Why You Should Adopt an Adult Dog
By Ed Sayres, President, San Francisco SPCA

Aw-w-w-w! That little puppy sure looks cute. But what kind of personality will he have when he grows up?

It isn't always an easy question to answer, which is why adopting a puppy always involves a degree of uncertainty. As a result, more and more dog lovers are adopting adult dogs, instead. With an adult, there's a lot less guesswork. Whether you're looking for a love bug who will cuddle endlessly, or a spunky little ball of fire, or a couch potato who will watch TV with you, it's easier to spot these characteristics in an adult dog, and you can be sure of getting one who will fit right in with your lifestyle.

In addition, adult dogs can be a lot less hassle. Puppies have an endless supply of energy, which can be a bit much after you've already put in a full day at work.

Leaving a puppy at home all day requires lots of puppy-proofing. Otherwise, it doesn't take long for a young pup to become bored, and he will get into anything and everything. Result: chewed slippers, broken dishes, toppled houseplants, you name it. Ideally, you need to be around all to nurture him, keep an eye on him and nip any bad habits in the bud.

There are also psychological reasons why a puppy might not be the best choice if you're going to be gone most of the day. A puppy is a ball of energy with fur, and all that energy needs an outlet. You'll need to play with him throughout the day to teach him how to channel his energy into positive directions (i.e. playing) rather than negative (i.e. biting), as well as getting him used to frequent handling. Otherwise, you run the risk that your puppy might be undersocialized.

Compare that to a mature dog, who is already familiar with human contact and is usually content to spend his or her downtime kicking back, patrolling the house or snoozing. Of course, all dogs need playtime and attention. But an adult dog's needs are so much less.

Adult dogs are also better for families with young children. A gentle adult dog will be more tolerant of kids and better able to seek out a safe place if he needs a break from the attentions of toddlers. Ditto for families with a dog already in residence. Often, they get a puppy, thinking it will be an easier introduction . But the high energy of a puppy can be irritating to an adult dog, especially a mature one. It's easier to add an adult dog who has been socialized with other dogs. He'll have already learned dog etiquette and will know when to leave your other dog alone.

Now, most people have their hearts set on a puppy, and they don't take my advice - which is good news for people who do. The high proportion of adult dogs in the average shelter means that there are some really wonderful dogs to choose from. You'd be amazed at the number of letters I get from people who say that the adult dog they adopted turned out to be the best dog they ever had in their life.

So if you're thinking about getting a dog, consider a mature one. They're just as cute, just as sweet and just as loving as puppies - in some cases, even more so. The only difference is that they're a little less active and a lot less work.

Ed Sayres is President of the San Francisco SPCA. If you have questions about animals, write to him at The San Francisco SPCA, 2500 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.