Choosing a pup

M

Moobli

...
Joined
13 June 2013
Messages
6,142
Visit site
The time for me to choose my pup is drawing nearer (well a few more weeks yet) - very exciting 😁. How do others go about choosing a pup from a litter and has that pup turned into the dog they expected/hoped for?

For collies and GSDs we tend to choose a litter for the breeding and qualities of the parents (grandparents etc) and then an individual pup may stand out through being particularly playful or confident but we have no tried and tested method of choosing an individual.

Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s important to choose a pup from parents who have qualities you find desirable but that choosing the individual pup is pot luck. Unless you can spend a lot of time with the litter and preferably over several visits it’s almost impossible to tell much about them at 8 weeks.

I know some owners/breeders who do all kinds of tests on the pups (pinching toes, holding them upside down, dropping noisy items, opening umbrellas ... the list goes on) but even they have been proven fairly worthless when trying to indicate the temperament and potential of the mature adult.

So how does everyone else do it?
 
I tend to choose a pup that is sort of the middle of the litter confidence wise, often the one that follows more readily.
All the tests that many people do are a bit irrelevant as the most important thing is how a puppy copes when something scares them. It's called their 'bounce back', if you do all the tests and nothing scares them it tells you nothing other than the puppy was not scared of what to exposed them to.
A fairly confident puppy can be moulded to some extent by exposure but you know that so I just pick the one that appeals to me basically.
 
I only had the pick of two with Quarrie as there were only two left, I bought the one who asked for a tummy rub-still his favourite thing. Mostly I pick the one I like best but avoid the most timid.
 
I have always gone for the "middle" type of character ..... not the most in your face, but not the shy one in the corner.
I have a 12 week old Great Swiss Mountain Dog ( as well as my other Swissie and Collie ) and the breeder took note of prospective owners preferences and life style, and did a character assesment of all the puppies at 7 weeks old. I was advised my favourite puppy was very full on and would probably terrorise my very quiet, kind Swissie and elderly Collie, so a different puppy was suggested ....... I am very, very happy with the breeders choice, and she has fitted in really well with the others.
 
I would say take the breeders advice, but I haven't done that myself! With Tawny she was my sons pick, the breeder recommended another but he chose T as she was the most 'in his face '. I wouldn't change her for the world, she suits me down to the ground as is bullish and confident, although in some ways that made her harder to train as she tends to know best. Pen fell asleep on me, so was the chosen one, she is too soft for my taste but my OH loves her. Both do their job well.
I think if they are bred properly they can be grown into what you want.
 
The good breeders, in my opinion are as Sprout suggested, they interview prospective owners and suggest which ones should suit. This was done for me with one flatcoat I bought from Scotland before I moved up here. My daughter and the breeder watched the litter and singled out the best for me. It may have been just luck but she turned into the dog of a lifetime . I sadly lost her this summer.
Her niece, the liver in my avatar chose me. Every time I went to see the litter she raced to see me. Her recall has been brilliant ever since!
The black bitch in my avatar is related again but from a different breeder and she only gave me the choice of two and they were far too young to tell. When I went to collect her the breeder said ‘good luck, she’s in love with herself’. I took this to mean she was very self confident and wondered if this would mean difficult to train. At 16months she is perfect as far as I am concerned, friendly and obedient.
I think if the breeding is good they then learn a lot from you whichever one you choose.
Good luck, have fun.
 
This is timely as its 2 years ago we got Floydy and have been talking about how we picked him and how hes just the same as an adult. We did what most people say, went for one in the middle. There was 4. 1 dainty timid one, 1 very bolshy one and 2 confident in the middlers. We picked the most confident and outgoing of the middle puppies. I wanted something that would be happy in a house with an older boisterous dog and a thug of a cat. He came home at 7 weeks and Dylan took him under his wing, so I suspect the fact they are very similar is down to that more than anything.
 
So many factors!

The breeder is a massive influence, *if* you trust them and *if* they know what to look out for. If not then ignore them entirely 🙈

I always know what im looking for in a pup, so its the one which meets my criteria the best.

Last litter I chose from, I knew the bloodlines, knew the parents, knew the weaknesses. There were 3 dogs 1 bitch and I wanted a male so 3 to pick from. All black with white marks on chests so no colour bias!

