Why on earth would anyone adopt an older dog? After all, aren't they like used cars? Who wants someone else's problems? If the dog is so wonderful, why would someone give it away? If there were a stray, why didn't someone try to find a home for it? I'd rather get a puppy so I know what I'm getting, and besides, they are so cute!

Humane Societies hear this on a daily basis. There are a number of reasons why adopting an older dog can prove better than adopting "buying" a puppy.

1. Bond. Dogs who have been uprooted from their happy homes or have not had the best start in life are more likely to bond completely with their new owners. Those who have lost their families through death, or lifestyle change go through a terrible mourning process. But, once attached to a new family, they seem to want to please as much as possible to insure they won't be homeless again. Those dogs who are just learning about the good life and good people seem to bond even deeper. They know what life on the streets or life on the end of a chain is like. So, before you get a puppy, consider getting an older dog, and get a best friend for life!
2. Instant companion. With an older dog as your companion, you can have a buddy that can go and do things with you NOW.  There is no waiting for a puppy to grow up (and hope he will enjoy what you do). You will have been able to select the most compatible dog. You can come home after a long day's work and spend your time relaxing or taking a walk, instead of cleaning up puppy mess.
3. Matchmaker make me a match. Puppy love is often no more than an attachment to a look or color. It is not much of a basis t make a 15+ year decision. Even though that puppy was the cutest of the litter, he may not grow up to be what you wanted. Pet mismatches are one of the biggest reasons pets get brought to shelters. Getting an older dog means you will know most everything you want about that dog, granted time is spent with the dog prior to adoption.
4. Unscarred children. When the puppy isn't teething on your possessions, he'll be teething on your kids and yourself. Shelters frequently get calls from parents who are sure the puppy is biting the children. Parents are often too panicked to know the difference between actual biting and puppy nipping. The problem will get worse if not corrected. Older dogs usually have the "been there, done that, I've moved on" attitude.
5. What you see is what you get. How big will this puppy get? What kind of temperament will it have? When adopting an older dog, all of those questions are easily answered. You can pick large or small, goofy or smart. Shelters are full of puppies that will be the wrong match when they get older. When the puppy grows up, it may not be that cute, cuddly puppy you first adopted. Many dogs end up in shelters, or animal control facilities because of a wrong match.
6. Easier vet trips. Puppies require booster shots, then a rabies vaccine when they are old enough, or even an emergency visit if something dangerous is swallowed. When you adopt an older dog, most of the time he is current on all shots, fixed and everything!
7. Finish the newspaper. With a puppy running amok in the house, do you think you'll be able to relax when you get home from work? Do you think the kids will really feed him, clean up after him, or take him out for a walk in the pouring rain every hour during house training? With an adult dog, it will only be the kids running amok, because your dog will be sitting calmly next to you while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers as you pet him.
8. A good nights sleep. A puppy can be very demanding at 2:00 am and 4:00 am. He'll miss his little litter mates, and that stuffed animal won't make a puppy pile with him. If you have children, you've been there, done that. How about a little peace and quiet? How about an older dog?
9. Intact underwear. With a chewy puppy, you can count on at least 10 mismatched pairs of socks and a variety unmentionables rendered to the "rag bag" before the cuts every tooth. And don't even think about shoes! You can also expect stuffing exposed from furniture, urine stains etc. It's a puppy's job! No matter how you watch them, it will happen! An older dog can have the run of the house without destroying it.
10. In a word - Housebreaking. With most family members gone during the day for eight hours or more, housetraining a puppy and its small bladder can take a while. Puppies need a consistent schedule with frequent opportunities to go where you want them to. The can't wait for very long periods of time. Older dogs can "hold it" much more reliably.