Many people want to adopt a cute puppy around the holidays, but there are many "senior" dogs in New Jersey that also need homes with loving families.

Dogs are considered seniors around the age of 7, but the size and breed of the dog may also affect how fast they age.

"Senior pets are also often the last to be adopted from shelters, putting them at increased risk of euthanasia. When you adopt a senior pet, you’re not only welcoming a lifetime of love into your home, you’re also saving a life," the ASPCA says on its website.

According to the ASPCA, there are a lot of reasons to adopt a senior age dog. For one thing, when you adopt an older pet, you already know what to expect, since they're already fully grown and their personalities have developed.

Also, while older dogs are often trained, you can still teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, the ASPCA says senior dogs are often easier to train. And since - in some cases - they can be less active than puppies, senior dogs are often a good pair for older adults looking for a canine companion.

Here's a list of 10 senior dogs in New Jersey that need "forever homes." You can also find more by searching the ASPCA's website as well as PetFinder or your local shelter.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com)
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    1

    Ariel, female labrador retriever

    Woodbridge Animal Shelter

    Ariel is a 10-year-old mixed breed who is house-trained and can live with other easygoing dogs and cats and prefers homes without very young children.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via NJ Schnauzer Rescue Network)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via NJ Schnauzer Rescue Network)
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    2

    Ace, male schauzer

    NJ Schnauzer Rescue Network

    Ace is a 10-year-old miniature schnauzer that had a really rough start in life. In his former home, he was kept crated day and night with very little exposure to exercise, stimulation, or a family’s love.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Plainfield Area Humane Society)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Plainfield Area Humane Society)
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    3

    Tori, female boxer/pit bull terrier mix

    Plainfield Area Humane Society

    Tori is a friendly dog who prefers homes without other dogs or cats. She is also part of Project Save, which means she can be sponsored as well as adopted.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Rescue Ridge)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Rescue Ridge)
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    4

    Sonny, male beagle

    Rescue Ridge

    Sonny is a 14-year-old male beagle who currently lives in a foster home with other cats and dogs. While he gets along fine with them, he prefers a place where he can rest and relax.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Bichon Frise Rescue of NNJ)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Bichon Frise Rescue of NNJ)
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    5

    Scooby, male bichon frise

    Bichon Frise Rescue of NNJ

    Scooby is 13 years old and needs a new forever home. His owners are unable to be with him often because of work. He's friendly when he was a puppy he was abused and to this day does not like to be held, cuddled or pet on the head. He loves to be near his humans and sit or lay next to them and just be with them.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Shetland Sheepdog Placement of NJ)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Shetland Sheepdog Placement of NJ)
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    6

    Jenny, female Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie

    Shetland Sheepdog Placement of NJ

    Jenny is a spunky 10-year-old who loves playing fetch. She's lovable and friendly but she does have an alpha personality and must be an only pet in her new home.  She should also not be placed in a home with children younger than 10.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Penny Lane Dog Adoption)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Penny Lane Dog Adoption)
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    7

    Penny, female Miniature Pinscher

    Penny Lane Dog Adoption

    Penny is a very affectionate 12-year-old who gets along with other dogs, as long as they don't eat from her dish. She's a great lap dog.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Husky House)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Husky House)
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    8

    EB, male Siberian husky

    Husky House

    EB was found as a stray in Elizabeth. He is approximately 10 -11 years old and good with other dogs.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Monmouth County SPCA)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Monmouth County SPCA)
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    9

    Tinkerbell, female pug/beagle mix

    Monmouth County SPCA

    Tinkerbell is a 9-year-old puggle who was surrendered with her sister, Lola. Both pets needs forever homes and they're hoping to be adopted by the same family. They love playtime and meeting new people.

  • (Photo: Petfinder.com via Pick Your Paw Animal Rescue)
    (Photo: Petfinder.com via Pick Your Paw Animal Rescue)
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    10

    Frankie, male American Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull Terrier Mix

    Pick Your Paw Animal Rescue

    Frankie is a sweet, shy 8-year-old who was removed from an unhealthy housing situation. He's friendly and affectionate but fearful of young children and some men. He was covered in bite marks when he arrived at the shelter but is on his way to health and happiness.

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