Dog 1, mega confident, in your face, ragging the life out of my arms/legs/hair. Exceeedingly social, tolerant of any handling, good thresholds, great drive.

Dog 2, very similar to number 1 but with a tighter/sleeker coat. Equally good conformation. Slightly smaller but not visibly. Roughhoused with others when he got bored of me.

Dog 3, he wanted nothing to do with me. Skirted past me when others leapt all over me. Went off alone exploring. Wouldnt engage when I called to him. When others scrapped between themselves and I was busy watching them, he trotted over bold as brass, planted himself in my lap and demanded attention. From that point on he wouldn't allow the others to approach me, but that only took a look from him - not a single growl. If I moved he moved. He had the best conformation and was slightly longer than his brothers though same build and height - very slight difference in head shape and a denser coat.

Suffice to say number 3 came home - I wanted the largest, most powerfully built male with an unending loyal temperament. Confidence without manic energy and to be totally aloof with anyone except those he lives with.

All 3 males turned out well but I'm not the only one who believes my lad is the best of the litter. He is superior to his littermates in every way so far, and even the owners of the others say he would be the one they'd choose currently (will be 12months old this month!)

I either have a knack of picking pups or I'm exceedingly lucky as I've never had one chosen by me that I've regrettedand felt another in litter turned out better!

Lastly and perhaps most importantly is what you want the pup for - someone choosing a house pet will have very very different requirements to someone looking for a working prospect...the hardest bit is that you can often get both in one litter 🙈

So if you want a dog for something specific like high level ringsport vs "real world protection" then take someone along to help assess the litter and be objective!
 
I handled all the pups and subjected them to quite strong cuddles, made them snuggle in, I know this sounds weird! It was between two almost identical pups eventually, one of whom struggled. I chose the other. He’s the most affectionate, compliant boy.

Meanwhile, the OH, of course, chose the only one who had worked out how to escape the pen, ran over and leapt at him. Intelligent, naughty, determined. Zak!
 
I think it is very simple. The breeder is not going to live with the dog, only you will be doing that. I would choose the pup that loves you the most. The one that adores you. It is very easy to like and work with a pup that thinks you are the centre of it's universe. Not so easy the other way around as I have just found out.
I had one shepherd pup at 6 week, within seconds she loved me, within a week she was totally besotted and would do anything for me. She focussed on me and was dead easy to train for obedience and everything else.
My last shepherd pup didn't. I don't think he really even liked me. He has been very hard work and it is only now at 10 months that we are starting to have a relationship. Before that he went his own way. He has been hard work to train. In theory all pups in the litter should be equal and easily malleable into your vision of the adult dog you want.
My pup was very calm with it's litter mates. Seemed to do little except eat and sleep and I thought great, nice calm pup just what I want. His life was focussed completely on himself. It was great in some ways. He couldn't care less if we left him and went out. A nice selection of treats and he was happy. Couldn't care less about other dogs, just walks past any dog however much it barks at him. The downside has been it has taken a very long time to bond with me. Hope you get a nice pup.
 
Narrowed down to two on attitude (bright, active, hunting the lawn). Took those two out into the little woods behind sellers house (private) and rolled a tennis ball. One retrieved it, one turned into a quivering heap at the new experience. I bought the retriever - 18 months old and lining up to be trialled in January
 
paddy555 said:
I think it is very simple. The breeder is not going to live with the dog, only you will be doing that. I would choose the pup that loves you the most. The one that adores you. It is very easy to like and work with a pup that thinks you are the centre of it's universe. Not so easy the other way around as I have just found out.
I had one shepherd pup at 6 week, within seconds she loved me, within a week she was totally besotted and would do anything for me. She focussed on me and was dead easy to train for obedience and everything else.
My last shepherd pup didn't. I don't think he really even liked me. He has been very hard work and it is only now at 10 months that we are starting to have a relationship. Before that he went his own way. He has been hard work to train. In theory all pups in the litter should be equal and easily malleable into your vision of the adult dog you want.
My pup was very calm with it's litter mates. Seemed to do little except eat and sleep and I thought great, nice calm pup just what I want. His life was focussed completely on himself. It was great in some ways. He couldn't care less if we left him and went out. A nice selection of treats and he was happy. Couldn't care less about other dogs, just walks past any dog however much it barks at him. The downside has been it has taken a very long time to bond with me. Hope you get a nice pup.
Click to expand...

