shelter. What I am unsure about is what age to get? Is it better to get a puppy and give it a chance at life or will all the puppies be adopted out and the older ones left. So in that case should I adopt one that is really old and then it can have a nice last few years. We have another dog that we want to be happy and our house is hardly a quiet one. What should I do?


Oh there is no way we are going to send the dog back it will lead a life of luxury until the day it dies.

8 Answers

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    All dogs in shelters need rescue.

    I choose one that good with other dogs and around the same age of your current one..

    I also bring in your current dog after you picked out a few of the adults to ensure they are compatable

    So say 1000 people came in

    99 would go for pups

    20% would go for the young adults

    15% would go for the middle ages

    less then 10% would go for the seniors.

    Remember dogs can live well into there 15+

    Puppies have a Higher chance of being adopted, however they DO and will kill pups. 85% of pups wil probably be adopt

    Young adults-1-3year age have a chance but are not as highly sort over as the young pups, so there be more of these killed then those cute puppies 20% of these will probably be adopted

    4-5year of are even less adoptable-So this age group very slim to be adopted, 15% of these will probably be adopted

    7years+ are very unlikely to be adopted, less then 10% will be adopted.

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    From my experience of going to the pound quite often is that the younger puppies get taken & the older ones get left. If you get one that is around 6 or 7 years old, you still have a good 6 years left! My dog is a rescue dog, he is 4 give or take a little. He was going to be put down that day if I didn't get him. He is now the happiest little dog compared to when I picked him up. Obviously when you get there, you will know which one to get! At the same time though it breaks your heart to leave because there are so many dogs there that probably wont find a home sadly :(

    Good on you for adopting! This makes me happy! Good luck & Merry Christmas!

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Puppies are much more likely to get adopted out than older dogs so if you don't have a preference I would get an older one and save a life.

    Benefits of adopting an older dog are:

    Knowing the temperament

    Knowing the size

    Some are already house trained

    You know if they get along with other animals or not

    Puppies, especially mixed breeds are unpredictable. A lot of pups will be outgoing and lovely when they are little but can grow up to be timid.

    You have to house train them and you don't know what their reaction to other animals will be when they grow up (some times no amount of socialising will help)

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  • 1 decade ago

    When you adopt, you want to commit to caring for the dog for it's entire life. It's horribly traumatic on a dog to give it away, when it's already bonded to you or your family. So first decide if you're going to be around and able to care for a dog for the next 15 years. If not, get an older dog. If yes, then you can get any age.

    If you're trying to be kind, then older dogs will appreciate being save much more. A puppy will always get a home.

    When you walk your other dog, what types of dogs does he / she usually like ? Do you take it to the dog park ? Does it like other dogs at all ? Male / female ? Older ? Puppies ? Breeds ?

    Source(s): Volunteer at the shelter.
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  • 1 decade ago

    Ideally adopt one with a nice temperament and that has lost their home due to owners falling on hard times or falling ill. If you can't get that info then do a thorough assessment of the dog's health and temperament. With an old dog there are vet bills to worry about, but the dog will usually be a lot easier to handle and settle in. Take your other dog along at the time of choosing if he is up to date with his shots.

    I've adopted an 18 month old and a 4-year old. The 4 year-old took to us immediately and went on to become one of those lovely 'heart' dogs.

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  • Puppies always go quickest, but bigger dogs always have a harder time finding homes than smaller dogs, and big black dogs have an absolutely abysmal time finding homes.

    If you have a rowdy household and want to adopt the least adoptable pet, a black lab would be perfect. Far too many in shelters, and so few are ever adopted out.

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  • 1 decade ago

    When you get to the shelter ask them how the dog is with other animals and such. age shouldn't matter. I got my bichon/malt mix at 6 and she is just fine with my other 2 dogs. and happy. MUCH more social now as well. Good luck and Thank you for adopting!

    Source(s): Work at pet store and also own 3 dogs.
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  • 1 decade ago

    the dog adopted from little will be more impressed for you !

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