Before getting into why adult dogs could be the best fit for your family, let’s discuss the general understanding of dogs. Many people consider puppies to be the standard for adoption: cute, innocent eyes, playful behavior, and so on. There are many hidden benefits to adopting an adult dog.

1. Predictable Temperament

Perhaps one of the most significant reasons to adopt an adult dog is that their temperament is pretty much set. Puppies are still developing and evolving, whereas adult dogs are locked into their personalities and rather predictable in nature. That’s especially important if you have specific preferences in terms of energy level or behaviors.

If you want a very relaxed, laid-back friend who won’t chew through your shoes or demand you be constantly available to them, then an adult dog can be the way to go. They are often through the “puppy phase” of life, which means you can avoid some of that spastic behavior that’s typical in younger dogs.

2. You Know What You’re Getting

Adopting a puppy always comes with uncertainty about how big it might grow or what energy levels will be as it grows. With an adult dog, you know exactly what you’re getting. Whether it is a small dog who snuggles on your lap or a larger breed who loves long hikes, you’ll find a dog that fits your lifestyle and space requirements.

For people living in apartments or smaller homes, an adult dog can be a better fit, as you won’t have to worry about a growing dog taking up too much space. You will also know their grooming needs, shedding habits, and even potential health concerns.

3. Reduced Destructive Behavior

Although very cute, most puppies contain destructive energy that can bring on total chaos for its owners from the first months of the life of their puppy. It may range from tearing your furniture to pulling apart shoes; it will be completely messy. Of course, most adult dogs can sometimes act little mischievous. Nonetheless, they have much lower propensities for destructing and hence are quite better in maintaining house rules since the word go.

Of course, it’s always great to give adult dogs toys and enrichment to stimulate them, but they tend not to be as energetic, so you won’t necessarily have to spend hours fixing anything that was chewed up or shredded.

4. They’re Often Already Trained

One of the biggest considerations when raising a puppy is the time and patience associated with training. From housebreaking to teaching them the “sit,” “stay,” and “come” commands, puppies take a great deal of work to make into a well-adjusted member of the family. When it comes to adult dogs, most of this training is already in place. Many dogs coming out of shelters or rescues are already somewhat trained or even housebroken. This will save you a great deal of time, and they will adapt to moving into your home much easier.

While it’s still nice to reinforce some of those basic commands and house rules, an adult dog will more than likely already know the basics, making life easier on you and providing you more time to spend with this new furry friend of yours.

5. Opportunity to Save a Life

When adopting an adult dog, it’s often because they get a second chance at life. Many adult dogs end up in shelters without doing anything wrong. Whether it’s because of a previous owner’s life changes, relocation, or simply the fact that they’ve been overlooked for a younger puppy, these dogs are often waiting for someone to give them a loving home. By adopting an adult dog, you’re not just gaining a loyal companion, but you’re also saving a life.

Many rescue organizations have lots of adult dogs that need lots of love and attention. These dogs may have been surrendered or abandoned, and bringing them into your home will give them a new start. This is a very beautiful way to show compassion and make a difference in the life of an animal.