Oh no and after all your research and patience!
 
As the breeder lives 350 miles away, it’s impossible for me to spend much time with the pups before choosing day. The breeder is going to take videos and photos for me (and other pup owners who can’t get down) and I also trust her judgement , as far as she can distinguish characters at such a young age. She bred my current dog and father to the pups and knows what I’m looking for.
 
WorkingGSD said:
Oh no and after all your research and patience!
Click to expand...

yes seems ironic that the only reason I wanted a pup (this will be my last GSD) rather than an older rescue dog was that there is nothing like a cuddly GSD pup, at least for a short time. A rescue dog would have been much easier. I think I sent you a pic of him in the litter, the sable one, and you picked him as well so there was absolutely nothing that stood out against him. He looked gorgeous. The stud dog owner has since told me the sire was also very immature. I'm sure he will get there in the end, whenever that may be!
As your pup is the son of his father (your best dog) then I am sure he is already half way there.
 
With the litter of pups here, only one is going to a working home (a person known to my other half) I reckon he should have taken the lesser marked bitch or the male that may now be staying with us (he is always at my feet with something in his mouth) for the job of work but he has chosen the male pup he liked.
I am sure he will get a good working dog, all the pups are very social and do pick up and retrieve but I think he could have made his job easier but hey ho, he does not know me from Adam so his choice.
 
Very into people, busy, confident, gannet with food, happy to travel and be elevated, high prey/chase drive, willingness to carry/bring back things, whether or not they may feel comfortable in the mouth, and good grip, as far as one can tell at that age.

I saw my older dog as a young pup when he was with someone else, he was very independent, went off on his own all the time and pleased himself, resisted any form of restraint (with occasional screaming) and was extremely drooly in the vehicle.
He remains a self-pleaser and is extremely aloof to people and dogs, and a little close to the edge of nerve (which isn't always a bad thing).
And he still screams :p
He wasn't easy but he's a smashing dog and I'd have ten more like him.

It was a small litter, one female had no drive at all, he and his brother (who turned out to be massive and uncontrollable) perhaps too much. Not sure what became of the fourth. Very good health in the litter.
 
Only one or two of the pups we have had over the years have been EXACTLY what we hoped for. Paying close attention to the temperament of both parents (and beyond if you can) is probably the most important factor. Ginny was a very steady pup, now at 11 months she is mega sensitive and needy. Not really what I hoped for but I adore her all the same. The best solution (for me) was taking on an 18 month old dog , where we could see the dog he was straight away. Best thing we ever did ;) ;)
 
Agree NeverEver. I know people who did the toe pinching and prodding them with cotton buds and holding them upside down.
The adult dogs are nervebags. Coincidentally, one or both of the parents of the litter were also nervebags.

I also prefer taking on older dogs.
 
CorvusCorax said:
Very into people, busy, confident, gannet with food, happy to travel and be elevated, high prey/chase drive, willingness to carry/bring back things, whether or not they may feel comfortable in the mouth, and good grip, as far as one can tell at that age.

I saw my older dog as a young pup when he was with someone else, he was very independent, went off on his own all the time and pleased himself, resisted any form of restraint (with occasional screaming) and was extremely drooly in the vehicle.
He remains a self-pleaser and is extremely aloof to people and dogs, and a little close to the edge of nerve (which isn't always a bad thing).
And he still screams :p
He wasn't easy but he's a smashing dog and I'd have ten more like him.

It was a small litter, one female had no drive at all, he and his brother (who turned out to be massive and uncontrollable) perhaps too much. Not sure what became of the fourth. Very good health in the litter.
Click to expand...

what did the self pleaser like doing best throughout his life? what got through to him. At least mine didn't scream or drool. He did resist any form of restraint through.
 
i saw the litter of collie pups and wanted a male pup as my lurcher was a female(speyed) and i had always been told to have the opposite sex,,,,there were 5 males and 1 female,
i chose a male but couldnt get the female out of my head, she was the most interested in me. i ended up with the female and she has been the easiest dog to train, almost trained herself, and i am the centre of her world. my terrier was in a litter of 3 dogs and 2 bitches, this time i decided on a dog . i chose him because he didnt get involved when the others were play fighting and he wanted to see me. and was black (love black dogs) ..knowing terriers i didnt want one that had a fighter mentality and i have got a sweet loving terrier who is great with other dogs and friendly to people. not the easiest to train but i am getting there slowly. havent regretted either of my choices..
 
