Adopting a dog. How old is too old?

[Unshifted]

Hello, everyone!

I was posting on here a lot right around the time that my dog had to be put to sleep. It's been about 5 months or so and I'm ready to adopt a new dog.

My boyfriend and I don't want a puppy, so we're looking at dogs that are around a year old. I found a dog I really like and he sounds like a good match for us, but they approximate his age at about 2.

I'm a little nervous about getting a dog because my old dog lasted for such a long time. I had him from since I was about 8 until I was 22. I'm scared that I'll get another dog, get real attached and the dog will die in like, 5 years. I know that's a risk you have to take, but it makes me nervous.

The dog I'm looking at getting is a beagle/feist mix (but I'm never sure if they know for sure, or if they're just guessing based on looks. I'm guessing the latter) do you think 2 is too old? Or is two still real young? I've only had one dog in my life so I don't really remember what a dog at 2 is like.

I don't want to write a dog off because he's a year older than I'd like, but I also don't want to get a dog that's too old. I know two isn't very old, but I'm just not sure.

And in kind of an unrelated question, is two too old to change the dogs name?


Thank you guys for your help!

 

[Gempress]

Since you're worried about lifespan, two is certainly not too old for a mix like that. That dog may easily have another 10 years to go.

 

[Unshifted]

Thank you for your response! That helps put my mind at ease a bit.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Two years is hardly old! Buddy just turned 3 and he is just now starting to mature- he is still up to his puppy antics.

Changing the name should also not be too hard.

 

[Renee750il]

I've known people who had truly ancient Feists - one was 18 when he passed! Two is a wonderful age to adopt. The wild puppy/adolescent stuff is pretty settled, but the dog is still a youngster and very eager.

Nothing wrong with a name change, either

 

[Gempress]

And in kind of an unrelated question, is two too old to change the dogs name?

It's never too late to change a dog's name. Dogs aren't like people--they don't get a personal attachment to a recognition word. They take to new names without even a blink.

 

[StillandSilent]

Our beagle Lilly lived to 13, and would have lived much longer if the cancer hadn't taken her. Fiests live longer yet, so you may have many years ahead with the dog.
As far as names go, I changed the name of a five year old foster, and he took to it in a day or so.

 

[Labyrinth]

I agree with the others, 2 is not old at all. Go meet him and see if you guys click with him. Good luck, and post pictures!

 

[Dizzy]

I would be more interested to know where the dog had been in it's 2 years on the earth rather than it's age - do you know if it came from a good home with training/love, or an abusive home? You want to know you will be able to take on any damage that has been done to the dog psychologically and be able to cope with, or train out bad habits that have been learnt!!

Other than that, no age is too old as long as you have a connection with the dog!

 

[Giny]

Others have given you great advice, I just wanted to say good luck!! If you get him we must see pictures!

 

[Criosphynx]

I purposely adopt older dogs. I've brought home a 4, 5, 7,and 10 year old...

They learn names in a day or so. They also learn everything else just like a younger dog (if not faster because they aren't hyped up)

Two is so young to me....lol.... good luck...and we expect pictures.

 

[Miss Pugg]

I have adopted two Pugs who were both 10 years old at the time. Phoebe lived to be 16 and was a delight. Buffy is 16 now and in excellent health. I changed Phoebe's name from Maggie as I already had a Maggie (Golden Retriever) and she quickly learned her new name. Buffy kept her name and responds when she wants to *G*.

 

[SizzleDog]

I think 2-3 years is a good age. But I'd also like to say... IMO there's no such thing as a dog "too old" to adopt. There was an old (10-11 year old) mix at a local rescue league that I would have taken home in an instant if I'd been in the position to adopt! I plan on adopting and fostering seniors in the future... nothing like an old dog to tug at the heartstrings!

 

[bubbatd]

That's a great age !! Go for it !

 

[elegy]

young adult is a great age to adopt a dog.

i agree that there is no "too old". my first dog was 15 when i got her and while i only had her for 18 months, i wouldn't have traded that time for anything.

 

[Unshifted]

Thank you all for your responses! You've helped me a ton.

I agree with you guys that there should be no age limit on adopting. I always browse the seniors online, and I really would love to adopt an older dog. It makes me really depressed when I see all of the older dogs that need a home. But we just lost my other dog and I spent over a year watching him slowly decline and I'm really feeling strongly about getting a younger dog right now. I feel guilty about it, but it's the truth.

You're right though, age doesn't guarantee a long life. But I'm trying to assure that I will have my next dog for a long time and I figure adopting a bit younger can buy me a little bit of time.

Anyway, I'll let you guys know how it pans out. Thanks again!

 

[SisMorphine]

2 is a great age! The dogs that I have adopted have been 2.5, 4, and 4.5. My newest dog, a breeder rehome, was just a week shy of 5 years old when he came to live with me. No obedience. Nothing. In just 3 months he has earned his TT, passed his CGC, and will be testing for his TDInc within the next month.

I am drawn to adult dogs because they're past that annoying puppy stage. I'm not a big fan of puppies! 2 years old is a great age.

And I must say, I am constantly in awe, and grateful, for the people who always adopt senior dogs. There are a lot of Greyhound owners out there who will adopt a dog at 11+ and are more than happy to give 2 happy years to them before they pass, and then they do it all over again. After the heartache of losing my last dog I couldn't do it. Heck, I was even worried about bringing a 5 year old into the house, but I fell for this big blue bastahd, and there wasn't any way he WASN'T going to come home with me

 

[Zoom]

Most of my dogs have been right around two, one was 3 when I adopted them. All had name changes with no problem.

On the flip side, I just helped a pair of 15 year old senior dogs get adopted.

 

[Maxy24]

Two is not old at all! When you think about it you could adopt a two year old or an 8 week old pup and the two year old could have more years left than the 8 week old, 2 years is not a huge span. The 8 week old could live to be 11 and the 2 year old could make it to 14, who knows. Small dogs do tend to live longer as well so that mix should have a good long life ahead of him!

 

[Barb04]

I think if you really like the dog, the age doesn't matter. People get dogs thinking they will live to their life expectancy but then get health problems early on, just like people don't always live as long as they should.