Everyone wants a puppy, don't they? Not always. Puppies aren't without charm, but adult dogs have advantages you might not have considered. Before you make a decision, discuss the pros and cons with your family, and don't forget to consider whether your lifestyle is suited to bringing up a puppy.

Puppies: Sugar, Spice, Naughty, Nice

Puppies are cute. There's no denying that. Puppies are maddening. There's no denying that, either. Raising a puppy is a full-time job, comparable to having a curious and active toddler in the home. If you have children, you may take a new puppy in stride, or he may push you over the edge.

Puppies require constant supervision to ensure that they don't pee or poop on your new carpet, chew the drywall, and gnaw on the cords beneath your desk. They need to go out for potty breaks every two to four hours, if not more often, and they eat more frequently than an adult dog. Their energy is boundless.

On the upside, a puppy gives you the opportunity to mold your pug into the dog of your dreams. If you want to have the greatest amount of influence over your pug's development into adulthood, it's best to get an eight- to ten-week-old pup from a reputable breeder. You have even more control over your pug's behavioral development if you start training and socialization at an early age. It's much easier to teach a puppy than it is an adolescent.

Adults: What You See Is What You Get

It might not have occurred to you to acquire an adult pug, but the idea has merits you might not have considered. First, there are no surprises with an adult pug. You know exactly what you're getting as far as size, conformation, and personality.

An adult pug may already be familiar with family life and household routines. He may be already be housetrained and have some familiarity with obedience commands. This is a plus if you're not home during the day to take a puppy out and give him the supervision he needs. Adult pugs are less active than puppies and more content to sleep the day away while you're at work, as long as they receive plenty of attention and a walk when you get home.

Consider an adult pug if you have children. Adult pugs usually have a laid-back attitude about children's antics. They know that kids move suddenly and sometimes pull tails, and they're calm enough to take it all in stride. Puppies, on the other hand, are still learning about living with people, especially the pint-size versions.

Don't be worried that an older pug won't bond with you and your family. A steady supply of treats and a welcoming lap are all you need to win a pug's heart. If you can pass up the pleasures of puppyhood for the joy of building a relationship with a pug that has retired from the show ring or whose first home didn't work out, an adult dog is a good choice for you.