paddy555 said:
I think it is very simple. The breeder is not going to live with the dog, only you will be doing that. I would choose the pup that loves you the most. The one that adores you. It is very easy to like and work with a pup that thinks you are the centre of it's universe. Not so easy the other way around as I have just found out.
I had one shepherd pup at 6 week, within seconds she loved me, within a week she was totally besotted and would do anything for me. She focussed on me and was dead easy to train for obedience and everything else.
Click to expand...

Sister and I met the two Rotters at 3 weeks old, with both parents. Breeder still had 3 bitches available out of the litter, he gave one to me she settled down in my hand and went to sleep, one given to sister wriggled and struggled, so breeder removed her and gave sister the 3 rd one who immediately pushed her nose under sister's cuff and settled down. Breeder than put coloured collars on them. We didn't see them again until we went to collect them. They both travelled home in the car on the back seat with sister while I drove. From the moment we met them, "Pink girl" has been mine, while the other one has been sister's, their choice. We all live in the same house, so there has been no engineering.
I think most pups (and kittens and horses) have chosen us, rather than the other way round.
 
paddy555 said:
I think it is very simple. The breeder is not going to live with the dog, only you will be doing that. I would choose the pup that loves you the most. The one that adores you. It is very easy to like and work with a pup that thinks you are the centre of it's universe. Not so easy the other way around as I have just found out.
I had one shepherd pup at 6 week, within seconds she loved me, within a week she was totally besotted and would do anything for me. She focussed on me and was dead easy to train for obedience and everything else.
My last shepherd pup didn't. I don't think he really even liked me. He has been very hard work and it is only now at 10 months that we are starting to have a relationship. Before that he went his own way. He has been hard work to train. In theory all pups in the litter should be equal and easily malleable into your vision of the adult dog you want.
My pup was very calm with it's litter mates. Seemed to do little except eat and sleep and I thought great, nice calm pup just what I want. His life was focussed completely on himself. It was great in some ways. He couldn't care less if we left him and went out. A nice selection of treats and he was happy. Couldn't care less about other dogs, just walks past any dog however much it barks at him. The downside has been it has taken a very long time to bond with me. Hope you get a nice pup.
Click to expand...

How disappointing for you. Fortunately you knew the joy of connection with your previous dog or it might have put you off the breed.
 
I am beginning to learn that when you pick a small breed with small litters you might not get any choice at all, argh, waiting is torturous!

Never had a pup before and if I didn't have a very specific niche to fill I would be happier with a young adult, I'll be going back to the breed rescue when it's time for the next racing team.
 
paddy555 said:
yes seems ironic that the only reason I wanted a pup (this will be my last GSD) rather than an older rescue dog was that there is nothing like a cuddly GSD pup, at least for a short time. A rescue dog would have been much easier. I think I sent you a pic of him in the litter, the sable one, and you picked him as well so there was absolutely nothing that stood out against him. He looked gorgeous. The stud dog owner has since told me the sire was also very immature. I'm sure he will get there in the end, whenever that may be!
As your pup is the son of his father (your best dog) then I am sure he is already half way there.
Click to expand...

If I can choose a pup who’s half as good as his dad I’ll be happy 😊

I do remember the photos and choosing out the same pup as you. Do you have any recent photos? I’d love to see him now.
 
NeverEver said:
Only one or two of the pups we have had over the years have been EXACTLY what we hoped for. Paying close attention to the temperament of both parents (and beyond if you can) is probably the most important factor. Ginny was a very steady pup, now at 11 months she is mega sensitive and needy. Not really what I hoped for but I adore her all the same. The best solution (for me) was taking on an 18 month old dog , where we could see the dog he was straight away. Best thing we ever did ;) ;)
Click to expand...

My “dog of a lifetime” came to me at 8 months and I’d happily have another older pup too, as you can see so much more of the future, mature dog.

Having said that, your 18 month old dog came to us at 8 weeks (as you know) and was confident, playful, totally fearless and just a complete joy - and that’s also how he is at 18 months 😊
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top