Is a 3 year old dog too old to adopt?

Question

Ok I found a 3 year old Jack Russell terrier mix at the shelter but I dont know if thats too old...Cause I want to keep a dog for a long time...and I'm worried that the dog won't last long...since I recently had my previous dog pass away.

http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A048163&LOCATION=IRVN&searchtype=ADOPT&start=4&friends=0&samaritans=0&nosuccess=0&orderby=Name&rows=10&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal_short&nobreedreq=1&bgcolor=bcc8d8&text=000000&link=3333ff&alink=660066&vlink=990099&fontface=arial&fontsize=10&col_hdr_bg=003366&col_hdr_fg=white&col_bg=ffffff&col_fg=black&SBG=003366,%20FFFFFF&zip=92606&miles=10&shelterlist='IRVN'&atype=&where=type_DOG

ha ok thanks for all the comments! And I have been researching about Jack Russell terriers for like 2 weeks, and I think I can handle them :]

Answer 1

That's still considered young for a dog. Even more so for a Jack Russell. Typically smaller dogs live longer lives so if the dog is healthy and you treat it well it will live for many, many years.

Answer 2

It's a great age for adopting a Jack Russel. Do you know that Jack Russels are terriers and like to run and play a lot? They will split if given the opportunity and not come back until they are ready not when you call. I'd take the dog to obedience classes just as if you had a new puppy. You will have the fun without having to deal with new puppy crying, etc. When you take good care of a 3 year old Jack Russel you will have many years of active, playful times with your dog. They are so smart and entertaining. Jacks learn tricks easily and can do lots of fun, neat stuff. Have fun.

Answer 3

No way! 3 years old is still very young for a dog. JRT's can live up to 16 years so you would have a very long time with the Jack Russell. You would also be doing a great deed by adopting a dog from the shelter!

Answer 4

No....especially not for a small dog like a Silky. The lifespan is about 12-16 years. Also a bonus to adopting a young adult like that is you miss the bad part of the puppy stage and they are easier to housebreak if they aren't already (most just need a refresher course and they are good to go). My Coonhounds I adopted at 3 yrs old and I couldn't be happier with how good they are.

Answer 5

3 years old is still pretty young for any dog. Life spans do vary between dogs though, so always do your research on the breed before getting one. But you have nothing to worry about, Jack Russell terriers generally live well over 10 years, usually between 14-21 if taken care of properly.

Answer 6

No dog is "too old" to adopt. senior pets (those over the age of eight) are adopted every day. Jack russell terriers are a small, and long-lived breed. A three year old is not even slowing down yet.

Answer 7

Not at all too old. A Jack Russell life expectancy is 13 - 15 years. Three is a good age because he is past being a puppy so you know what he is going to be like.

Answer 8

Of course not! No dog is too old to adopt! If you've recently lost a dog, I can understand your concern, but honestly, I think 2 or 3 years old is just about the perfect age!

Since you've already found the dog and you LIKE the dog ... is there really any good reason NOT to adopt it? If I were you, I'd do it! Good Luck!

Answer 9

A 3 year old is still considered very young and still can have a lot of puppy-ness in them.

I'm just wondering what difference would it make if you can give a dog your love, attention, company, and a good home? There are also many "senior citizen" dogs out there that also need love, warmth, hugs, and someone to care for them. They can be some of the sweetest ones to have. :o)

Answer 10

No -- Small dogs last longer than older dogs. A jack russell can live up to 20 years.